Sea Cargo Balikbayan Boxes
Balikbayan sea cargo services are widely used by Filipinos abroad to send goods, personal items, and gifts back home to the Philippines. The word “balikbayan” comes from “balik” (return) and “bayan” (home or country), referring to the practice of Filipinos returning home with boxes of goods for their families. These services are cost-effective and typically cater to larger shipments, packed into “balikbayan boxes..
Key features of Balikbayan sea cargo services include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Sea cargo, while slower than air freight, is much cheaper, making it ideal for large shipments.
- Door-to-Door Delivery: Most services offer a hassle-free door-to-door delivery, picking up the boxes from the sender’s home and delivering them to the recipient’s address in the Philippines.
- Flexible Packing: Customers can fill the boxes with almost anything, from household goods, clothes, and electronics to food items.
- Volume-Based Pricing: Pricing is often based on the size of the box rather than the weight, encouraging senders to maximize the space.
- Secure Shipment: Cargo companies ensure the safe handling of boxes during transit, often providing tracking options for peace of mind.
- Regulations: Items shipped in balikbayan boxes are subject to customs rules, although certain tax exemptions apply for personal use items within a specified value.
This service is essential for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and emigrants who want to maintain ties with their families back home by sending gifts and necessities. The process usually takes several weeks, depending on the location of the sender and the shipping company used.