Extremely Poor Service by DMA Logistics. I strongly advise against using DMA Logistics based on our experience last year. Over the past 25 years, we've used several other shipping companies without any problems. This was our first time trying DMA Logistics because they are local and seemed convenient. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very poor decision.
We sent four tea chest-sized boxes - two with DMA Logistics to test their service, and two with another well-known company - nearly two months before our trip to Sri Lanka. The boxes sent with the other company arrived on time without any issues. However, the boxes sent through DMA Logistics arrived very late, just as we were about to return from our holiday.
To make matters worse, we were told we had to pay a customs charge of Rs 9,500 (around £24). We felt pressured to pay this without being given an official receipt or any proof from Sri Lankan Customs. Otherwise, the boxes would not be released. When the boxes finally arrived, they had clearly been opened and resealed with different tape, although the contents looked untouched. It gave the impression they were opened just to add extra charges.
We had only packed a mix of used personal items, some chocolates as gifts, a few coffee jars, and some cleaning products - all in reasonable amounts. We don’t believe these should have attracted any customs fees.
After we returned to the UK, my wife called DMA Logistics to ask for a proper receipt for the Rs 9,500 customs payment. We were told they could only provide a UK receipt and were unable to supply an official customs receipt from Sri Lanka. This seemed suspicious and made us question whether the charge was even genuine. If the fee was legitimate, there should be no issue providing proper paperwork from Sri Lankan Customs.
Based on our experience - and similar stories from friends and relatives - it seems that DMA Logistics uses dishonest methods to make customers pay unfair charges. This kind of behavior is not acceptable and feels fraudulent.
I also have all our WhatsApp messages as evidence and the shipping reference Number.
Our advice: Steer clear of DMA Logistics!
Please find below the shipment details you requested:
Date of Collection (UK): 16th May 2024 (by your collection team)
Sri Lanka Customs Duty Paid: Rs. 9,500 (as requested by your team)
Shipping Reference Number / Invoice: 38763
Delivery Received in Sri Lanka: Two boxes received in August 2024