For many months now, Filipino cargo forwarders have been receiving complaints from customers of delays in delivery and damaged conditions of their balikbayan boxes. Many of these problems are beyond the control of cargo forwarders, and are caused mostly by the strict inspections conducted by inspectors under contract with the Department of Homeland Security.

While we forwarders are alarmed by the delays and other problems caused by these inspections, we are aware that such inspections are necessary. A group of concerned Filipino freight forwarders is making representations with DHS and its private contractor to minimize delays caused by such inspections, but in the meantime we’ll just have to live with it and make necessary adjustments.

On Wednesday, September 26, 2012, I am scheduled to report to the Philippine American Shippers Association (PASA) on what we have done so far in our pursuit of a fairer deal from the Department of Homeland Security and its private contractor, Price Transfer, with regards the inspection of balikbayan boxes prior to their shipment to the Philippines.

As the founder and CEO of one of the biggest Filipino cargo forwarder in the United States, Atlas Shippers International, and as an active member of PASA, I have taken the initiative to make representations with the DHS and other government agencies and personalities who can help the balikbayan box industry cope with the problems brought about by the improper handling of inspections conducted by Price Transfer on behalf of DHS.