ShareThis The Philippine Consulate General, Chicago would like to provide the public with reminder on sending balikbayan boxes to avoid lost or damaged package.
It’s this time of the year that many Filipinos send packages to their loved ones in the Philippines. Last year, the Philippine Consulate General received a number of complaints on the delay and non-delivery of balikbayan boxes. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Philippine Shipper’s Bureau (PSB), had to interfere to enable consignees to receive their balikbayan boxes, but after a long wait.
In order to prevent this season of joy to end up in frustration, we would like to emphasize to be cautious of the Shipping Companies to be engaged with their services. Also, we would like to provide the following guidelines:
1. Organize all the things you want to send through a balikbayan box and do not go beyond the space and weight allowance;
2. Ship only through reputable service provider. Beware of exceptionally very low rates. The indicative rates for the Philippines are: $85 for Metro Manila and Luzon, $90 for Visayas and $100 for Mindanao.
3. Declare your shipment by accomplishing a detailed packing list;
4. Secure transport documents such as cargo receipt (or official receiept) for fees paid and Bill of Lading;
5. Get the name and the contact details of the forwarder’s agent in the Philippines;
6. Monitor the movement of your cargo;
7. Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine freight forwarding agent even before it arrives;
8. The following items are not allowed to be included in the box:
a. currencies, checks, money orders and traveler’s check
b. jewelries
c. firearms, ammunitions and explosives
d. controlled drugs and other substances
e. pornographic materials, gambling cards and toy guns
f. pirated products i.e. dvd, cd, tapes, etc.; and
9. If you encounter pilferage or lost item, or non-delivery, file an immediate claim or complaint with the freight forwarder’s customer service. You may also file your complain directly to the Philippine Shipper’s Bureau at 2nd Floor, DTI Building, 361 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City or call the DTI-Direct at (63-2) 751-3330 for assistance.
For more information, you can visit the DTI-PSB website at http://dti.gov.ph/dti/index.php?p=653.