A total of twelve US cargo forwarding companies are among companies blacklisted foreign forwarders and consolidators by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in its January 2015 update.
The list was compiled by the DTI based on complaints of undelivered and mishandled balikbayan boxes. Non-delivery of balikbayan boxes can be tracked to failure of foreign consolidators to remit a portion of fees collected from customers to Philippines-based couriers and freight forwarders.
“When necessary funds are not remitted to accredited Philippine agents or local freight forwarders, the shipment or the balikbayan boxes with the Bureau of Customs will not be released and will not be delivered to consignees or recipients,” according to Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba.
The eight companies blacklisted in the January 2015 update are:
- Shipping Express
- AAA Cargo Express Inc
- Aerosend
- Associated Consolidated Express (ACE)
- GV Gordian Feright
- Mabuhay Cargo
- Pentagon Cargo Inc
- Philippine Cargo International Inc
- Philippine Cargo Forwarder
- REN International
- South Atlantic Cargo
- Super Mama Cargo
The DTI is implementing an accreditation scheme for sea freight forwarding companies to ensure that only qualified firms can engage in such business.