CHICAGO, IL – February 15, 2011 - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning consumers who are considering using a company operating as Shipping Express Philippines, 5009 N. Tripp Ave. in Chicago. A review of consumer complaints filed shows a pattern of consumer allegations. Since August 11, 2010 - 33 complaints have been filed against this company and 17 of those complaints are currently pending.
Consumers allege that items sent through Shipping Express Philippines have not been received at their destinations. According to consumers, the company has provided no explanation regarding these delayed deliveries.
Consumers also allege that they have not been able to reach the company's offices in the United States and the Philippines. They claim the US phone number goes directly to a full voicemail box and there is no staff at the company's office to answer their inquiries. Additionally, consumers allege that calls to the company's office in the Philippines were answered by a third party who claimed the company had moved.
“Inquiries into freight forwarding increased 29-percent in the last 12 months,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.
John Dauz of Lombard stated, “I paid them $50 to ship six pairs of shoes to my family in the Philippines for Christmas. They were supposed to get there by November 10th. I called when they did not get there and they said the package was delayed in Customs. They said it would get there during the month of November. It did not get there and that was the last time they ever answered the phone.”
Nena Lazar of Arlington Heights said, “My aunt bought a house in the Philippines and moved there. I told her that I would ship her all of her things; all together they were probably worth $10,000. It was around 22 boxes. I also sent some gifts to the Philippines. Nothing ever got there and now when I call them their voice mail is always full.”
The BBB offers the following tips when shipping goods overseas:
· Have copies of all required documents. Each country has specific document requirements for international shipments, like a Bill of Landing which is issued by a carrier to a shipper listing a receipt of goods for transport and specifying the terms of delivery. Make sure you have filled out all the required forms and keep copies on file.
· Make an inventory list. You should create a detailed inventory of the items you are shipping, along with the value of the items.
· Ship your packages early enough to allow for shipping delays. Holidays are the busiest time of the year to ship packages and you should always expect delays. Always double check with the shipper that you are going to use about deadlines for shipping.
· How are you being charged? Determine if the shipment charge is done by weight or by cubic inch, as it may vary by company. Prices also vary whether you decide to ship via air or sea. Determine what best meets your needs and budget before making a decision.
Additional things to consider when sending a package abroad include the issuance of a tracking number, delivery confirmation and insurance.
For more information on shipping goods overseas visit, www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.