Freight Handling Operation and Resources Management in Selected Forwarding Companies in Metro Manila: Inputs to Sustainability Action Plan

Abstract

This study assessed freight handling operations and resource management practices in selected forwarding companies in Metro Manila. Specifically, it examined cargo receiving and dispatching, packaging and labeling efficiency, warehouse management and storage, transportation and routing systems, safety and security measures, technology integration, and resource management practices. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed using a structured survey questionnaire administered to 201 respondents consisting of management, staff, and clients from seven selected forwarding companies. The companies were purposively selected based on their active involvement in freight forwarding operations, while respondents were chosen using proportionate stratified random sampling to ensure adequate representation of the three respondent groups. Data were analyzed using percentage distribution, weighted mean, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The findings revealed that freight handling operations (WM = 4.39) and resource management practices (WM = 4.44) were both rated as highly evident, indicating that the participating companies generally implement standardized operational procedures, effective resource utilization, and technology-supported logistics practices that contribute to efficient service delivery. No significant differences were found among the assessments of management, staff, and clients. A significant relationship was likewise established between freight handling operations and resource management. Furthermore, the challenges encountered were generally minimal, while the proposed Sustainability Action Plan was rated acceptable (WM = 4.17). The study concludes that effective freight handling operations, supported by resource management practices, contribute significantly to operational efficiency and sustainability among forwarding companies. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution because they are based on self-reported survey responses from selected forwarding companies in Metro Manila, which may be influenced by response bias and may limit the generalizability of the results.