Highlight Express Balakbyan

Hi all

Before I start, I have run a search for this and come up with nothing so I feel safe in asking

Has anyone used or had experience with using Highlight Express?

The reason I am asking is because they offer a wooden crate which is a decent size as we have a number of items we need to take over.

Another question is; I have a iMac and want to take this over to the Phils...it has its original packaging. Would this be safe in a crate or better to take as luggage on the plane? The plane route seems risky due to baggage handling!!!

Suggestions welcome

Hi Matt, sorry can't offer any info on Highlight Express, but regarding carrying anything of high value , I will always carry in my hand luggage .

It may be worth mentioning , that many electrical gadgets , have batteries that are not allowed in "checked " luggage , and must be carried on board in hand luggage .

If it' Highlight Express freight international they have a Facebook page with 300 followers!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQICRAB&usg=AOvVaw0mW_-4eqzEadUUte_rOOvs

Im talking about a 27" iMac not a laptop (think small TV) also I have a 43" TV Im thinking about shipping also hence the large crate.

Mattecube...yes it is Highlight Express International...Ill check out their Facebook page. Thanks

Both the iMac and TV are too large for standard BB boxes. Not sure about Highlight Express, but LBC have a special service, box, for TV's. I certainly wouldn't risk putting either in checked luggage.

I would not bother taking a UK telly unless it is an exceptional dual-standard (NTSC as well as PAL) model and connects to external devices using HDMI and RCA connectors rather than SCART.

Dont put anything valuable in any balikbayan boxes. Its is not generally safe from customs officials who are doing ‘random checks’ on balikbayan boxes. They can even see cash that is inserted in some of the stuff. unlike LBC who has a dedicated counter (to fascilitate dtuff thru customs), small cargo companies’ stuff are under their mercy.

We must have sent at least 15 BB boxes over the past 3 years, using different companies. Never had a single thing go missing.

Lucky you!

I also never had any problem (back when i was in dubai) but i have a few friends who had stuff missing from their box (mostly shoes and electronic stuff like celfone and ipads).

I wouldnt chance it.

Highlight Express T&C...

1. Maximum liability $250 per package unless declared paid corresponding insurance premiums.

I'd ship it by crate but pay the insurance so you can replace it if the worst happens.

You'll probably be ok in a wooden crate but make sure you waterproof the electrical items as (this sounds ridiculous but it's true) sometimes you see the boxes just sitting there by the side of the ship... during a Force 10 gale etc...

I could attach a photo of one of my old sodden balikbayan boxes - but I'm sure you get the picture.

I have read a lot of bad stories regarding Balikbayan boxes.

Keeping an open mind we sent a couple a few years ago. The first went well. The second proved problematic in a way that was unacceptable, to the extent that we have not bothered since. An employee of the shipping agent diverted a number of boxes including ours via another agent, without informing us. This lead to a good number of weeks delay and required a number of phone calls to get to the bottom of the matter. For several reasons we felt we could not trust the system from then on.

What's the best cargo company you've tried?

I used Belwood, moved over last year and sent 14 boxes plus I sent more boxes in the past. Not one had any problems.

Thanks! I've seen that they already have sched per area. But none for Northeast

Never had a problem with any company we have used, but we have sent more boxes via LBC plus a separate box for a folding bicycle, so I would have to say LBC. they are probably the biggest shipper and courier company within Philippines. I have also had several mail orders from Lazada delivered by LBC, no problem.

my mrs uses pooten--all ok so far

Pooten are picking up 3 boxes from me, coming Monday.

Hopefully they will arrive intact.

I just love the name ... Pooten!

Probably appropriate... considering the amount of old crap in my boxes.