Unless you're a Filipino or have close ties to Filipinos, you probably don't have a clue what I'm talking about when I mention anything about a balikbayan box. The word "balikbayan" is actually a combination word coined in the 1970s. "Balik" means to go back and "bayan" means home town or home country. So "balikbayan" is someone going back to their home country, but it only pertains to people going back to the Philippines.
Since I'm an American living in the Philippines, I become a balikbayan when I return after a trip to the US.
Balikbayan Boxes
Balikbayans normally bring pasalubong (gifts) to friends and relatives on return flights, but the term "balikbayan box" also refers to boxes shipped via cargo containers.
With the recent 50 pound limitation introduced by most airlines (to reduce fuel costs), bringing balikbayan boxes back with the airlines becomes less and less attractive. If your box is a single pound over the limit, you can be charged $50 (in US dollars) or more. This happened to my wife when she came back for her Philippines vacation.
Shipping Freight
Shipping freight via well-known cargo companies is becoming more and more attractive as time progresses. The cost of shipping each box can range from $100 to $125 (in US dollars). The advantage, however, is that there isn't a weight limit. You say you have a box that weighs 500 pounds? If they can get it on the truck that goes to the port, it isn't a problem. I'm exaggerating of course, but it's common to see boxes that weigh more than 100 pounds each headed to the ships.
In California, there are a lot of cargo companies. In Phoenix, there is only a handful. That handful includes Forex Cargo and Manila Forwarders. Some popular companies in southern California include those as well as LBC and Alpha Cargo. We prefer to use Forex Cargo.
Similar Articles:
- Information on Shipping Boxes to the Philippines
- Surprised by Forex Cargo
- Gift Giving In the Philippines with a Twist
- Philippine Airlines: The Best Airlines for International Philippines Travel
- Getting My Wife's Fat Ass Back to the Philippines
This article is published as: Balikbayan Boxes and Shipping Freight to the Philippines
it is very great site. nice to know that you have freight forwarders in your state, here, in where i am located isn't that as known as there. well, maybe because i might be able to know where..since i'm new here
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What to put in a Balikbayan Box?
Toothpaste (Colgate), Bed sheets (good quality is expensive locally), Pillows & bedding sets (can use space bags to shrink),Towels, Soap (Dove), Advil or Asprin, Vitamins, Spam, Rice, Velveta Cheese bricks (1 or 2 pounds) Peanut Butter, Jelly, Fluff, Heinz Ketchup, Mayoniase, tuna fish (solid alabcore),Chocolate (Heresey with almonds), Canned goods (beans, corn, split peas)Snickers, Coffee, Mag-Lite (Flashlight), Batteries (D or AA) American batteries last longer, Clothing (Levis, Polo shirts, Nike shirts, Car Wax, Dog treats, Dog Shampoo with flea and tick protection, Large trash bags (expensive locally), Ziploc bags assorted sizes, Hand Tools (Hammer, Screwdrivers, Wrenches) vice grips, Old English Furniture Polish Scratch Cover for Dark Woods, Electrical tape, Spot ties
Anything with liquid I always tape the lid tight overwrap and put in small trash bag in case of leaks.
Des anybody have some ideas or suggestions of what else you can put in a Balikbayan Box? I send about 2 a month and am running out of ideas for things to send?
Some of those items are cheaper if you live near Subic because Subic has no import taxes or VAT (duty free zone). Past the local radius, it become more expensive the further you're away from a major city.
It is definitely more economical to send through a balikbayan box company.
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I know most areas in the United States do not have door-to-door services to the Philippines. But If you live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and surrounding area, northern illinois, chicago you can send balikbayan box or boxes thru maharlikan forwarders http://www.maharlikan.net