How To Find The Best Balikbayan Box Forwarder

By Douglas Price


You are reading this article right now because you are probably married to someone from the Philippines. And since you are married to someone from this country you will know what balikbayan means, which means someone who returns to his or her country of origin. In addition you will know what balikbayan box means and its cultural and social importance, and you want to know which forwarder to use to send this box home to the Philippines.

This is a kind of box sent home by overseas Filipinos to their loved ones at home. It contains miscellaneous items that the sender believes that the receiver, usually a family member or close friend, will appreciate and cherish. These items are sometimes considered expensive in the Philippines and are usually in the form of non perishable food, designer clothes, household items and toiletries. Also included will be electronic items and toys also.

Prior to finding the best forwarder for these boxes, you must make a checklist to guide you. This checklist will contain important items for you to look over and investigate so as to give you the best possible informed decision. You should always use a checklist in any decision involving money.

Getting a reliable forwarding service and outfit is something that is important to find. Get a list of possible forwarders from Filipinos you know who may have used this kind of service for their own boxes just recently or regularly. Word of mouth referral is sometimes best when looking for reliable service providers. If you are in an area where you are spoilt for choice, then try to get as many referrals as possible.

Compare prices across providers as regards their services. Usually prices can be compared as to what they charge, usually based on sizes of the boxes, which can come in small, medium, large and sometimes extra large. Sometimes some providers only have one standard size. However, just be informed that on average freight charges usually begin at around USD 60.

Compare also each of these forwarders as regards the services they offer. Inquire if they will pick up the items at your house and deliver it to your recipient or if you have to bring the box yourself to their receiving office. Not many of these providers will provide a pick up service, and if they do, there could be an extra surcharge.

Do check if the providers you have in mind have representative offices in the cities of the major islands of Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas. If they do have a presence in all major islands, then you can breathe a little easier for you know that they are better organized and your shipment will be easier to track from their central office, wherever that may be.

In sum this article has looked at some considerations for you to mull over in choosing the best forwarder to send home your balikbayan items and goodies to your loved ones and friends in the Philippines. It would also be wise to look further the history of theft and pilferage from these companies so you can have peace of mind when taking on the service.




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