Essential Facts for Manila To Mindanao Sea Cargo Shipping
Businesses and individuals planning to ship sea cargo from Manila to Mindanao can enjoy seamless services to different locations in the region. If you want to ship cargo via sea to key cities such as Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga, many notable shipping services offer routes for various kinds of items.
Whether you are moving a large quantity of products or simply making a one-time shipment, you can start shipping sea cargo from Manila to Mindanao through this guide.
What You Need to Know about Sea Cargo from Manila to Mindanao
What types of sea cargo can I ship to Mindanao?
You can ship anything from documents, items you can fit in boxes, to rolling cargo (cars, vans, buses, trucks, motorcycles), and agricultural products. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines accepts all of the above from Manila to Mindanao.
Containerized items and other kinds of rolling cargo, such as heavy equipment, require special coordination via starsy@transasiashipping.ph.
How do I send my sea cargo from Manila to Mindanao?
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers shipment through the following:
- Trans Padala – Accepts documents, boxes (small, medium, large, extra large), agricultural products, and unaccompanied pets to be transported safely and timely to the destination port. Items are shipped using a cargo vessel or RoPax vessel.
- RoRo / Rolling Cargo – Refers to wheeled cargo vehicles. Unaccompanied vehicles can be shipped on a pure cargo freighter vessel or RoRo, whereas accompanied vehicles can be brought on RoPax vessel trips.
- Freighter – Purely cargo vessels that do not allow passengers. These ships can make several port calls and transport cargo ranging from documents and boxes to agricultural items and rolling cargo.
4 Routes for Sea Cargo from Manila to Mindanao
According to the Philippine Ports Authority, Northern Mindanao received a total of 5.07 million MT cargo throughput in 2024, while Southern Mindanao garnered 6.62 million MT. This successful trade would be impossible without the following portlinks.
1.Manila to General Santos and vice versa (Every 2 weeks)
Seamlessly ship your goods with Trans-Asia’s new route for Manila to Gensan cargo shipping. General Santos City is known for its vibrant tuna and seafood industry. Cargo shipping of Manila to Gensan products and vice versa can be done through the Trans Padala service.
2.Manila to Davao and vice versa (Weekly)
Davao City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines, land area and population-wise. Because of this, sea freight from Manila to Davao and vice versa has become a popular route for cargo. For many business and personal transactions, the Manila to Davao cargo shipping route is convenient for building and maintaining a network between the two cities.
3.Manila to Zamboanga and vice versa (Every 2 weeks)
Zamboanga City serves as the gateway to the Zamboanga Peninsula. Important equipment, items, and other products can reach the three provinces in this region through sea cargo from Manila to Zamboanga. This route is also one of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines’ new cargo routes as of 2025.
4.Manila to Cagayan de Oro and vice versa (Weekly)
Cagayan de Oro is considered the main entry point to the rest of Northern Mindanao. The City of Golden Friendship is focal for urban development and trade in the region, which makes it ideal for cargo shipping from Manila to Cagayan de Oro.
4 Additional Routes for Cargo Shipping Within Mindanao
Products can be transported across Mindanao through sea shipping within the region. Here are some of the routes offered by Trans-Asia. Note that all routes sail every 2 weeks only.
- Davao to Cagayan de Oro
- General Santos to Davao
- General Santos to Cagayan de Oro
- Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro
For more information on the cargo shipping routes within Mindanao, please call 0917-583-5631.
Benefits of Sea Shipping to Mindanao
- Lower Transportation Costs
Sea cargo shipping generally costs less than other forms of transport. Despite the lengthy distance from the national capital, customers can save by shipping cargo in bulk or containerized.
- Large Load Capacity
Ships are capable of transporting big and heavy loads unlike that in air travel. Extremely heavy boxes, pallets, or even heavy equipment can be transported easily to Mindanao.
- Secure Handling
No matter what type of cargo is being sent, a reliable shipping company is equipped with the right tools to secure each item or vehicle throughout the journey. Proper lashing and securing is observed.
- Diverse Range of Cargo Items
A wide range of sea cargo, including agricultural items, temperature-sensitive products, perishable goods, pets, are generally accepted to be transported to Mindanao.
Tips for Shipping Sea Cargo from Manila to Mindanao
Choose a reliable Mindanao freight forwarder
Many freight forwarding companies in the Philippines accommodate cargo shipments going to major portlinks in the south. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines has announced its new Manila to Davao cargo shipping route, as well as Manila to Zamboanga and Manila to Gensan routes in June 2025.
Plan your shipments ahead of time
Although Manila to Davao cargo shipping may be popular, it still takes time to arrive at the destination. For example, a cargo ship for Manila to GenSan or sea cargo from Manila to Zamboanga only sails every two weeks, unlike the Davao and Cagayan de Oro routes that are available weekly.
Familiarize yourself with shipping regulations
Read up advisories and guidelines from your chosen sea freight forwarder to prevent misunderstanding. Know what types of items are allowed, restricted, or prohibited by your shipping line.
Pack your cargo securely
Seal and label your packages clearly, especially for items that are fragile or perishable. Attach special instructions when appropriate. For rolling cargo, ensure that all doors to your vehicle are locked and you have secured each part before shipment.
The right sea freight forwarder can connect you to Mindanao without the hassle and worry. With the variety of available routes to choose from, you can effortlessly send your item and deliver it in pristine condition.
ALSO READ: Your Comprehensive Guide for Inter-Island Shipping in the Philippines
Book your rolling cargo and cargo shipments with Trans-Asia Shipping Lines today. Our Trans-Padala service accepts documents and parcels at any branch, while the rolling cargo service is available for inter-island RORO transport. View our rates and contact us today.
