BOC: Choose reputable freight firms in sending balikbayan boxes

In a social media post, the BOC noted that customers should choose reputable forwarding companies accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure the safety of their balikbayan boxes. (Photo By My Balikbayan/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday has cautioned Filipinos overseas to carefully select freight forwarding firms in sending balikbayan boxes to their families in the country.

In a social media post, the BOC noted that customers should choose reputable forwarding companies accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure the safety of their balikbayan boxes.

This, after the BOC identified 16 local and foreign forwarders/consolidators/de-consolidators that have been reported as having cases of abandoned balikbayan boxes.

“To safeguard the interests and well-being of our fellow Filipinos, we would like to bring to your attention a list of forwarding companies, both foreign and local, that have been reported for incidents of abandoned balikbayan boxes and have derogatory reports against them,” it added.

Included in the list of foreign forwarders/consolidators with cases of abandoned balikbayan boxes are:

–Kabayan Island Express Cargo

–GM Multi services Cargo

–Allwin Cargo LLC

–Sel Air Cargo

–Manila Cargo

–Sky Freight

–Mediacom Express Cargo

–CMS General Services

–Pinoy Network Cargo WLL FZC LLC.

On the other hand, the local forwarders/deconsolidators are:

–FBV Forwarders and Logistics Inc.

–ETMAR International Logistics

–Cargoflex Haulers Corp.

–KC Door to Door Delivery Services

–Rensworld Freight Logistics Corp.

–FGTI Forwarding Services

–CMG International Movers

The BOC also urged the public to convey concerns or additional information to them, through the Bureau of Customs – Customer Assistance and Response Service (BOC-CARES) through the hotline number (02) 8705-6000 or via email at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph.

It also advised those who encounter issues with their shipment to report to relevant authorities.