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,
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