When it comes to finding the right freight forwarders, I guess I’m lucky to get recommendations from the pioneers, the people who came before me in Canada.
The first freight forwarder company that I’ve tried was Forex Alberta.
Second was Jenrich Fast Cargo. I’m availing the service of the latter for a long time and made me think that I should go back to Forex Alberta and see if my box would arrive faster.
My balikbayan boxes usually arrive in Manila within three months.
By switching again, I hope my family can look forward to getting the box within two months. I’ll be sending the box three months before my vacation in the Philippines so I would only drag a medium luggage and a backpack.
What I Like About Forex Alberta
Forex Alberta is located in Edmonton and Calgary (two locations in Southeast). From what I can remember, I didn’t have any bad experience with their service.
My balikbayan boxes arrived in the Philippines from Canada within two months. The cost of shipping is competitive among other freight forwarders in Calgary.
I tried Jenrich Fast Cargo because someone recommended it to me. And I might try other freight forwarders in the future because that’s just me. I like trying new things.
Related Post
As Mel Robbins said “Assume good intent.”
I assume that my boxes would arrive in its destination regardless of duration. It’s risky and costly.
Our beloved mixed-breed aspin might not get his biscuits and stuff toy. My mom can’t enjoy her flavoured oatmeal.
And I might get stress trying to find a solution or at least get any compensation (if there is) for a loss balikbayan box. There’s no point of counting the hours I spent hunting for grocery deals and packing. No need for that.
Let’s go back to reality. All I have so far, are good memories of how my family like the jam and Hellman’s mayonnaise. Just when I thought I was the only one who generously indulge my bread with spread.
Where to Find Forex Alberta
Forex Alberta
Website | Facebook
Edmonton Main Office
16722-113 Avenue, NW Edmonton, AB T5M 2X3
Email: efollowup@forexcargodeals.com
Tel: 780.468.2822 / 780.468.1333
Office Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Calgary Main Office
328-39th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1X6
Email: cfollowup@forexcargodeals.com
Tel: 403-399-2912 / 403-399-2553 / 403-873-6739 / 403-243-2912
Office Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hong Kong International Market Office
3215 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2A 0R1
Email: cfollowup@forexcargodeals.com
Tel: 403-399-2912 / 403-399-2553
403-873-6739 / 403-243-2912
Office Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
New clients of Forex Alberta can buy a balikbayan box from the offices mentioned above.
If you are in Calgary, the boxes are also available at R & G Convenience Store, one of the convenience stores in Calgary. I bought a balikbayan box (24x16x18) for $7.50 which is a fair price for a medium size box.
Some of you might have known that I prefer to send small balikbayan box than a regular (biggest) size as part of my minimalism journey and saving/investing.
When my family move to a new house, I used a regular box to send household necessities like stainless cookware, towels, and utensils. I bought most of the items at IKEA, Walmart, Superstore, and Dollarama.
Depending on the needs, I will switch from a regular to a small box and vice versa every now and then.
It’s the thought that count isn’t it? And sardines with olives and olive oil. Do you even like olives?
Balikbayan Box Shipping
The cost of shipping balikbayan boxes from Calgary and Edmonton is the same.
Drop Off Price Manila
- Regualar box: $65.00
- Balikbayan box: $55.00
- Tipid bulilit box: $35
You can schedule the pick-up date by calling the office. Box replacement is free.
The shipment dates are announced on Facebook. Track online the location of the box using the invoice. I haven’t seen this kind of feature in other freight forwarding companies.
Other Services
- Remittance
- Travel and tour
Related Post: Send Money to the Philippines Online or Remittance Agents
I haven’t tried booking a flight through a travel agency. Flighthub gets the job done in finding cheap flight deals. And for remittance, Remitly is my latest favourite. It allows me to send money online to the Philippines using an app while benefitting from low fee and competitive exchange rate.
Forex Alberta Office in Manila
Address: 538 MRR Road, Manila Mahogany Compound, Manggahan, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: (632) 748-1229 / (0917) 5481-224
Contact Person: Jessie James B. Lugtu (President and Gen. Manager)
Resource: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
How Long Did It Take for the Boxes to Arrive in the Philippines
Update: From January to March 2019, it took two months for my balikbayan box to arrive in Manila from Calgary. In my experience, it is the fastest shipping ever since I started sending boxes from Canada.
The duration might be longer for the shipping if the destination is in the province or there’s new policy in the customs (forces of nature, forbid it) causing delay. How long did it take for your family to receive the boxes? Share it in the comment.
Final Thoughts
You’ve likely heard horrifying stories of boxes getting lost somewhere but there are also happy endings if you pick the right forwarding companies.
Based on my experience, I can only say good feedback about Forex Alberta. If your story is different from mine, share it in the comment.
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