Logistics firms vow no freight rate hike

As San Juanico Bridge undergoes repair

MANILA, Philippines — Logistics companies have committed to keep freight costs stable as San Juanico Bridge undergoes rehabilitation, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said that logistics firms committed not to increase the price of transporting goods and other commodities in areas affected by the repair of the bridge that connects the islands of Samar and Leyte.

Roque made the statement on the sidelines of the ceremonial signing of the pledge of support for the establishment of the Supply Chain and Logistics Center yesterday.

Roque said officials of logistics firms assured her that there would be no increase in freight rates “as long as there’s a problem with the San Juanico Bridge.”

She said a 60-day price freeze has been imposed on basic commodities in Eastern Visayas after President Marcos declared a state of calamity in the province to accelerate the rehabilitation.

The state of calamity, which started on June 5, will remain in effect for a year unless lifted earlier or extended as circumstances may warrant.

Prior to the declaration of the state of calamity, the Department of Public Works and Highways imposed a three-ton load limit on vehicles passing through San Juanico Bridge due to structural defects and rehabilitation activities.

Fast Logistics Group chief executive officer Manuel Onrejas Jr. said the company’s expenses have doubled as cargoes have to be transferred from a large truck like a wing van to a smaller vehicle like an L300 van in compliance with the load limit.

“That’s multihandling, multitouch points and multitrucks. There’s really a cost to it,” Onrejas said.

While officials of logistics companies are shouldering the cost for now, Onrejas said they would be needing support (from the government).

“As a logistics company, we cannot absorb everything. We need to find ways to share the cost,” he said, noting that RoRo or roll-on, roll-off vessels can help lighten the load.

“The government should have a backup plan through RoRo ferries,” Onrejas said.