CBI Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q: I am worried about losing my purchases sent to CBI. What does CBI do to protect & secure packages? Are my online purchases I have sent to CBI insured?

  A: The CBI warehouse uses a 24/7 video monitoring security system. All received shipments (packages, skids, vehicles, etc) are FULLY INSURED — giving CBI customers peace-of-mind knowing that their valuable purchases are fully secured.
  Here is how insurance works: Your shipment is insured by carrier (UPS, Fedex, etc) until it arrives at CBI warehouse and signed for by CBI. Carrier will not leave items until signed for. Once CBI signs for shipment, CBI’s insurance policy covers your purchases until they are signed for by you at pick-up. CBI’s insurance covers FULL replacement costs.

• Q: How do I use my Canadian Credit Card to make US purchases? How can I purchase from online US retailers and have them ship packages to a US address that doesn't match my credit card's Canadian home address?

  A: Call bank that issued your credit card and make request to add a secondary address to your file (use CBI’s US Shipping Address). It is that easy, you can now use your Canadian credit card for US purchases. Another option is to open up a US banking account using CBI as your US mailing address. You will then be issued a US debit/credit card to use to make US purchases.

• Q: What payments do you accept?

  A: For customer convenience, CBI accepts ALL payment options including cash (US & Canadian), debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), traveler’s checks, & Paypal (online).

• Q: Are there any size limitation?

  A: There are NO size limitations — as long as it fits through our overhead door! Including but not limited to automobiles, motorcycles, furniture – nothing is too large . . . or too small.
  Popular fees:
  Skids: $27 to receive & additional $1.50 per night storage fee
  Cars (running): $100 to receive & additional $10 per night inside storage fee
  Cars (non-running): $150 to receive & additional $5 per night outside storage fee

• Q: What carriers do you receive packages from?

  A: We receive items including mail, packages, skids, etc. from any carrier, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, trucking companies, etc.

• Q: How long will CBI hold my packages before I am charged a holding fee?

  A: Storage is FREE indefinitely for all customers (registered, non-registered, renters, & non-renters). CBI does not charge a holding fee for parcels received including oversized packages (excludes skids & anything larger). This means you can consolidate your online purchases & pick them up at your convenience at anytime, without being charged. Many of CBI’s Toronto customers find this simple pay-per-package with no holding fees of great value. Non-registered customers must notify CBI via e-mail (send e-mail to info@cbiusa.com using Contact Us page) for any packages held after 3 months.

• Q: Can I have someone else pick-up my package(s) for me?

  A: Yes, as long as you send CBI an e-mail (send e-mail to info@cbiusa.com using Contact Us page) authorizing another person to pick-up your package(s). You will need to list the pick-up person’s first & last name and provide a list of specific packages for pick-up. You will also need to confirm pick-up date. The pick-up person will need to present photo ID which matches the name you include in e-mail. This policy will be strictly enforced to ensure items do not get into unauthorized hands.

• Q: Can I also receive US Mail including but not limited to Magazines & Catalogs?

  A: Yes, all registered CBI members who are assigned a Private Mailbox # also receive a physical mail box to receive US mail. Registration includes a USPS form authorizing CBI to receive your US mail. There are no mail receiving fees.

• Q: Do I need to register before having packages shipped to CBI?

  A: Registration is recommended, but not required. Some first-time users prefer to “try out” CBI’s service before registering. You can start using CBI’s US Shipping Address as your personal US Shipping Address & have purchases sent to CBI today, with or without registration.

• Q: How do I get a Private Mailbox # & password, so I can track my packages here on cbiusa.com?

  A: Visit the registration page and sign-up. Assigned Private Mailbox #s are limited to customers who receive a minimum of 12 packages per year OR who sign-up for annual membership. There are no additional fees to receive your own Private Mailbox #.

• Q: My UPS/Fedex tracking # shows delivery on a holiday closing day. Will carrier send back my package(s) if they can’t deliver?

  A: No, all carriers know CBI’s schedule & will make delivery on the very next opening day.

• Q: Is CBI's US Shipping Address considered a PO box? The seller will not ship to PO boxes.

  A: No, CBI’s US Shipping Address is a physical address, NOT a PO box. CBI receives items from private carriers every day (except Sundays), including UPS & FedEx, who will not deliver to PO boxes. For registered users, we assign you a Private Mailbox (PMB) number, not a Post Office (PO) box number, resulting in your own legitimate US Shipping & Mailing Address.

• Q: Does CBI have a loading dock?

  A: Yes, CBI has dock facilities & can unload any type of freight. We haven’t refused any freight in 25 years.

• Q: Does CBI offer USPS shipping services, in addition to UPS shipping services?

  A: CBI will be offering USPS shipping services in the near future.

• Q: An online retailer will not ship to package forwarding companies. How can I make purchase and have sent to my US address @ CBI?

  A: CBI can help. Please contact us by send e-mail to info@cbiusa.com using Contact Us page.

• Q: I just registered, can I use the service BEFORE submitting signed form?

  A: Yes, you can start using CBI’s service immediately. Please submit signed form at pick-up.

• 2012 holiday closings:

  Easter – April 6, 7, 8
  Memorial Day – May 26, 27, 28
  Independence Day – July 4, 5
  Labor Day – September 1, 2, 3
  Thanksgiving – November 22, 23, 24, 25
  Christmas – December 24, 25, 26
  New Years – December 31, January 1, 2

• Amerifriend definition:

  An American who lets a Canadian pal use his/her mailing address when shopping online, to skirt international shipping fees or restrictions, and then passes the item on by mail or in person.