SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
ITEMS YOU SHOULD NOT PUT INSIDE YOUR BALIKBAYAN BOX
MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES THAT ARE URGENTLY NEEDED BY RECIPIENT MUST NOT BE PUT IN THE BALIKBAYAN BOX. PERISHABLES LIKE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE, FRUITS, VEGETABLES, CHEESE AND ITEMS THAT NEED REFRIGERATION MUST NOT BE SENT THROUGH BALIKBAYAN BOX. THESE WILL SPOIL DURING THE LONG TRANSIT TIME.
DO NOT SEND ANY ITEM THAT WILL EXPIRE IN 6 MONTHS OR LESS.UNDECLARED ITEMS WILL RESULT IN CONFISCATION.
SNEAKING ANY PROHIBITED ITEMS WILL RESULTS IN HEAVY FINES AND LEGAL PROBLEMS FOR BOTH SENDER AND RECIPIENTS.
DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE, DO NOT USE PAPER TAPE, DO NOT USE ROPE
HOW TO PREPARE AND PROPERLY PACK YOUR BOX
Plan ahead and make a packing list as you pack your box. You will need 3 copies one for you, one goes on top of your box (custom inspection) and one for the carrier company (insurance purpose).
DECLARE EVERY ITEMS IN YOU BOX(ES). DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.
LIMIT 12 PIECES PER EACH ITEMS PER EACH BOX YOU SEND IN THE PHILIPPINES TO AVOID PAYING TAX DUE.
When you are ready to send your box call: 1 855 SEND BOX (736 3269)
PREPARE YOUR BOX
(1) Select a double wall standard size 5 cubit ft. / 6 cubit ft box that is thick and sturdy enough to withstand the long trip by land and ocean.
(2) Check the box manufacturer's strength certification printed on the bottom of the box. Take note of the gross weight limit which tells you how much the box can safely carry without falling apart. For safety and security, it is best to keep your box under 100 lbs.
(3) Put a plastic liner on the box before putting anything on it. This will protect your items from getting wet.PACK AND CUSHION THE CONTENTS OF YOUR BOX
Make a list of all the items you are going to send. Make 3 copies (one for you, one goes in the box, and one for the carrier company.)
Label each items with the names of recipients to avoid confusion when sending multiple recipients sharing the same box.
Canned goods and heavy items must be distributed evenly within the box to avoid concentrating too much weight on any particular part of your package.
Avoid putting soap and other items with strong odors near
chocolate and bakery products which would absorb these odors and affect
their quality. Put chocolate bars in hard boxes or canisters to provide
additional protection from melting and being compressed by other items
in the box.
Sturdy, unbreakable containers with leak proof seals must be used for all liquid items. These in turn should be wrapped in a material that could absorb all possible leakage and then placed in a plastic bag to prevent damage to the other items in your package in case of leakage.
Wrap breakable items such as glass and ceramics in plastic bubble wrap. Towels, sheets, or pieces of clothing are NOT acceptable alternatives as these do not absorb shock. Pack in a smaller separate boxes before adding them to your balikbayan box. As a precaution, shipping "peanuts." shredded paper, foam or fiberboard inserts may be placed between each item to separate and stabilize them.
Breakage of such items are not covered by insurance and forwarder company.
AVOID packing FRAGILE and HEAVY ITEMS TOGETHER.
ELECTRONICS AND SMALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES NEED TO BE IN ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER'S BOX WITH THE STYROFOAM PADDING TO PREVENT MOVEMENT DURING TRANSIT. IT MUST BE DECLARED TAXES AND DUTIES PAID FOR AND VALID COPY OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASED RECEIPT PROVIDED FOR THE FORWARDER.
CLOSE AND SEAL YOUR PACKAGEMake sure that all items are stable inside the box.
Put the packing list on top so that it will be the first thing that the recipients will see when they open the box.
Be careful not to overfill the box as not to distort its shape and make sure the that the flaps meet when you close it (if they don't meet it consider over packed). Bulging or "buntis" boxes not only will cost you extra charges ($25 per cubic feet), they are prone to being damaged.
Choose 2 inch or 3 inch wide clear tape to seal your box. Duct tape is not advisable to use because it has a tendency to lose its glue when it is humid. If you use duct tape double it with clear packaging tape.
Seal all the seams and flaps, top and bottom.MARK AND LABEL YOUR BOX
Use permanent waterproof marker. P.O. BOX IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Write sender's name and address correctly and clearly. Write recipient's name, address and phone nos. correctly and clearly. Do not write the information on the package tape as this might be erased during handling.
Make sure that the information that you write on the box matches that which is written on the bill of lading (invoice receipt).