FAST Logistics Highlights Supply Chain Resiliency Solutions at 2026 Visayas Area Business Conference

FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading provider of integrated end-to-end logistics solutions, highlighted practical supply chain resiliency strategies during the 2026 Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) held on May 14 to 15 at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

The conference, hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gathered business leaders from various Chambers of Commerce and Industry, government agencies, and partner organizations in the Visayas to discuss opportunities for collaboration and initiatives that will help drive growth and development across the region.

With the theme, “Future Forward: Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Smarter Businesses,” the VABC focused on helping businesses navigate evolving economic challenges while promoting innovation, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

This year’s conference comes at a crucial time as businesses continue to face rising costs of goods and services driven by increasing fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. As transportation and logistics remain among the key cost drivers for many industries, the discussions highlighted the importance of smarter and more efficient logistics strategies to help businesses remain competitive.

FAST was among the sponsors of this year’s VABC, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth and resiliency of businesses across the region.

During the event, VP for Strategic Growth Initiatives Gladys Ceniza shared how businesses can build more resilient supply chains through smarter logistics strategies such as co-loading, backhaul logistics, and forward stock solutions.

“Companies need logistics strategies that are flexible, cost-efficient, and capable of adapting to disruptions while still supporting growth,” Gladys said, addressing the audience during her presentation.

Exploring Co-Loading for Smarter Cost Savings

One of the key solutions highlighted during the conference was co-loading, a shared logistics strategy where multiple businesses share truck or container space to reduce transportation costs.

Through co-loading, companies can maximize vehicle utilization, maintain fixed delivery schedules, and improve flexibility during fluctuating market demand.

“FAST has been advocating for shared logistics or the concept of sharing spaces in trucks, containers, and even warehouses to help businesses share costs, reduce risks, and minimize inefficiencies,” Gladys explained.

This approach is especially beneficial for growing businesses and emerging brands that may not yet require full truckload capacity or full container shipment but still need reliable nationwide distribution.

Maximizing Efficiency Through Backhaul Logistics

FAST also emphasized the value of backhaul logistics, a strategy that utilizes return trips to avoid empty truck runs.

FAST estimates around 70% of trucks in the Philippines return to their point of origin without carrying cargo or backhaul, resulting in wasted resources and higher logistics costs.

By optimizing return trips and route planning, businesses can significantly lower freight expenses while improving operational efficiency.

“Backhaul logistics allows companies to make every trip count,” said Gladys. “Instead of trucks returning empty, businesses can maximize available capacity and create more efficient delivery networks.”

Rethinking Inventory Strategy with Forward Stock Solutions

Another key strategy discussed was forward stock solutions, which involve positioning inventory closer to target markets.

Instead of shipping products individually from a central warehouse, businesses can ship in bulk and store products in strategic locations nationwide. This helps reduce lead times, lower delivery costs, and improve service reliability.

The solution also becomes especially valuable during disruptions such as typhoons and other unforeseen events that may affect transportation routes.

“With inventory positioned closer to customers, businesses can respond faster to demand while minimizing disruptions in the supply chain,” Gladys shared.

FAST Logistics Group: Empowering Visayas Businesses with Nationwide Logistics Solutions

While shared logistics and supply chain collaboration are innovative solutions, Gladys emphasized that FAST is able to deliver these supply chain resiliency strategies effectively because of its decades of operational expertise and extensive nationwide network.

“We’ve built our capabilities by serving some of the country’s biggest multinational companies and corporations while continuously investing in our operations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Gladys said. “This experience allows us to make logistics solutions more accessible even for growing businesses.”

She emphasized the company’s participation reflects its deep Visayan roots. FAST traces its origins to William Lines, a Cebu-based shipping company, making the Visayas an important part of its history and continued growth.

Ahead of the VABC, FAST also strengthened its engagement with businesses and entrepreneurs in Negros Occidental through initiatives such as the FAST Truckers Roadshow Bacolod as well as the MSME Logistics Forum and FAST Solutions Roadshow conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Negros Occidental. 

These initiatives aim to help local businesses and transport stakeholders gain better access to innovative and cost-efficient logistics solutions.

With over 50 years of industry leadership, FAST Logistics Group continues to be the trusted third-party logistics (3PL) partner of businesses across the Philippines, helping local companies expand market reach and build resilient supply chains. Connect with FAST’s Solutions Experts to learn more about its integrated end-to-end logistics solutions.