How to Choose a Balikbayan Freight Forwarding Company

One of the most crucial decisions Filipinos abroad make in sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines is choosing a freight forwarder. There may be a lot of cargo forwarders in your area but the question is -- can you trust them?

Here's how to check if they are legit:

1. Check if the freight forwarding company is licensed, bonded and is registered with the government. You can go to the Federal Maritime Commission website to check if they have an Ocean Transport Intermediaries (OTI) license.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent federal agency responsible for the regulation of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S. However, the FMC only regulates certain activities of international shipping lines, marine terminals operators and ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) who operate in the U.S. foreign commerce. Thus, there are some legitimate freight forwarders that are not registered with FMC.

2. If the company is not listed on FMC's website, you may contact the Department of Trade of Industry as these forwarders should have at least an office or warehouse in the Philippines. It is recommended that you check with the Philippine Shippers' Bureau because it requires freight forwarders to get an accreditation.

Philippine Shippers' Bureau
Department of Trade and Industry
5F Trade and Industry Building
361 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tel. nos.: (6-32)751-0384 local 2512/2513; (6-32)751-3304; (6-32)890-4892
Fax No.: (6-32)751-3305
e-mail: psb@dti.dti.gov.ph

3. Check the background of the balikbayan box company. Check the company's profile and history. The Internet may also help you know evaluate the company's service through testimonials and customer complaints. (You may also check for complaints through the Better Business Bureau. As we all know, some companies over-promise but under-deliver.

Personally, I believe that the best way to check the legitimacy and performance of a freight forwarder is through word of mouth (WOM). Don't just trust a company that you see on TV. Advertising can help build and lend the brand a trustworthy image but still, it is biased because the advertiser controls the message.

Ask your friends, your neighbors. Which freight company do they use? What are their personal experiences?

Studies show that 20 to 25 percent of customers are evangelist. They recommend the company to their friends, family and relatives because they have experienced good service. Moreover, did you know that most Americans spend time reading blogs and reviews online to evaluate products, brands and companies through others' experiences?

There's one balikbayan cargo forwarder company in California that has been in the business for quite a long time. When I asked the owner how he markets his business, I was surprised because he said he's getting his clients through referrals and word of mouth. He doesn't spend on advertising! Because his service is good, his clients market for him for free!

4. Check the company's physical address and contact numbers and if you have time, drop by and check. Ask the nearby establishments too so you could check if it's legit or fly-by-night.

5. Make sure that the company issues official documents and receipts.

How to Send Balikbayan Box to the Philippines

Haven't sent a balikbayan box to your family in the Philippines before? Here's how:

1. Estimate the volume of your stuffs to know which box size fits your need.
   
2. Choose a freight forwarder and ask for a carton box. Some companies charge you for the box while some give it to clients for free.
   
3. Prepare your things. Secure liquid containers (shampoo, lotion, etc.) by putting a tape on the cap. You may also put it inside a plastic bag.
   
4. Pack breakable items carefully. You may use bubble wrap to secure these items.
   
5. Secure the carton box by putting tape on the bottom flap. Some people wrap the whole box with tape, which is more advisable. Avoid using duct tape as this gets torn easily.
   
6. Put a lining on the box. You can use a big garbage bag or tape the small ones into the carton until all sides are covered. This lining will protect your balikbayan box inside the container in case the liquid contents of other boxes spill.
   
7. Put all soft items first. Blankets, clothes, towels, etc. These will serve as cushion to your other things.
   
8. Put a list of the items inside the box (and as well as the intended recipient of those items so your family members won't be fighting over these stuffs) so the recipient could check if everything is in there.
   
9. Tie the garbage bag and put a bubble wrap on top.
   
10. Close the box and secure the opening with tape. Your freight forwarder shall strap it for free.
    
11. Write the name and address of the recipient on the sides of the box. To those sending boxes to the provinces, especially to those without a house number on the address, feel free to attach a map so it would be easier for the delivery guys to find the place.
    
12. Bring your box to the freight forwarder's office. If you're in the US, it is more convenient to go to companies like Albatrax USA that offer door-to-door delivery service because you just have to call and they will go to your place to pick up your box. Take note, however, that some companies charge for pick-up. Albatrax USA does it for free.
    
13. Complete all the necessary documents including the Shipper's Export Declaration and packing list forms.
    
14. Get your signed copy of the invoice. This will be your proof that you sent your balikbayan box through that freight forwarding company.
    
15. Get the corporate telephone number of the agent/freight forwarder.
    
16. Call your box recipients in the Philippines to check if your balikbayan cargo has arrived.
    

Anything more to add? Drop me a line. :)

Help the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in the Philippines!

Help the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in the Philippines! Please send your online donations to the Philippine National Red Cross. Here's the online donation link:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/Default.aspx?S=48&SS=972

Thank you!