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Department of Trade & Industry Philippines
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM DTI PHILIPPINES
Q. What are the tips in shipping balikbayan boxes?
A. Organize all the things you want to send through a balikbayan box.
This would give you an idea on the size of box you would need to use.
Have your balikbayan boxes delivered by PSB-accredited sea cargo
consolidators / freight forwarding companies only. The Department of
Trade and Industry - Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (DTI-PSB) accredit
sea freight forwarders while the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) for air freight forwarders. Senders may check the
list of accredited cargo consolidators in the DTI website.
Beware of exceptionally low rates. Most complaints for non-delivery of
cargo involve companies charging very low door-to-door rates. In these
cases, the foreign principals do not have enough funds to bear the
cost of transporting the cargos, compounded by their failure to remit
releasing and delivery funds to their Philippine breakbulk agent
causing the shipments to be abandoned at the ports.
Declare all your shipment. Accomplish 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 for proper
or standard packing, wrapping, strapping, sealing and labelling
requirements of your box.
Secure transport documents. These would include the cargo receipt and
Bill of Lading – a document issued by a transportation carrier to the
shipper as proof that they have received the cargo shipment and have
placed them on board a particular vessel for delivery to a particular
destination. It also states the transport terms in which the received
cargo shipments are to be carried and delivered.
Get the name and contact details of the forwarder’s agent in the
Philippines. Be sure that all these information are clearly indicated
in the transport documents.
Monitor the movement of your cargo. Track the shipment of your package
from origin to its destination. You may inquire with the forwarder for
the tracking scheme. 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.
Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine freight
forwarding agent even before it arrives. Make sure to inspect the seal
and wrapping of the box before signing the delivery receipt. If you
see signs of tampering, do not receive the cargo and ask the delivery
agent to have it double-checked.
Q. What are the tips in shipping balikbayan boxes?
A. Organize all the things you want to send through a balikbayan box.
This would give you an idea on the size of box you would need to use.
Have your balikbayan boxes delivered by PSB-accredited sea cargo
consolidators / freight forwarding companies only. The Department of
Trade and Industry - Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (DTI-PSB) accredit
sea freight forwarders while the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) for air freight forwarders. Senders may check the
list of accredited cargo consolidators in the DTI website.
Beware of exceptionally low rates. Most complaints for non-delivery of
cargo involve companies charging very low door-to-door rates. In these
cases, the foreign principals do not have enough funds to bear the
cost of transporting the cargos, compounded by their failure to remit
releasing and delivery funds to their Philippine breakbulk agent
causing the shipments to be abandoned at the ports.
Declare all your shipment. Accomplish 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 for proper
or standard packing, wrapping, strapping, sealing and labelling
requirements of your box.
Secure transport documents. These would include the cargo receipt and
Bill of Lading – a document issued by a transportation carrier to the
shipper as proof that they have received the cargo shipment and have
placed them on board a particular vessel for delivery to a particular
destination. It also states the transport terms in which the received
cargo shipments are to be carried and delivered.
Get the name and contact details of the forwarder’s agent in the
Philippines. Be sure that all these information are clearly indicated
in the transport documents.
Monitor the movement of your cargo. Track the shipment of your package
from origin to its destination. You may inquire with the forwarder for
the tracking scheme. 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.
Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine freight
forwarding agent even before it arrives. Make sure to inspect the seal
and wrapping of the box before signing the delivery receipt. If you
see signs of tampering, do not receive the cargo and ask the delivery
agent to have it double-checked.
Q. Where can we file a complaint regarding shipping balikbayan boxes?
A.You may file your complaint with the Philippine Shippers’ Bureau of
the Department of Trade and Industry at the 2nd Floor Trade and
Industry Building, 361 Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City or
call for assistance through DTI Direct Hotline (02) 751-3233.
Q. How does one file a complaint with DTI-PSB?
A. Complainants should submit a written complaint supported with
documentary evidences such as official receipts, cargo receipts, bills
of lading, shippers’ declaration, way bills, etc.
Q. How does DTI-PSB handle these complaints?
A. DTI-PSB has a mediation and arbitration unit which handles/resolves
consumer complaints.
Q. What items that should not be sent thru balikbayan boxes?
A. Items that should not be sent through balikbayan boxes include
currencies, checks, money orders, traveller’s checks, jewelries,
firearms, ammunitions, explosives, prohibited drugs and other
substances, pornographic materials, gambling cards, toy guns and
pirated products.
Q. What sanctions/penalties can PSB impose on freight forwarders
proven violating policies on balikbayan boxes?
A. PSB may impose monetary fines, suspension or cancellation of
accreditation pursuant to Administrative Order. No. 6 Series of 2005.
***
The Department of Trade and Industry welcomes all inquiries,
complaints, comments and suggestions from consumers. Call DTI Direct
at 751-3330 from Monday to Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in
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