Balikbayan box shipping? Cost and how long does it take?
By Jacobus1919
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
Philippines
November 29, 2010 5:42am CST
Well, I am thinking about asking my uncle buy stuff for me from The United States. And the cheapest way to send here by bulk is I heard via - Balikbayan box. Anyone here has experience? Please do share which company did you guys use? And how much do they charge and how long did it take for your guys to get it?
5 responses
@angelic123 (1108)
• United States
30 Nov 10
We are regular customer of Star Kargo it is a balikbayan box from ABS-CBN, It takes 20-32 days if you are from Luzon.It only cost 55 dollars and there is no weight requirement.
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Ah, I heard about the Star Kargo too. I am in the Visayas. I also asked my parents about it and they told me price ranges from a hundred bucks to a little more. Gets delivered or ready for pick up around 3 to 4 weeks after. So, it ain't that long.
@angelic123 (1108)
• United States
30 Nov 10
I think it is 65 dollars to Visayas or 75. My mother's friend always sends box to his family there.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
3 Dec 10
My Auntie from the US will be coming home for good in the Phils., hence she is little by little sending her things thru boxes. It arrives after 2 months at the most because it was maybe the cheapest freight there is.
However, if it will be sent thru LBC it will take at least 45 days, and the price is according to the size of the box. This was according to my cousin who always send us balikbayan boxes thru LBC .
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
3 Dec 10
Yeah I heard about LBC. My parents suggested I ask my uncle as well. Since, my parents shop online and just have my uncle send it via balikbayan box. They claimed 3-4 weeks.
@Zaphan (710)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
I guess it depends on the weight of the box, it will take 30 days I guess before it arrives.
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
I heard though, weight does not matter as long as everything fits perfectly. 30 days is not that bad. Plus a little bit of anticipation is also good.
@TheAdvocate (2392)
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
It depends on what state your uncle will send the balikbayan. If he is in LA, look for a Filipino store. They usually sell balikbayan boxes. Most also ship to the Philippines and the rates will depend whether its air or ship. It's cheaper by ship, depending on the weight. My mother used Johnny Air Cargo but that was a long time ago. FedEx is the most expensive so far.
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
3 Dec 10
Well, he is living in California. Well, for one Johnny air is a forwarder and not a balikbayan box shipper. Johnny air is expensive. 7$ for 1 lbs is over there up high. Fed ex is actually a lot cheaper if you are shipping by bulk, the only problem with FEDEX is the tax.
@d2ethcano (22)
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
Yes, it's true that it is much cheaper to spend and send via balikbayan boxes.
but you should ask your uncle which forex company do they often use, whenever they would send some boxes in the P.I. if ever. Are they living there? My Relatives in Arkansas, uses ABS-CBN forex company for almost 5 years now. The cost will depend on the size of the box, from Jumbo, XL, Large, Medium & Small sizes. the span of time depend also on the time frequency of the network... but mostly it will take you 10-12 weeks minimum and up to 16-18 weeks maximum, if you lived in Mindanao.
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Thank you for your response. But, I asked some people I know personally they said takes 3-4 weeks. 16-18 weeks is like 4 months. I think as well a max of 100$ per box if I am not wrong. Please do correct if I am.
