ohanne said:
Need some advice...is it ok to send in advance balikabayan boxes with some personal effects such as comforters, some kitchen utensils and other staff. Would you know any cargo company that can do door to door to winnipeg? Just curious...
I looked into my inbox as I recall somebody asked me about this a few weeks ago and I am just re-posting here:
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Sadly, it is not "cheap" - you are importing "goods" as freight even if these are personal items into Canada - they fall under customs import rules. There are not a lot of freight-forwarders in Manila that import to Canada that handle low-cost shipping of personal items to Canada (or to NA). Mostly, you will find are international relocators/movers.
One of those who can ship (via balikbayan boxes) is http://manilaforwarder.com/imexport.html - it does show they can send to the US/Canada. Try contacting them.
Always ask how they handle items you intend to ship (i.e. comforters etc.) to see if import rules apply that require these items to be handled differently. Example (not in your case) - mattresses are not recommended to be shipped (some cargo forwarders actually prohibit them) due to regulations on fumigation and treatment (bedbugs). Also, food stuffs may require different handling (import rules on food shipments...)
If you want to look further or other options - try calling the freight forwarders near your area. If you are in Manila - the freight forwarders are located near the airport - try Skyfreight Bldg on Airport road, or check those in the Yellow-pages for comparison. It is generally cheaper to ship via ocean freight vs air cargo/air freight, but ocean freight take 2-3 months to arrive. And note some forwarders ship port to port only - meaning when the shipment arrives in Canada, you have to go to the customs to clear your shipment and then have them delivered. Some forwarders deliver to your address, but you still take care of customs clearance. Take note - not in advance - make sure you will be in Canada before these items arrive as you may need to clear them from customs.
Customs declaration - if good are to be imported into Canada - you need to fill-in Form B4 (pre-fill this up) and if you have a longer list - Form B4A. If you have a list from the importer, you can use that instead of B4A and just check on Form B4 - Additional list of Goods - "Mover's Inventory" or "Other". At landing, when asked at customs if there are goods to follow - say that you have items being shipped/items to follow. This means your B4 Form is not "closed" - as there are still items that have not arrived. And you will need the B4 form when you clear your shipment from customs.
../hth
