Balikbayan Box

1. What is a balikbayan box

The Filipino word "balik" means "come back", and "bayan" means "town". "Balikbayan" pertains to a Filipino who just came back from abroad. Usually, they pack their personal effects in a corrugated box container. Typical dimensions of balikbayan boxes are 20x20x20, 17x20x23, and 24x24x24 inches. Because of weight restrictions in airlines, these boxes are better shipped by sea. Though it usually takes about 4 weeks before arrival, it is a very cost-effective alternative to shipping by air.

Balikbayan box is a tradition for Filipinos overseas. Philippines is too far away and expensive to visit regularly. Sending packages to their families, relatives and friends at home is another way of keeping them close to their hearts.

Balikbayan boxes

These links may provide more thorough explanation:

2. How to pack a Balikbayan Box

1. Estimate the volume of the stuff to be shipped to find out how many (empty) will be needed.
2. Prepare the things to be shipped. Secure liquid containers (drinks, lotion, shampoo, etc.) by taping the caps and putting them in a plastic bag. Use bubble wrap or soft clothings to secure breakable items.
3. Get your box(es) from your favorite cargo forwarder or from a nearby Asian store. Some cargo forwarders give boxes away for free. Of course, they expect you to ship it to them. Some cargo forwarders charge a few dollars on the box, but would credit back the same amount on the shipping charges.
4. Write clearly the complete name and address of consignee.
5. Assemble the box, tape its bottom, and reinforce the seams with 2" wide tape. Avoid using duct tape as it's not suitable for this task. They sometimes disintegrate in higher temperature.
6. A garbage bag may be used as lining.
7. Neatly arrange your things in the box. Keep the fragile things in middle and cushion with soft blankets or towels.
8. Enclosing a list of contents (or a packaging list) with their corresponding name of recipients may be a good idea. Keep a copy in case a need arises (insurance purposes).
9. Seal it properly. Tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2” wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine because they get caught in mail processing equipment.
10. Call your favorite cargo forwarder and have it picked up, or drop off at your favorite cargo forwarder.
11. Track it through nasaanna.com.

Weight limits

Though cargo forwarders say they don't have weight limits, they don't mean it literally. The carton boxes are designed up to a certain capacity. If you exceed that capacity, the box may break and spill its contents.

If a regular Filipino guy cannot lift your box, it must be too heavy. If it is too heavy, the carriers may drop it by accident and break the contents. The box may even break open exposing the contents.

Make it a pleasant business transaction. Many of them work really hard to keep up with the schedule. Give appropriate tip ($) when situation calls for it, like when a carrier has to go up/down a flight of stairs. Unreasonably heavy boxes causes back-pains to the carrier. Keep them happy by keeping your boxes in reasonable weight. They will make you happy, too, by taking good care of your box.

Bottom line: DON'T SKIMP - distribute the load to multiple boxes and have peace of mind. Besides, the cost of shipping is usually much less than the value of the shippment (you can't really put a price tag on the smile it will bring to the face of the recipient). It will illiminate your chance of complaining (for pilferage) you may have caused in the first place.

3. What not to put in the box

1. Cash, money order, traveler's checks, negotiable instruments in bearer form
2. Jewelries, precious stones
3. Electrical appliances(microwave oven)
4. Perishable items
5. Lews, obscene or pornographic materials
6. Gambling paraphernalia
7. Industrial carbons
8. Communication equipment
9. Computers, communication equipment
10. Motor vehicle parts
11. Drug
12. Hazardous materials:
Explosives/ammunitions/firearms/guns
Flammable or Toxic Gases
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable Solids
Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides
Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances
Radioactive Materials
Corrosives
Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

4. How to choose the right forwarder

5. How long it takes for the balikbayan box to reach its destination

Typically, the journey of the balikbayan box is broken into 3 segments:

First segment of the trip is when the balikbayan box is dropped off or picked up by the cargo forwarder. They are then consolidated with other shipments, sometimes with shipments from other cargo forwarders, and stuffed in container vans. The time it takes for the first segment mainly depends on when the box was picked up and when it was sent for consolidation. Depending on the season, volume of shipments, and/or carriers, cargo forwarders usually ship once a week.

The second segmet of the trip is when container vans (containing the balikbayan boxes) leave the U.S. port en route to the Philippine port. Again, depending on the carrier, some of them stops in other countries while many of them goes directly to the Philippines.

The final segment of the trip is when the balikbayan box is finally delivered to the consignee. It also depends on how far is the destination from cargo forwarder's warehouses in the Philippines. Weather condition is also a factor to consider.