UMAC Shipping Rates
Before you pack a single item into your Balikbayan box, you need to know what it will cost to ship it. UMAC Express Cargo rates depend on three things: your origin country, the box size you choose, and the destination region inside the Philippines. This guide covers every factor, shows you verified rate tables from New Zealand, Singapore, and Edmonton, and explains how to get an instant quote from your local UMAC branch for Canada and the USA.
This website is not affiliated with UMAC Forwarders Express, Inc. Rates shown are for reference only and subject to change. Always confirm with your local UMAC branch before booking.
What Affects Your UMAC Shipping Rate?
There is no single flat rate for every box. UMAC Express Cargo calculates your shipping cost based on four factors working together. Understanding them upfront means no surprises when you get to the counter.
UMAC Box Sizes — Dimensions and Empty Box Prices
UMAC Express Cargo provides two standard Balikbayan box sizes. You can purchase empty boxes directly from your local UMAC branch or order them online through branches like UMAC New Zealand via umaccargo.co.nz/shop.
| Box Type | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Best For | Empty Box Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Box | 23″ × 20″ × 23″ | Clothes, shoes, canned goods, household items | ~$10–$15 (varies by branch) |
| Regular Box | 23″ × 20″ × 17″ | Smaller loads, documents, mixed items | ~$10 |
| Small Box | Varies by branch | Documents, personal care, light goods | ~$5 |
Tip: Always double-strap your box with polyester cord before handover. Some branches like UMAC Edmonton apply strapping at the counter at no extra cost — confirm with your branch.
UMAC Shipping Rates from New Zealand to Philippines (2025)
The rates below are sourced directly from UMAC Cargo New Zealand’s official website at umaccargo.co.nz and apply to shipments from the Greater Auckland area (North Auckland to Albany, West Auckland to Hobsonville, South Auckland to Papakura). All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
Jumbo Box (23″ × 20″ × 23″) — NZ Rates
| Destination in Philippines | Rate (NZD) | Provinces / Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | NZ$160 | Manila, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, and all NCR cities |
| Luzon A | NZ$160 | Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, Pampanga, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales |
| Luzon B | NZ$165 | Abra, Aurora, Albay, Baguio, Benguet, Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Camarines N/Sur, Ilocos N/Sur, Isabela, La Union, Mt. Province, Pangasinan, Quezon Province, Sorsogon |
| Visayas | NZ$170 | Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Aklan, Capiz, Eastern & Western Visayas |
| Mindanao | NZ$175 | Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga, Butuan, Cotabato, all Mindanao provinces |
| Islands | NZ$170 | Alabat, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro, Palawan |
Regular Box (23″ × 20″ × 17″) — NZ Rates
| Destination in Philippines | Rate (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Metro Manila | NZ$130 |
| Luzon A | NZ$130 |
| Luzon B | NZ$135 |
| Visayas | NZ$145 |
| Mindanao | NZ$150 |
| Islands | NZ$145 |
Rates apply to the Greater Auckland boundary only. Outside that boundary, additional surcharges may apply. Contact UMAC Cargo NZ at 0508 862 269 or visit umaccargo.co.nz for your exact pickup zone rate.
UMAC Shipping Rates from Canada and USA
UMAC Canada and UMAC USA branches do not publish fixed sea cargo rates publicly because pricing varies by season, fuel surcharges, and promotional periods. The best approach is to call your nearest branch directly for a current quote.
| Branch | Contact Number | |
|---|---|---|
| UMAC Toronto | (416) 298-1274 | forex_toronto@yahoo.ca |
| UMAC Vancouver / Delta | (604) 759-8622 | umacvancouver@yahoo.ca |
| UMAC Edmonton | (587) 520-8605 | umacedmonton@yahoo.ca |
| UMAC Calgary | (403) 452-8622 | umaccalgary@yahoo.ca |
| UMAC Winnipeg | (204) 788-4539 | umacmb@yahoo.ca |
| UMAC Los Angeles | (866) 588-8622 | — |
| UMAC West Covina (CA) | (909) 263-1987 | umacwestcovina@gmail.com |
| UMAC Phoenix, Arizona | (623) 308-9262 | — |
Note: Sea cargo from Canada or the USA typically takes 6–8 weeks to the Philippines. A general per-pound rate of approximately $7.50/lb has been cited for USA shipments, but this changes frequently — always confirm directly with your branch before booking.
UMAC Air Cargo Rates
UMAC air cargo is charged per kilogram, not per box. This makes it better suited for small, urgent, or high-value shipments rather than bulky Balikbayan boxes. Here is what you need to know before choosing air over sea.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rate (general estimate) | Approximately $2.00–$5.00 per kg (varies by origin) |
| Minimum chargeable weight | 40 kg — even if your box weighs less, you are billed at 40 kg |
| Transit time | 3–14 business days depending on origin country |
| Express air (USA/Canada) | 3–5 business days |
| Best for | Documents, medicine, electronics, urgent items |
| Not ideal for | Bulky Balikbayan boxes — sea cargo is far cheaper per kilo |
For confirmed air cargo rates, contact the UMAC Marikina head office directly at (+632) 8-470-7872 or email customerservice@umaccargo.net.
Sea Cargo vs Air Cargo — Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Sea Cargo | Air Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Charged per box — most affordable for large loads | Charged per kg (min. 40 kg) — expensive for heavy boxes |
| Transit time | 4–8 weeks depending on origin | 3–14 business days |
| Best box size | Jumbo or Regular Balikbayan box | Small loads, documents, single parcels |
| Tracking updates | May pause for weeks during ocean transit | Frequent updates throughout |
| Customs handling | UMAC handles all Philippine customs clearance | Same — UMAC handles clearance |
| Ideal for | Clothes, shoes, food, household goods | Medicine, electronics, urgent documents |
So, sea cargo is the best option for sending a full Balikbayan box — because the flat per-box rate makes it dramatically cheaper than air once your box exceeds 20–25 kg. Air cargo only makes financial sense for small, urgent, high-value shipments where time matters more than cost.
Tips to Keep Your UMAC Shipping Cost Low
Frequently Asked Questions — UMAC Shipping Rates
1. How much does it cost to ship a Balikbayan box with UMAC?
It depends on your origin country, box size, and Philippines destination. From New Zealand, a Jumbo box to Metro Manila costs NZ$160. From Canada and the USA, call your local UMAC branch for the current rate as these are not published publicly.
2. Does UMAC charge by weight or by box?
Sea cargo is charged per box, not per kilogram — so it does not matter how heavy your Jumbo box is, the rate stays the same. Air cargo is charged per kilogram with a minimum of 40 kg chargeable weight.
3. Are UMAC shipping rates the same for all Philippine provinces?
No. Rates are zoned by region. Metro Manila and Luzon A are the cheapest zones. Mindanao is the most expensive due to longer domestic transport. Remote islands like Palawan and Masbate fall into a separate Islands zone with a mid-range surcharge.
4. How much does an empty UMAC box cost?
A Regular empty UMAC box costs approximately $10 and a Small box costs approximately $5 from your local branch. An additional $2 delivery fee may apply if the empty box is delivered to your location. Prices vary slightly by country.
5. Do UMAC rates change without notice?
Yes. UMAC Express Cargo reserves the right to change rates without prior notice due to fuel surcharges, vessel schedule changes, or seasonal demand. Always confirm the current rate with your local branch on the day of booking, not just when you plan to ship.
Rates last verified: 2025. NZ rates sourced from umaccargo.co.nz. Canada and USA rates available directly from local branches. For the UMAC Marikina head office: (+632) 8-470-7872 | customerservice@umaccargo.net
