INTERVIEW WITH JAMES DELA CRUZ, CEO OF OTD LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
- barboraarendasova
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
James Dela Cruz
James is a logistics professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in freight forwarding. He started his career in entry-level roles, learning the business from the ground up—documentation, operations, finance, sales—before taking the leap to found OTD Logistics Solutions Inc., where he now serves as owner and president. Known for his client-first mindset and team-friendly leadership style, James has successfully managed thousands of shipments across industries, including food manufacturing, furniture, industrial machinery, and retail. He takes pride in building long-term partnerships and leading with precision, reliability, and trust. At the heart of his work is a simple philosophy: logistics done right, always on the dot.
James, can you tell us about your personal experience working in the freight forwarding industry and how you envision the future of traditional freight forwarding?
Working in the freight forwarding industry has been a transformative journey. I was fortunate enough to be taught by the best mentor—someone who not only guided me through the technical aspects of logistics but also instilled in me the values of integrity, resilience, and relationship-building. As someone who started out as introvert, the role has broadened my perspective by allowing me to engage with diverse clients and partners across various countries and industries. This exposure has not only enhanced my communication skills but also deepened my understanding of global trade dynamics. Looking ahead, I believe traditional freight forwarding will continue to thrive, anchored by its core values of relationship-building and trust. While digitalization and technological advancements will streamline processes such as shipment tracking and order management, the human element—personalized service and strategic partnerships—will remain irreplaceable.
If you can, share a recent example of the best-case situation that you are really proud of.
One recent achievement I’m particularly proud of involved a complex multi-modal shipment for a major retail client. The project required precise coordination across sea, air, and land transport, with tight delivery timelines and regulatory challenges. Through proactive communication, strategic planning, and real-time tracking, we not only met the deadline but also reduced costs for the client. This success reinforced our commitment to operational excellence and client satisfaction.
What has been the historical journey for OTD, and what is your position on the local market?
OTD was founded with a clear vision: to elevate the standards of freight forwarding in the Philippines through transparency, excellence, and sustainability. What began as a passion-driven initiative has evolved into a trusted logistics partner for a wide range of industries. Today, OTD serves key players in retail, food distribution, consumer goods, and specialized equipment. Our reputation in the local market is built on reliability, adaptability, and a client-first approach.
How does your company differentiate its market strategy compared to similar competitors in the industry?
OTD differentiates itself by focusing not just on service delivery, but on the long-term impact of our work. Our strategy centers on building enduring relationships through consistent performance, transparency, and responsiveness. Rather than relying solely on traditional marketing, we let our results speak for themselves—many of our clients become advocates, referring us based on their positive experiences.
With the US tariff situation on the supply chain market, many companies are likely to move manufacturing from China to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. What is your outlook on the situation, and do you see a new potential for OTD in this regard?
The shift of manufacturing from China to Southeast Asia, driven by tariff changes and supply chain diversification, presents a significant opportunity for OTD. As companies explore the Philippines as a viable manufacturing hub, we are well-positioned to support both import and export logistics. Our local expertise, combined with global connectivity, enables us to facilitate seamless transitions for manufacturers entering the region. This trend aligns with our strategic growth plans and opens new avenues for collaboration.
What was the main reason for you to join WOF Alliance, and what are your expectations of the overall WOF Network?
Our decision to join the WOF Alliance was rooted in shared values—particularly the emphasis on relationship-building and mutual support. We appreciate the exclusivity and selectiveness of the network, which makes meaningful partnerships among locally owned companies. Through WOF, we aim to strengthen our global reach while contributing to a collaborative environment. We expect the network to be proactive, responsive, and committed to reciprocal growth as we work together to elevate industry standards.
Founded in 2024 by a seasoned logistics expert with over 14 years of experience, On The Dot Logistics (OTD) is a dynamic new player in the Philippines, dedicated to transforming the way businesses move goods.
As an international logistics provider, we combine advanced technology with a client-first mindset to deliver solutions that are reliable, cost-effective, and tailored to your business needs. We empower importers, exporters, manufacturers, and business owners to overcome logistics challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
