| Sending balikbayan box to the Philippines is a way of | | | | another sent balikbayan boxes to their relatives back |
| life for most Filipinos living abroad. Here in the United | | | | home. One of the best way to know if a freight |
| States, over the years a lot of balikbayan box freight | | | | forwarding is any good is to ask friends and |
| forwarding company have opened owing to the | | | | neighbors about their experience with the company. |
| demand for this kind of services. However a lot of | | | | 3. Balikbayan boxes are usually picked up from your |
| these companies in operation do not have the | | | | home, make sure that official receipts or invoices are |
| sufficient resources or know how to effectively | | | | issued for every transaction. |
| manage this kind of business. Most of these | | | | 4. Find out about the physical address and contact |
| companies entice Filipinos by offering low prices. Low | | | | numbers of the company. |
| prices are good for the patronizing public but the | | | | 5. Check if the company is licensed and registered |
| problem is a lot complaints have lately been reported | | | | with the appropriate government agencies. These |
| for undelivered or even tampered balikbayan boxes. | | | | documents can be obtained from the Federal |
| The question now is who can you trust, | | | | Maritime Commission Website. |
| Here are some guidelines in choosing a legitimate | | | | As a final note, don't be easily drawn to a company |
| freight forwarder: | | | | just because they offer lower rates. Be sure to look |
| 1. Check the freight forwarding company. Find out | | | | for a reputable company that not offer quality |
| how long they have been in business. A lot of these | | | | service but the assurance that your balikbayan box |
| information can be found in the internet. | | | | will get to your families and relatives on time with all |
| 2. Almost every Filipino in the US has one time or | | | | your pasalubongs intact. |