Manila Forwarders

I am glad that I used Manila Forwarder in my balikbayan box shipment to my relatives in Makati. I have been using this company since 2001 and I have been relatively satisfied with their service. I have had some minor delays on my packages sometime in 2015 but I learned that it was caused by the US Homeland Security inspections that plagued the balikbayan box shipping industry after the 9/11 incident. I learned that the company had a change of management sometime in 2013 to 2017. Now when I just sent my balikbayan box, I learned that it is now back under the original management and it looks like they are back in providing great services again. Of course, I am not expecting a lot for the price they are charging. Imagine that I used to send packages to Makati for around $300 and now I only pay about a quarter of it. I also understand the US Homeland inspection is for benefit. Not to mention of course the perineal traffic in the Philippines. I guess, I just have to adjust and send my balikbayan boxes earlier compared before. What is important is that they get delivered and intact. I told them that I am used to Manila Forwarder getting my balikbayan box package delivered in about a month. The Manila Forwarder customer service was honest and straight forward that balikbayan box shipment is subject to various factors that can delay the shipment time, like inspections, weather, flooding, traffic, among others. They also explained to me that I have the option to use their one-week service via airplane. Of course, it would cost a little bit but they guarantee a real fast delivery service. It makes sense that I get what I pay for. So I repacked my balikbayan box and used their one week service for the items that I need to have it there asap and sent the non-urgent items thru their regular balikbayan box service. They were true to their words and my relatives received their urgent package in one week's time and the non-urgent items in a little over a month. I give Manila Forwarder a 5 star. Thanks, more

I have been using Manila Forwarder twice a year since the late 1900's when they opened in Los Angeles, CA. Its kinda funny that I am preparing my package now that I did a quick search on them as their old building at Eagle Rock in Los Angeles is already closed and getting ready to be demolished for the construction of a new building. I called the old phone number and was able to talk to one of their employees who I remember to be with them for years. Yes they have moved to Northridge I was told but they still pick up all over California. I told them about some negative comments I saw online and they we're quick to tell me that those delays and opened boxes was brought by US Homeland Security inspections that is done randomly. Things in shipping have changed a lot and some people just do not realize the realities of shipping post 9-11. They said that they cannot do anything about those inspection complaints as no company is exempted from that. Well, I believe the girl employee that I talked to as I am a Law Enforcement Officer myself. The employee just ask me if I can share my thought online as some people took it to themselves to take it personally and maliciously malign the company online, even putting numerous websites just to complaints of the delays and opened packages not realizing that such is being done by USHS to protect the nation, I will still be a Manila Forwarder customer I do not mind those random inspections. I just have to send earlier than usual just in case my package get inspected. more

I thought sending packages to Philippines always takes a month. I used this company's air cargo services for just a slightly higher fee than balikbayan box but a lot lower than FedEx or UPS. They received the package intact in a week's time. The other thing that I like with this is I can send even just one pair of shoes, which what my niece is actually asking for. I recommend this Manila Forwarder to friends. more

I have been using Manila Forwarder for years. They are impressive. This company hires the best people in the Philippines. Yes. I actually call and email them and most of the time, I talk to their call center in Manila. Very courteous and well knowledged workers. I also noticed more improvements. I am talking to some new people now and they keep on getting better. Good job! Highly Recommended! more

I like this company in shipping to the Philippines as they provide the option of cheap ocean cargo and the faster air cargo. Their rates is also amazingly cheap compared to FedEX or UPS. They also offer optional insurance for a fee. My packages were received in good condition and delivered by courteous guys. more

I advise those who will send their balikbayan box from Manila to the USA via Manila Forwarders NOT to put any important and valuable items in the box because mine took four (4) months before it arrived in Florida, USA. The good thing is the contents are complete, maybe because I only put used clothes, shoes, books, and bags in the box, nothing which is prohibited. When I inquired Manila Forwarders why it took so long to deliver, they said it was delayed at the US customs. The bad thing is the company does NOT guarantee how many days they will deliver the box, so we cannot make any claim. more

I advise those who will send their balikbayan box from Manila to the USA via Manila Forwarders NOT to put any important and valuable items in the box because mine took four (4) months before it arrived in Florida, USA. The good thing is the contents are complete, maybe because I only put used clothes, shoes, books, and bags in the box, nothing which is prohibited. When I inquired Manila Forwarders why it took so long to deliver, they said it was delayed at the US customs. The bad thing is the company does NOT guarantee how many days they will deliver the box, so we cannot make any claim. more

Don't use this freight forwarder. I had a package sent to them via courier last November 28, 2012 to be forwarded to Manila and the tracking shows it was received by a certain Kristine Sanchez. Until now (May 25, 2013) it still has not arrived. They don't respond to emails and if they do they will give vague answers like they are still looking into it. I have written off the item and just bought locally. I will never use this freight forwarder again. more

Very poor response to request. I requested that why there is "No Information Available" on the BBBox that was sent almost 4 weeks ago and was promised that the problem will be corrected, the Tracking Number was never logged in. It has been three days now since I talked to Dalton and Jasmine but still the tracking number is not yet logged in to their website. more

After 5:00 P.M., the contact number in Eagle Rock has its Mailbox always full!!! Don't waste time calling. more

We sent 4 packages last January 2 2013, all the packages got there March 20 2013. One package was opened and re-taped to close it again. It just so happens that this was the box with the cell phones and wrist watches. When this specific package was opened by my son, all the phone boxes were there but they were all empty, somebody took the phones (with all the accessories) and left the phone boxes inside of the package, that was nice (not really). By the way there was a roll of packaging tape left inside the package that says "product of the Philippines".I'm not pointing fingers at anyone for I was not there when these items were stolen. I contacted their customer service via e-mail and explained what happened. Let's just say that they are not the friendliest bunch of people. Instead of being sympathetic to their customers, they were kind of defensive, a little sarcastic and arrogant. Not even an apology or "i'm sorry that this has happened to you..........".I will admit that my e-mail was kinda strongly worded at the time for i was very aggravated about the situation. But if you're in a business where you deal with customers (angry or not) that you would have some kind of skill set to help resolve the situation and not aggravate their customers any further. At this time nothing has been resolved yet. I'm sure that whoever will respond to this from this company will give the whole shpill about how their company follows all the rules and regulations and their customer service will never talk to their customers or that they can't find any record of this incident or transaction. Long story short is that it happened and nobody seems to care. PS. They tried to blame it on US customs, which I find hard to believe. more

To date our box has not yet arrived in Manila !! It's been 80 days and still in the waiting game!!! Never ever will send box thru them!!! more

If I could give no stars, I would definitely do it. I never really give reviews. But readers and future customers from this shipping company should be aware of this. I got my package from sender and some items are missing! Especially the important ones which are DSLR Cameras, cellphones and more! These were inside a tupperware box and the whole thing are missing including the chargers. Please, Do not trust this company! We've been using this courier for a few times already and this is what we get? For constant customers, Do not wait for the time that you'll feel the same way as we are feeling right now! EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED! And for those who are thinking on using this as your courier, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. Please be aware. more

after dealing with this company for several years Im calling it quits. Their customer service is the worst Ive ever dealt with. and 10 weeks to get to manila? i could swim faster than that. they wont return phone calls,,emails,,and their voice mail is always full. the service was good years ago, but if u want to send a box to Phils now u better look somewhere else, this company SUX and forget trying to track your box on their web site,,it hasnt been updated for months. more

They lied & lied & lied about the status of the shipments(about 20 times overall). When they did deliver 2 months late, 30% of all items in the boxes had been stolen by their own employees. Company owner Manuel Paez doesnt bother to answer emails. Their insurance company have so far turned out to be "spin doctor's" too. There are 4 OTHER dishonest things they do that I havent even mentioned here. Dont even consider using this DEADBEAT company. The owner is a criminal who has not yet been imprisioned. more

I am happy that I discovered Manila Forwarder. Now I can shop on line and they consolidate, pack, custom clear, and deliver my items to my door in Makati. Highly recommended. more

Sent two boxes Sept. 3, to Pampanga (paid extra). It took countless phone calls to the manila office and a bribe to the driver to get the boxes delivered at midnight after 52 DAYS. Definitely the last time I would use this company. Was loyal for 5+ years, misguided. more

I have been looking for a company to ship my household goods from the Philippines to US as I am migrating back to San Diego, CA. I'm happy that I found this company. My furnitures and boxes was delivered to my house in Chula Vista without a hitch. Rates was also reasonable. Thank you Yasmin and Carlo of Manila Forwarder both in the US and in the Philippines. more

I am a US Peace Corps volunteer that is assigned in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. I am thankful to Manila Forwarder. I learned about Manila Forwarder when we received donations of books from Books For Peace organization based in Los Angeles. The non-profit organization, organized by Mike and Betty Halliwell, regulary sends books to the needy school children of the Philippine Islands. Books for Peace uses Manila Forwarder for their shipments to the Philippines. It takes more than a month for the package to get into this remote island but it gets here fine. Thank you Manila Forwarder and May God Bless you all! more

I am relocating back to the Philippines in a few months and found this review. Manila Forwarder is the only Filipino-owned company that I know that ships household goods to the Philippines. I have heard of stories and blogs about shipping with other US company that is not familiar with the Philippine shipping. At least with Manila Forwarder, most of their staff are Filipinos and they have their own office all over the Philippines. I personally went to their Los Angeles, CA office and see for myself this company and it appears very knowledgable and professional. I also checked their certificates of accreditation that is posted on thier office walls. I found the employees very friendly. Their Manager, Miss Arbulante, also a Filipina, is very accommodating and smart. I received a lot of pointers from her compared to other companies that I contacted before. I will ship my household goods with Manila Forwarder and I will give feedback afterwards. more