Before sending a balikbayan box, read this

[raynaputi]

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave some reminders for consumers, companies and overseas Filipino workers who send balikbayan boxes to the Philippines.

Before you send that balikbayan box, make sure the freight forwarder is accredited with thePhilippine Shippers' Bureau (PSB) to avoid possible problems. (A list of accredited freight forwarders as of end-December 2012 can be found here.)

"Accredited freight forwarders can be trusted because they follow government standards that guarantee their capability to provide reliable service to their clients," Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said.

Maglaya said accredited freight forwarders also observe a code of ethics in doing business, as well as insurance coverage in case of accidents and non-delivery.

As of end-March 2013, there are 632 freight forwarding companies accredited with the PSB. This includes 422 Non-Vessel Common Carriers, 590 International Freight Forwarders and 157 Domestic Freight Forwarders.

The PSB has received 153 complaints on non-delivery of balikbayan boxes from around the world in 2012.

Read more: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/17/13/sending-balikbayan-box-read

[Terpe]

DTI Advisory 2014: Unaccredited, Unlicensed Balikbayan Box Cargo Forwarders

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the names of international and local Philippine cargo forwarders that are unaccredited, operating without license, marked under watch list and have received complaints from customers

The list includes balikbayan box cargo forwarding companies operating in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, China, Cyprus, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Spain, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Qatar.

Philippine Agents/Freight Forwarders without DTI Accreditation Issued Formal Charges

Country: Singapore
Name: MARU CARGO LOGISTICS LLP
Philippine Counterpart/Agent: Speedstream Transport

DTI Accredited Freight Forwarders Issued Show Cause Orders

Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Name: I-Merex Group of Companies

DTI Accredited Freight Forwarders Issued Show Cause Order for Violation of Overpricing

Eastrans Line Phils, Inc
Evergreen Logistics Philippines Corporation
Mac-Nels Line, Inc.

List of Philippine Agents/Freight Forwarders WITHOUT DTI ACCREDITATION ISSUED FORMAL CHARGES

Philippine Agents without DTI Accreditation and Issued Formal Charges
No. Country Foreign Consolidators/Principals Philippine Counterparts
1 Australia Dausan International Forwarder Dausan International Forwarder
2 Bahrain Dreamsworld Travel Tourism and Cargo
3 China Philippine Eastern Transit Express Philippine Eastern Transit Express
4 Cyprus Freight Link Global Haushold Moving and Storage Inc
5 Germany Alexander D. Cunanan-ADC Spedition Services Alexander D. Cunanan-ADC Spedition Services
6 Hong Kong Ford Cargo International (FCI)
7 Ireland Maharlika Enterprise Cargo Services
8 Ireland SCRL Cargo
9 Italy Jet Express
10 Saudi Arabia Caravan Cargo Agency Megatop Express Cargo Forwarder
11 Saudi Arabia Cargo Net Worldwide Services (FAL World Express Cargo) Manila Broker
12 Saudi Arabia Global Cargo JJ Transglobal Brokerage
13 Saudi Arabia Kabalen Forwarders Kabalen Forwarders
14 Saudi Arabia North and South Express Cargo R&M Cargo Services
15 Saudi Arabia PC Worldwide Cargo Megatop Express Cargo Forwarder
16 Saudi Arabia Sir Cargo Forwarders Sir2Go Forwarders
17 Saudi Arabia WRJ Freight Forwarders (A Division of Al Zagel Cargo)
18 Kuwait NC Manila Cargo New Cliffe Gen. Trad & Cont Co – NC Manila Cargo
19 Kuwait Pacific Logistics International Cargo Pacific Logistics International Cargo
20 Kuwait Sri Sara Cargo Sri Sara Cargo
21 Kuwait The Filipino Cargo International The Filipino Cargo International
22 Malaysia Bayanihan Express
23 Oman Golden Coast Trading Boxline Delivery Services/Golden Coast Trading
24 Singapore ASPAC Cargo
25 Singapore Hagibis Express Pte
26 Singapore Maru Cargo Logistics Maru Cargo Logistics
27 Spain E.B. Barbosa Enterprise Barbosa Enterprise/Masterlink Cargo System (MACSI) Inc
28 United Arab Emirates Al Rodah Marine Cargo Rodah Cargo Manila
29 United Arab Emirates Cityline Cargo VCG Customs Brokerage
30 United Arab Emirates Dagupan Cargo Packaging Services
31 United Arab Emirates Express Link Cargo Services
32 United Arab Emirates Smooth Express
33 United Arab Emirates Grace Express Cargo
34 United Kingdom Philand Ynterlink Ltd Joseph Glenn L Galo
35 United States AAA Cargo Express Inc Mail Plus Cargo Carriers
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the names of international and local Philippine cargo forwarders that are unaccredited, operating without license, marked under watch list and have received complaints from customers.

The list includes balikbayan box cargo forwarding companies operating in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, China, Cyprus, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Spain, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Qatar.

Philippine Agents/Freight Forwarders without DTI Accreditation Issued Formal Charges
Country: Singapore
Name: MARU CARGO LOGISTICS LLP
Philippine Counterpart/Agent: Speedstream Transport

DTI Accredited Freight Forwarders Issued Show Cause Orders
Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Name: I-Merex Group of Companies

DTI Accredited Freight Forwarders Issued Show Cause Order for Violation of Overpricing
Eastrans Line Phils, Inc
Evergreen Logistics Philippines Corporation
Mac-Nels Line, Inc.

Related: List of DTI Accredited Cargo Forwarding Companies



List of Philippine Agents/Freight Forwarders WITHOUT DTI ACCREDITATION ISSUED FORMAL CHARGES

Philippine Agents without DTI Accreditation and Issued Formal Charges
No. Country Foreign Consolidators/Principals Philippine Counterparts
1 Australia Dausan International Forwarder Dausan International Forwarder
2 Bahrain Dreamsworld Travel Tourism and Cargo
3 China Philippine Eastern Transit Express Philippine Eastern Transit Express
4 Cyprus Freight Link Global Haushold Moving and Storage Inc
5 Germany Alexander D. Cunanan-ADC Spedition Services Alexander D. Cunanan-ADC Spedition Services
6 Hong Kong Ford Cargo International (FCI)
7 Ireland Maharlika Enterprise Cargo Services
8 Ireland SCRL Cargo
9 Italy Jet Express
10 Saudi Arabia Caravan Cargo Agency Megatop Express Cargo Forwarder
11 Saudi Arabia Cargo Net Worldwide Services (FAL World Express Cargo) Manila Broker
12 Saudi Arabia Global Cargo JJ Transglobal Brokerage
13 Saudi Arabia Kabalen Forwarders Kabalen Forwarders
14 Saudi Arabia North and South Express Cargo R&M Cargo Services
15 Saudi Arabia PC Worldwide Cargo Megatop Express Cargo Forwarder
16 Saudi Arabia Sir Cargo Forwarders Sir2Go Forwarders
17 Saudi Arabia WRJ Freight Forwarders (A Division of Al Zagel Cargo)
18 Kuwait NC Manila Cargo New Cliffe Gen. Trad & Cont Co – NC Manila Cargo
19 Kuwait Pacific Logistics International Cargo Pacific Logistics International Cargo
20 Kuwait Sri Sara Cargo Sri Sara Cargo
21 Kuwait The Filipino Cargo International The Filipino Cargo International
22 Malaysia Bayanihan Express
23 Oman Golden Coast Trading Boxline Delivery Services/Golden Coast Trading
24 Singapore ASPAC Cargo
25 Singapore Hagibis Express Pte
26 Singapore Maru Cargo Logistics Maru Cargo Logistics
27 Spain E.B. Barbosa Enterprise Barbosa Enterprise/Masterlink Cargo System (MACSI) Inc
28 United Arab Emirates Al Rodah Marine Cargo Rodah Cargo Manila
29 United Arab Emirates Cityline Cargo VCG Customs Brokerage
30 United Arab Emirates Dagupan Cargo Packaging Services
31 United Arab Emirates Express Link Cargo Services
32 United Arab Emirates Smooth Express
33 United Arab Emirates Grace Express Cargo
34 United Kingdom Philand Ynterlink Ltd Joseph Glenn L Galo
35 United States AAA Cargo Express Inc Mail Plus Cargo Carriers
36 United States ABS CBN Star Kargo VGB Villamayor Logistics Inc
37 United States Aerosend Aerosend
38 United States Associated Consolidation Express Associated Consolidation Express
39 United States GV Gordian Freight TFC The Filipino Cargo International
40 United States Mabuhay Cargo Fort Rite Cargo International Inc
41 United States Pentagon Cargo Pentfast
42 United States Philippine Cargo International Inc Fort Rite Cargo International Inc
44 United States Philippine Cargo Forwarder Philippine Cargo Forwarder
45 United States Shipping Express
46 United States REN International
47 United States South Atlantic Cargo South Atlantic Cargo
48 United States Super Mama Cargo ASPAC Cargo Forwarders/CashSense Philippines
49 United States REN International Services REN International Services
50 Philippines N/A ABS-CBN Cargo Corporation
51 Philippines N/A Diaz Cargo Services
52 Philippines N/A Forex Cargo Philippines Inc
53 Philippines N/A Harrier Box Line Inc
54 Philippines N/A International Cargo Forwarder
55 Philippines N/A JAR Cargo Forwarders
56 Philippines N/A Jonar Cargo
57 Philippines N/A MME Cargo Forwarder
58 Philippines N/A Nets & Knicks Logistics Corp
59 Philippines N/A RDN Marketing & Cargo Forwarder
60 Philippines N/A RGC Green Logistics
61 Philippines N/A Suncargo Delivery Services
62 Philippines N/A Yasasa International Cargo Services Philippines
63 Philippines N/A
Freight Forwarders Whose Complaints Have Been Endorsed to Department of Justice
No. Country of Origin Foreign Consolidators/Principals PHL Agent Endorsed to
1 KSA Cargo Net World Express Manila Broker Paranaque City Prosecutors Office (PO)
2 KSA Kabalen Forwarders Kabalen Forwarders DOJ
3 Kuwait EZ Cargo EZ Cargo DOJ
4 Kuwait Pacific Logistics Int'l Cargo Pacific Logistics Int'l Cargo Rizal Provincial PO
5 Kuwait The Filipino Cargo International The Filipino Cargo International Rizal Provincial PO
6 Kuwait Natasha Express Cargo Express Natasha Express Cargo Express DOJ
7 UAE Al Rodah Marine Services Rodah Cargo Services Paranaque City PO
8 UAE Al Rodah Marine Services D'Winner Logistics Philippines Inc Paranaque City PO

Source

[Terpe]

DTI Accredited Balikbayan Box Cargo Forwarders

[Terpe]

DTI Guidelines for Balikbayan Cargo Boxes

In view of the forthcoming Christmas season, the Filipino community is encouraged to be vigilant in sending balikbayan boxes to their loved ones back home.

To assist in this regard, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has come up with the following guidelines on how to ship balikbayan boxes to the Philippines.

The public should beware of Ford Cargo International. This company has already victimized numerous Filipinos in Hong Kong, and has a pending criminal case here.
Most balikbayan boxes come from the following countries (ranked according to number of packages sent): Middle East (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar), the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

Most of the common complaints received by the Department of Trade and Industry–Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (DTI-PSB) include nondelivery of balikbayan boxes, pilferage, overcharging, and damaged cargo. Complainants should submit a written complaint with documentary evidence such as official receipts, cargo receipts, bills of lading, shippers’ declaration, way bills, etc. DTI-PSB’s mediation and arbitration unit handles such complaints. Complaints can be filed directly at the Philippines Shippers’ Bureau at 2nd Floor, DTI Bldg., 361 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City or call DTI Direct at +632 751-3330 for assistance.

Items that are not allowed to be sent through balikbayan boxes include currencies, checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions, explosives, prohibited drugs and other substances, pornographic materials, gambling cards, toy guns, and pirated products (i.e. DVDs, CDs, tapes, etc.)

The following are a few tips to ensure that balikbayan boxes reach their destination:-

1. Organize all the things you to send. This would give you an idea on the size of box you would need to use. Check out how much shipping would cost per box size (door-to-door charges, other fees, if any).

2. Book your boxes only with DTI-PSB-accredited sea cargo consolidator/freight forwarder companies

3. These companies normally have Philippines counterparts who must have accreditation from DTI-PSB if by sea or from the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) if by air. Senders may verify the company name of the Philippine sea freight forwarder counterpart at www.dti.gov.ph under the Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation section.

4. Beware of exceptionally very low rates

5. Most complaints for nondelivery involve cargo shipments that usually charge very low door-to-door rates. In these cases, the foreign principals do not have enough funds to bear the cost of transporting the cargo, which is compounded by their failure to remit releasing and delivery funds to their Philippine breakbulk agent, causing the shipments to be abandoned at the ports.

6. Declare your shipment by accomplishing a detailed packing list stating all the contents of your box and value of shipment, per item if possible, as well as your preferred shipping date. Inquire about proper or standard (or extraordinary, if needed) packing, wrapping, strapping, sealing, and labeling requirements of your box.

7. Secure transport documents such as cargo receipt (or Official Receipt) for fees paid and Bill of Lading, a document issued by a transportation carrier to the shipper of proof that they have received the cargo shipment and have placed them on board a particular vessel for delivery cargo shipments are to be carried and delivered.

8. Get the name and contact details of the fowarder’s agent in the Philippines

9. Be sure that these information are clearly indicated in the transport document and/or receipt.

10. Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to destination to make sure it is being shipped and delivered. You may inquire about a tracking scheme or continuously contact the forwarding company. You may ask them to provide you details such as the name of shipping line, vessel’s name, voyage number, container number, and expected time of departure and arrival of your cargo/package.

11. Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine freight forwarding agent even before it arrives. When it does, make sure to inspect the seal and wrapping of the box before signing the delivery receipt. If you observe that the box has been tampered with, do not receive the cargo/package and ask the delivery agent to have it double-checked.

12. If you encounter pilferage or lost item, or nondelivery, file an immediate claim or complaint with the freight forwarder’s customer service. You may also lodge you complaint directly to the Philippine Shippers’ Bureau at 2nd Floor, DTI Bldg., 361 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, or call DTI Direct at +632 751-3330 for assistance. The PSB may impose monetary fines, suspension, or cancellation of accreditation on freight forwarders violating PSB policies on balikbayan boxes pursuant to A.O. No. 6 series of 2005.

13. For more information, please contact DTI Direct at +632 751 3330 or visit www.dti.gov.ph.

Source

[Terpe]

Most Common Items Found in Balikbayan Box

A balikbayan box is always a joy to see for Filipino families with some members living or working abroad. The box generally contains a variety of purely imported gifts. Filipinos are particularly fond of imported items, knowing these to be of good quality compared to locally made products. The box generally measures 2 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet. Senders cram the items inside then send one or more boxes a few weeks before Christmas. Here are the basic things you’ll discover inside.

1. Candies and chocolates. Imported chocolates and candies are almost always included in a balikbayan box. There are packs of assorted chocolates made by famous makers in the United States, Switzerland and Germany. There are also gummy bears, candy canes and other goodies placed in plastic packs each weighing at least one pound.

2. Imported food. Many balikbayan boxes also contain imported food and snacks like biscuits, cookies, coffee bags, teas, cereals and other goodies that cannot be found in the Philippines. People like to compare the usual food that foreigners eat abroad with their own local fare.

3. Shoes. Family members and friends generally ask for new pairs of shoes and these are sent usually without the original boxes to save space and cram inside the gift box. Running shoes, basketball shoes, casual shoes and even aqua shoes are sent by overseas Filipino workers for their loved ones back home.

4. Perfumes. In some countries, perfumes and colognes are a lot cheaper and come in packages that include bath scents and oils. These are favorite gift items among Filipinos. Particularly, well-known brands are highly preferred by receivers. They usually boast about their new scent come New Year.

5. Clothes. Together with shoes, balikbayan boxes also contain a lot of clothes, usually branded ones. These generally feature brands that are not available in the provinces or may be too expensive to purchase locally. Jeans, coats and accessories are also common items sent back home.

6. Cosmetics. For women, they order lipstick, makeup and other cosmetic products. Balikbayan boxes usually contain cosmetic items made by the top makers in the world. There are also bath soaps, body wash products, creams and facial cleansers included. These are small in size so senders like to get more to keep the box full.

7. Alcohol. Wines and whiskies from abroad are particularly common contents of a balikbayan box. Men like to hand these out as gifts to their friends and in-laws. Some wines are also good and recommended for people with high cholesterol and blood pressure so these are given as presents for the old folks.

8. Books and DVDs. Filipinos like to collect books and movies so they ask relatives to bring them DVDs that they can watch again and again. Children and teenagers also like to request for book compilations or a series of famous titles by world-renowned authors.

There are several other things that can be discovered inside a balikbayan box like toys, canned goods and appliances. Senders should, however, get acquainted with the rules on the things that should not be included. It will take 4 to 8 weeks for the box to arrive depending on the country of origin.

Source

[Michael Parnham]

Wow, a very long but useful list of information Peter, thank you!