The Visionary Owner of LBC: How a Courier Service PH Became an Empire

Introduction

Did you know that LBC Express Inc., the largest courier service PH, started as a humble money transfer business in 1945? Today, it’s a logistics powerhouse with over 1,400 branches worldwide—thanks to the relentless vision of its owners. But who is the owner of LBC, and how did they turn a small Filipino enterprise into a global brand?

If you’ve ever shipped a balikbayan box, received an online order, or sent documents across the Philippines, you’ve likely interacted with LBC. But behind those iconic red-and-yellow trucks lies a story of resilience, innovation, and family legacy. The owner of LBC didn’t just build a business; they transformed how Filipinos connect across borders.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore:

• The history and ownership of LBC Express Inc.
• Key strategies that made it the #1 courier service PH
• Challenges faced (and how they overcame them)
• Lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a business owner, logistics enthusiast, or just curious about Filipino success stories, this article will give you an inside look at one of the Philippines’ most iconic brands. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. From Humble Beginnings: The History of LBC
2. Who Is the Owner of LBC? The Family Behind the Empire
3. How LBC Became the Top Courier Service PH: 5 Key Strategies
4. Innovations That Set LBC Apart
5. Biggest Challenges Faced (and How They Overcame Them)
6. LBC vs. Other Courier Services: What Makes It Unique?
7. 7 Business Lessons from the Owner of LBC
8. The Future of LBC Express Inc.
9. Pro Tips: How to Ship Smarter with LBC
10. LBC’s Impact on Filipino Communities Worldwide

1. From Humble Beginnings: The History of LBC

LBC’s story begins in post-war Manila, 1945. Originally named the Luzon Brokerage Company, it was founded by siblings Carlos, Fernando, and Vicente Delgado as a small brokerage firm. Their first office? A modest space in Binondo, Manila’s historic business district. Back then, the owner of LBC couldn’t have imagined their company would one day ship millions of packages globally.

The Delgados started by offering air cargo and money transfer services—a critical need for families separated by war. As overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) increased in the 1970s, LBC pivoted to specialize in balikbayan boxes, becoming synonymous with sending love (and snacks) back home. By the 1980s, they rebranded as LBC Express Inc. and expanded across the Philippines.

Key milestones:

• 1960s: Expanded to include door-to-door delivery
• 1985: Launched international remittance services
• 2000s: Went global with branches in the US, Middle East, and Asia
• 2016: Listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: LBC)

Today, LBC handles everything from e-commerce deliveries to corporate logistics. But its heart remains in connecting families—just as the original owner of LBC intended.

2. Who Is the Owner of LBC? The Family Behind the Empire

While LBC is now a publicly listed company, the Delgado family remains at its core. The current owner of LBC and chairman is Carlos R. Araneta, a descendant of the founders. Under his leadership, LBC modernized its operations while staying true to its Filipino roots.

The Delgado-Araneta family’s hands-on approach is legendary. Unlike corporations run by distant shareholders, LBC’s owners are known to visit branches unannounced, ensuring quality service. As Carlos once said in an interview: “We don’t just move boxes—we move lives.” This personal touch explains why many OFWs trust LBC over global giants like FedEx or DHL.

Fun fact: The family’s other businesses include:

• Honda Cars Philippines
• Real estate developments
• Hospitality ventures

Their diversified portfolio shows the same strategic vision that grew LBC. Want to learn how other Filipino family businesses scaled? Check out our piece on the owner of North Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the current owner of LBC?

As of 2024, LBC Express Holdings Inc. is chaired by Carlos R. Araneta, representing the Delgado-Araneta family that founded the company. While publicly traded, the family retains significant ownership and operational influence.

Conclusion

The owner of LBC built more than a courier service—they created a lifeline for millions of Filipinos. From its wartime origins to its tech-driven present, LBC Express Inc. shows how understanding your customers’ deepest needs (like sending love across oceans) can fuel unprecedented growth.

Key takeaways:

• Family businesses can scale globally without losing their soul
• Innovation must serve real human needs (not just trends)
• Logistics is about trust as much as speed

Got a shipping challenge or business lesson to share? Drop us a line—we’d love to hear from you!