Levy Z.

I did a separate experiment on air couriers and delivering packages to my father who now lives in Zambales, Philippines. I went to FEDEX, but they cautioned that I would need to handle whatever expenses they may require once the package gets to Philippines, I believe this is the Import tax, Lithium Batteries problems, questionable items, and a load of other custom related questions, which they do have. Although FEDEX was much faster, within 6 days it got to the FEDEX location near Zambales. Although it got there fast, they held it for about 6 more days because of the red tape, and other import, export taxes you may need to pay. However, at LBC, you will need to pay it here, in the United States (where I reside) and they check the items, which may delay your packages from getting to its' destination. The drawback regarding the tracking system of LBC is that it is not in real time, and there's a discrepancy where it will not refresh at all, unless those people at customer service department, here in the U.S., will fix the glitch, and give you updates, you must contact them if you see the glitches on their tracking system. I had to contact them through email, but that doesn't account for much, especially when you complain. They'll put your email in an automatic response, and now, you're communication method with them has decreased. Now, you need to contact them by phone, and explain the situation there. I told them, that the LBC package has not moved in San Francisco at all, and I am worried that it will not get there on time as promised (usually, within 7 - 10 days). Once I did this, my tracking automatically refreshed and it told me that the package was already there in Philippines. Therefore, the question still remains, should you use FEDEX or LBC? My take on this is, watch what you will send to Philippines, especially Lithium Ion batteries, and liquids. Also, do it in small packages instead of huge large boxes when doing air freight. Note, this is only air freight and not through ship cargo. Ship cargo will be another experiment and I will do it some other time. Also, air freight costs more for small packages, around seventeen pounds. This will cost you around $112.00 - $130.00 dollars. Don't forget the insurance, because sometimes the agent at the front desk will mark the box automatically without them asking you. You have to look at it from their perspective, the customs and people handling your package. If they see an insurance amount of 1,500.00$ versus, an insurance that costs 50.00$, then they may look at it, and you'll find some items missing. Just a reminder, if you're going to send it to a place where people can't even find the simple things in life, such as food, and items, you will find things missing. If you place it in a box with an insurance of 50.00$, then customs may only see it as invaluable items such supplements and items which they don't really need, and release it as quickly as possible. Note, this is in theory. My box had perishable stamped on the outside, and the lady who checked it in near Tully, San Jose, California, placed the insurance amount of only 50.00$, which I thought was questionable, but it got to its' destination within 7 days. 7 days! Let that sink in. So, it's up to you and how much you're willing to spend on air freight, and how fast you really need the package to get to Philippines. Overall, I think LBC, and other couriers are all questionable once it leaves the U.S. boundaries, and you have to be always persistent and vigilant regarding where it is, and call them if you feel that it's not going to make it to its' destination on time. So Track it, track it, and track it!