Modernizing Balikbayan – Automating Last-Mile Delivery for Faster, Smarter Shipping

Imagine sending a Balikbayan box from Sydney to Manila and tracking it every step of the way from the moment it’s picked up at your doorstep to the second it lands at your loved one’s hands all without the chaos of manual paperwork or endless phone calls.

Client

An Australian logistics provider specializing in Balikbayan box shipping to the Philippines

Industry

Logistics & Supply Chain

Timeline

1 months

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Quick Snapshot

An Australian logistics provider specializing in shipping parcels to the Philippines was bogged down by manual workflows, inconsistent tracking, and coordination challenges across multiple delivery partners. We built a full-suite web and mobile platform that automated container management, shipment tracking, and agent coordination streamlining the process end-to-end, boosting efficiency, and enhancing visibility for both the business and senders.

Brief

Balikbayan boxes aren’t just parcels — they’re care packages, lifelines, and emotional connections for Filipinos abroad. But shipping them involves complex logistics: coordinating first-mile pickups, managing fixed-size containers with varying parcel dimensions, and tracking across sea routes with minimal visibility. The client’s existing process was entirely manual, prone to errors, and offered little transparency to senders.

We partnered to design and develop a scalable logistics platform that replaced fragmented, paper-heavy workflows with an automated, integrated solution — transforming how parcels are sent, tracked, and delivered.

Challenges

Complex Multi-Partner Coordination

First-mile and last-mile deliveries were handled by different companies, making scheduling and updates cumbersome.

Container and Parcel Dimension Management

Handling fixed-size containers while accommodating boxes of different sizes required careful capacity tracking and booking accuracy.

International Tracking Gaps

Sea freight tracking was fragmented, leaving both senders and the logistics provider in the dark about shipment status.

Manual Workflow Bottlenecks

Shipment creation, barcode generation, and packaging slips were done manually, slowing down operations and increasing the risk of errors.

Lack of Customer Visibility

Senders had no real-time way to track their parcels or manage pickups, resulting in repeated inquiries and operational strain.

Solution

We delivered a fully integrated web and mobile platform designed for agents, drivers, and forwarding partners. Key features included:

Shipment Management

Create and manage shipment details from origin to delivery, including itemized contents.

Pickup & Delivery
Management

Book, assign, and track pickups and deliveries, with options for senders to drop off parcels.

End-to-End Tracking

Real-time visibility for both the company and senders, from pickup to final delivery.

Container Management

Tools to track container capacity, size, and booking details for accurate load planning.

Forwarding Agent
Management

Manage agent assignments, pricing, and performance from a single dashboard.

Automated Workflows

Auto-assign pickups, generate barcodes, and create packaging slips instantly.

Impact – Quantifiable Results

Meet Arnel

Before AI

Before the platform, Arnel, a forwarding agent in Manila spent most of his day juggling spreadsheets, calling partner couriers for status updates, and manually matching parcels to containers. Delays were common, and frustrated senders would flood his phone for updates.

After AI

With the new system, Arnel logs in each morning to see real-time updates, pre-generated labels, and optimal container load plans. He now spends less time chasing information and more time ensuring smooth deliveries.

For the client, this means happier customers, faster operations, and the ability to scale without a proportional increase in staffing.