Shipping Balikbayan boxes from the US to the Philippines

Boxes come in various sizes, contact LBC or Forex, Star Cargo. You can purchase from them or inside Seafood City.

Somewhere it is written only two boxes can be sent but I've sent more and never had it questioned.

You can put anything in the box if it will fit. I've always marked  nothing to declare.

All this information is available by calling your shipper and asking them

thanks bob.. appreciate the info..

also for your reference.

PH customs are currently cracking down on Balikbayan mainly for those "ukay ukay" sellers, from Google -  (Ukay-ukay is a term used both for the act of shopping by digging up piles of used or pre-loved clothes until one makes a good find. It also refers to retailers of secondhand clothes and accessories in the Philippines.)

So it really depends on how many boxes you are sending.

I recall there was a limit unless you are a returning OFW

Boxes size seems to differ country to country, mine was I think 24x24x38 give or take, it was the largest one they offered. I sent 12 from HK, this was 3 years ago.

foreigners sending stuff are not entitled to tax free unless you are relocating under a certain visa, one time deal. This may be overlooked if you are only sending some personal effects.

What I didn't know until last minute was they also have custom size boxes which they will take your item (large office chair, desk dismantled but over the height limit, 8 pieces of curtain rods that my wife loves from Ikea, Grandma's kitchen cabinet, etc) and wrap it for you. We did a price comparison buying new when arriving or shipping. Shipping was cheaper. You should ask about this if available.

As for what not to put inside, Anything Liquid is a NO, and I mean anything. This was told to me by LBC. Also anything of important or high value as they (don't quote me on this but as I recall) only insure up to the amount of the shipping fee.

thank you for that information

I moved using Balibayan boxes from HKG to the Phils 3 years ago. Filled out all the declaration forms fully and submitted them when the boxes were picked up. All boxes MUST be accompanied by a declaration form. Got the boxes delivered to the Metro Manila area in 3 weeks with no damage or customs charges.

Look for the cheapest rates from shippers that do regular runs to the Phils. When you buy the box, you are paying for the box along with the shipping charge. You can fill it with lead or feathers, same charge.

Be advised that the boxes will sit around at the port until they gather enough to fill one container. Shipping times will be affected by number of shipments & travel time along with processing by Customs upon arrival.

thanks steve.. I will be shipping from the States and probably have more than 2 boxes.. I'm trying to find some boxes larger than the 24x18x24 boxes.. I was told that was the largest... hummmm???

Does LBC still have flat rate and no weight limit for balikbayan boxes?

As far as I know there are no weight limits to the boxes.. however, I did hear that there may be a limit of how many boxes can be sent...   not sure if that is at "one time" or "multiple times"... if anyone can chime in on this subject it would be greatly appreciated.  Moreover, I have heard the each box can range anywhere from $70 to $120 per box.  I can't attest to that b/c I haven't done my shipping yet.. I'm still packing.... and still trying to find a balikbayan box larger than 24x18x24....

Jennifer Mansibang wrote:

Does LBC still have flat rate and no weight limit for balikbayan boxes?

As far as I know, ocean freight is calculated by cubic meters of shipment, and rate of that particular shipping line.

So yes, no weight limit for ocean, by weight is air cargo as fuel is a factor.

There are other factors where weight is a concern (tons) but we are talking shipping container/s.

You should really call your local LBC or balikbayan shipper instead of asking us as different countries varies. Best to get the word directly from the horses mouth as the saying goes 

tpiro wrote:

As far as I know there are no weight limits to the boxes.. however, I did hear that there may be a limit of how many boxes can be sent...   not sure if that is at "one time" or "multiple times"... if anyone can chime in on this subject it would be greatly appreciated.  Moreover, I have heard the each box can range anywhere from $70 to $120 per box.  I can't attest to that b/c I haven't done my shipping yet.. I'm still packing.... and still trying to find a balikbayan box larger than 24x18x24....

that is what is written in black and white, but enforced or not is another matter. They would have to go thru each box to check name and address of all boxes to see if you are over the 2x limit, or check the actual manifest.

As mentioned previously, they have only recently started doing this due to the high increase of online sellers and volume of ukay ukay being imported.

I have seen other carriers that also ship Balikbayan, but for the sake of ease. LBC is the biggest and they have been doing it for a long time. So chances are there's no hiccup while your boxes are in transit and going thru customs, so long as all your paperwork is in order. Other carriers you will have to take your chances, best is to ask a local Filipino/Filipina in your area what courier they use.

or in my case, I just talked to the band (Filipino) at my local bar.