DTI issues warning on fly-by-night freight forwarders

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued yesterday a warning on fly-by-night freight forwarders this Christmas season.

Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida C. Maglaya warned the public not to deal with freight forwarders and consolidator’s agents not accredited by the DTI- Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB).

"Unaccredited freight forwarders are responsible for cases of undelivered cargoes, pilfered and delayed release of balikbayan boxes," Maglaya said.

The PSB reported that about one-third of the total number of shipping and freight-related complaints it receives involved delayed delivery of balikbayan boxes.

From January 2004 to August 2005, 16 out of 53 complaints involved non-delivery and lost cargo because they were handled by unregistered forwarders and consolidator’s agents and disreputable forwarders.

The PSB has received complaints from shippers based in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries for non-delivery of their balikbayan boxes.

To prevent loss of cargo, PSB Director Pedro Vicente Mendoza advises the following: book balikbayan packages with legitimate companies and not with individuals posing as agents of freight forwarders; check the profile of sea freight forwarding companies and their legitimate Philippine counterpart with the PSB. Verify airfreight forwarders with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB); Ask for transport documents such as the Bill of Lading (B/L)/House Bill of Lading (HBL) in addition to the receipt for charges paid; Prepare and submit a packing list of items to be shipped with corresponding declared value and volume of cargo, if applicable; Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to final destination by constant communication with the forwarding company. Ask the forwarder to furnish you with the shipping line, voyage number, container number, estimated time of departure/arrival and delivery of cargo; ascertain that the freight forwarder has adequate insurance coverage; advise your consignee to check cargo with the Philippine agent even before the estimated date of delivery.

"PSB-accredited cargo agents and freight forwarders are shipper-service oriented and are capable of safe and secured cargo delivery," Mendoza said.

Consumers may call to complaint at (02)751-3304.

The PSB’s Quick Response Unit (QRU) assists in resolving shippers’ complaints related to sea freight packages and other shipping concerns.