Help
Questions, answered plainly
Packing
Why is the tape free — and should I use all of it?
Every box includes LVM PVC tape. Cover the bottom, sides and top. That adds strength, sheds rain, and makes theft visible because our tape is not sold in the Philippines. A broken box cannot be re-sealed with the same tape.
What is different about these cartons?
They are made in Germany and the Netherlands, with a special fibre and a double overlapping bottom (four layers under the load). Large and Extra Large are 9 mm thick.
How do I protect glasses, bottles and other breakables?
Pad well and keep the box square — no bulging sides. Seal bottles so they cannot leak. Items that do not fit a box can be crated in wood for an extra charge.
Shipping time
How long until the box arrives?
We do not promise a calendar day, because the ship and Philippine customs are not ours to command. Typical path: about a week for pick-up, ~5 days in Rotterdam, 6–7 weeks at sea, then 1–5 weeks for most last-mile deliveries after customs. Plan on 8–12 weeks.
Why do some companies sail cheaper, every few weeks?
Often they put your box in a shared container with cargo from other collectors. LVM only fills containers that belong to us. If you want to check who the real forwarder is, ask for a copy of the Bill of Lading.
How do I know a forwarder is a real company?
Look for a Dutch Chamber of Commerce registration as a company (not a private person), DTI registration in the Philippines, and a real Bill of Lading. Ours is KvK 92669263.
Loading and claims
Why was my box not on this sailing?
We order the container about a week ahead, when roughly 60% of the space is booked. Last-minute pick-ups and overstuffed boxes change how many pieces fit. Leftovers go on the next vessel — we tell you.
Who gets loaded first?
1) Boxes left from the previous sailing 2) Priority 3) First picked-up among website requests 4) Free promo boxes 5) Overstuffed or odd-shaped boxes last. Booking online is how you keep your place.
Something is missing from the box?
First ask the receiver whether the box was already opened. Then check terms §6.8. We have not lost a box; full LVM tape is the best protection and is required for a claim.
Paying
What exactly do I pay?
The website rate is all-in: box, tape, door-to-door and tracking. We collect €10 per empty box as a deposit when we deliver it; that amount is deducted from the shipping fee at pick-up. These services have no VAT/BTW.
How can I pay?
Netherlands: PIN, Mastercard, Visa, Amex or cash to the driver. Belgium and Germany: cash or a bank transfer two days before the appointment.