Ocean Freight to Panama

Shipping to Panama by sea is a smart choice for businesses moving large or recurring volumes of cargo to Central and South America. With its strategic position around the Panama Canal and well-connected ports, Panama serves as a logistics hub for the region. iContainers helps you compare options, optimize costs, and book reliable ocean freight services to Panama in just a few clicks.

Why Ship to Panama with iContainers?

Panama is a competitive, fast-moving trade corridor - choosing the right partner can make the difference between delayed shipments and smooth supply chains. iContainers combines digital tools with expert support so you can plan, price, and manage your shipments to Panama efficiently.

Reliable Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options

Whether you need to ship from your warehouse to a consignee's door in Panama, or you prefer port-to-port service, iContainers offers flexible solutions:

• Door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port options
• Coordinated pick-up and delivery through trusted local partners
• Real-time tracking and proactive communication at key milestones

This flexibility allows you to choose the service level that best matches your budget and timeline.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

With access to multiple carriers and sailing schedules, iContainers helps you find competitive ocean freight rates to Panama from key exporting regions such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. Our online platform lets you:

• Compare rates from different carriers in seconds
• See surcharges and fees clearly itemized before booking
• Optimize shipping plans based on price, transit time, and service level

Expertise in Panama Trade Routes

Our team has hands-on experience with trade lanes into Panama's main ports, allowing us to advise you on:

• Optimal routes and carriers for your origin and Incoterms
• Common bottlenecks and seasonal peaks
• Local regulations, documentation, and customs practices

This expertise helps reduce delays, extra costs, and compliance issues.

Ocean Freight Services to Panama

We provide ocean freight services tailored to different shipment sizes and business models, so you only pay for the capacity you need.

FCL Shipping to Panama

Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal when you have enough cargo to fill most or all of a container, or when you require more control and security.

• Best for high-volume or regular shipments
• Reduced risk of damage or contamination from other cargo
• More predictable transit, as containers are not consolidated with third-party freight

You can choose among common container types (20', 40', and 40' High Cube), as well as special equipment for oversized or temperature-sensitive cargo.

LCL Shipping to Panama

Less than Container Load (LCL) is the right option when you don't have enough volume to fill a full container.

• Pay only for the space your cargo occupies
• Suitable for small or occasional shipments
• More flexibility for testing new markets or products

Your cargo is consolidated with other shipments heading to Panama, which helps you keep logistics costs under control.

Shipping Costs to Panama

Calculating the cost of shipping a container to Panama involves more than just the base ocean freight. Several factors influence your final price.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

(distance, mode, container type, surcharges, seasonality)

When requesting a quote to Panama, keep in mind the following cost drivers:

• Origin and destination: Distance, port infrastructure, and local charges at both ends
• Freight mode & container type: FCL vs LCL, 20' vs 40', reefer or special equipment
• Weight and volume: Heavier or bulkier cargo may incur extra costs
• Surcharges and fees: BAF, terminal handling, documentation, and security charges
• Seasonality and market conditions: Peak seasons, capacity constraints, and fuel prices

Using the iContainers platform, you can instantly see how different options affect your final cost and choose the most efficient combination.

Transit Times to Panama

Transit time is a key factor when planning your supply chain. While exact timings depend on the carrier, routing, and time of year, you can use average ranges as a reference.

Average Transit Times from the U.S

Typical ocean transit times from major U.S. ports to Panama may range from a few days to around two weeks, depending on:

• Specific origin port (East Coast, Gulf, West Coast)
• Direct vs transshipment services
• Carrier schedule and frequency

With iContainers, you can compare estimated transit times alongside freight rates when you request a quote.

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

Transit times from Europe and Asia to Panama are generally longer than from the U.S., and often involve transshipment:

• Europe to Panama: Often around two to four weeks, depending on port and routing
• Asia to Panama: Frequently around three to six weeks, depending on origin and service type
• Panama to the US: Often 15-50 days, depending on port and routing

Our booking platform shows estimated transit times so you can plan production, inventory, and deliveries accordingly.

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

Several variables can speed up or slow down your shipment to Panama:

• Route selection and number of transshipments
• Port congestion and terminal capacity
• Weather conditions and peak seasons
• Customs inspections and documentation accuracy

Working with experienced professionals and preparing proper documentation reduces the risk of unexpected delays.

Main Ports in Panama

Panama's ports are strategically located to serve global trade routes, especially around the Panama Canal.

Port of Balboa

The Port of Balboa, located on the Pacific side, is one of the most important container terminals in Latin America. It offers:

• Direct access to the Pacific Ocean and key regional trade lanes
• Modern container handling and storage facilities
• Connections to inland distribution networks within Panama

Port of Colón / Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT)

On the Caribbean side, Colón and Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) serve as major gateways to the Atlantic and the Caribbean:

• High-capacity terminals specialized in container traffic
• Strong presence of major global carriers
• Strategic position for transshipment to neighboring countries

Which Port Should You Choose?

The best port for your shipment depends on:

• Your cargo's final inland destination in Panama or neighboring countries
• The route and carrier options available from your origin port
• Transit time and cost comparisons

iContainers can help you identify the most efficient port option based on your origin, cargo type, and delivery requirements.

How to Book Your Shipment to Panama

Booking ocean freight to Panama is straightforward when you understand the process and requirements.

Required Documents

Typical documentation for ocean freight to Panama includes:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill
• Export and import licenses, when applicable
• Certificates (origin, fumigation, sanitary, etc.) depending on cargo type

Our team can guide you through what is needed for your specific shipment.

Customs & Regulations Overview

Panama's customs authorities require accurate and complete documentation. To avoid delays:

• Ensure all information (HS codes, values, descriptions) is correct and consistent
• Check if your products are subject to special regulations or restrictions
• Coordinate with your customs broker or freight forwarder in advance

iContainers can connect you with local experts to streamline the customs clearance process.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

With iContainers, you can book your shipment to Panama online in a few simple steps:

• Request an online quote by entering your origin, destination, cargo details, and preferred service (FCL or LCL).
• Compare options based on price, transit time, and carrier.
• Select your service and confirm the booking details.
• Upload documentation and coordinate pick-up or delivery with our team.
• Track your shipment through your online account until it reaches its destination.