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!

I've had bad experiences with LBC starting with the balikbayan boxes I sent from New York to the Philippines. The agent who took my two boxes did not replace them, saying I have to book again for pick up just so he could deliver the replacement boxes to me even if I don't have any for pick up. The 1st of the 2 boxes which was bound for Mindanao arrived after more than 3 months from the date it was taken from my apartment. Worse, the 2nd box which was bound for Cebu City was delivered close to 4 months! And that was after I made about 4 follow up calls to their toll free number! Up to now I still didn't get the replacement boxes as I don't want to make a phony booking just so the agent could deliver my replacement boxes.

My other bad experience directly involves my son through his wife but I was indirectly involved as well since my daughter-in-law asked for my help in following up the box. My son sent some clothes and important documents via LBC the day before he went on training for officers during which they wouldn't be allowed to use communication devices in the course of their training which runs for many months. Allegedly, the box was delivered but the delivery agent claimed he couldn't get hold of the consignee as well as locate the address. As a result, said box was allegedly turned over to LBC Charitable Foundation & could no longer be retrieved. I called the toll free # to complain and after many follow up calls & several days after, LBC was "able" to retrieve the box. The thing is, my daughter-in-law has to pay again another shipping fee of the same amount as the original shipping fee for it to be sent to the consignee. In effect, she was paying twice for that one box! Worse, this time, the box will have to be picked up at the LBC office nearest to the consignee and not delivered. Talk about double hassle, unnecessary additional expenses and inconvenience! If the delivery agent has used due diligence the first time, these could have been avoided. He could have sent an email and text message to the consignee if he couldn't be reached by calls and they could have agreed on the best time to deliver. Also, the consignee said he has received several packages from other couriers and even LBC in the past at the same address so he couldn't understand why the delivery agent said that the address, which was accurately written, did not exist?
When my daughter-in-law tried to follow up at LBC Taguig, she said she was mocked and felt disrespected. I think LBC needs to overhaul and improve their set up and system as well as retrain and periodically evaluate its staff if it wants to stay competitive!