1. Average vessel waiting times at anchorage have reached 2.87 days, with general waiting times at Manila North and South terminals frequently exceeding three days.
2. As of February 5, 2026, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) reported an overall utilization rate of 81.63%, while Manila South Harbor (MSH) reached 77.26%.
3. Reefer yard utilization at MICT is near capacity at 93.12%, while South Harbor is at 56.47%. This saturation necessitates immediate cargo withdrawal to prevent operational paralysis and ensure the integrity of temperature-controlled shipments.

Government agencies have intensified enforcement to clear terminal space. Shippers must adhere to the following strict timelines to avoid additional costs or loss of cargo:

1. All cleared import containers remaining in the terminal for more than 30 days from the date of discharge are subject to mandatory transfer to designated off-dock facilities. All costs associated with these transfers, including transportation, storage penalties, and arrastre fees, will be borne by the consignee.
2. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued urgent notices for shipments to lodge goods declarations and pay duties immediately. Failure to comply within the prescribed window will result in the cargo being declared abandoned and subjected to public auction.
3. Terminal operators strongly urge the withdrawal of laden containers within four to five days of discharge to restore yard fluidity.

Clients are further advised that the ongoing congestion at off-dock empty container yards has severely disrupted empty returns.

A systemic “truck deadlock” is currently affecting Metro Manila. With most facilities operating at 85%–90% capacity, many depots are temporarily refusing acceptance of empty containers. This has resulted in trucks being immobilized while carrying empty containers, significantly reducing the availability of chassis and trucking units for laden container pull-outs from the ports.

This empty return bottleneck directly exacerbates port congestion, delays cargo withdrawal schedules, and increases exposure to demurrage, detention, and storage charges.

We anticipate that these conditions will persist until the post-Chinese New Year lull in late February.

Please coordinate closely with your logistics providers to ensure timely movements.

Sources:

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Administrative Orders 02-2019 and 03-2019.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EdovYrvy8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AHNCkUVxx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://portcalls.com/port-stakeholders-fear-higher-logistics-costs-due-to-congestion-trucks-in-short-supply/