Container Shipping to Panama — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Panama?
- High-frequency sailings. Panama’s container ports moved 9.57 million TEU in 2024, a 15 % jump year-on-year, keeping capacity plentiful and rates competitive.
- Gateway on two oceans. Major hubs—Balboa (Pacific) and Manzanillo International Terminal / Cristóbal (Atlantic)—sit at each end of the Canal, letting you route cargo without extra trans-canal fees or delays.
- Live canal intelligence. Vessel slots were capped at 34–36 per day after drought disruptions; we monitor advisories so your bookings avoid congestion surcharges. (Reuters, Reuters)
Our Container Shipping Services to Panama
| Mode | Best For | Typical Lead Times* | Key Ports Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Container Load (FCL) | High-volume goods—electronics, vehicles, machinery | 5–35 days (see table below) | Balboa, Cristóbal, MIT, PSA Panama |
| Less than Container Load (LCL) | ≤ 15 m³—SME spare parts, fashion, coffee | Weekly departures from Europe, Asia & USA | Same as FCL |
| Air Freight | Samples, perishables, urgent spares | 3–7 days door-to-door via Tocumen Intl. Airport (PTY) | Panama City + local free zones |
*Port-to-port. Door legs, documentation, and customs may add extra days.
What makes this lane unique?
Most imports arrive FCL 40 ft to replenish Colon Free-Zone inventories, but growing e-commerce has doubled LCL demand since 2023.
Major ports & airports handled by iContainers: Balboa, Cristóbal, MIT (Colón), PSA Panama, Tocumen Intl.
Typical commodities: consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, beverages. (oec.world)
Transit-time sweet spot: U.S. East-Coast gateways reach Colón in under two weeks; Asia–Pacific loops average ~30 days.
Canal-related opportunities & risks: Slot limits during dry seasons can delay onward feeder vessels; booking early or routing via Atlantic-side ports mitigates this. (Reuters)
Container shipping rates to Panama
How much does it cost to ship a container to Panama?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Panama?
| Origin Port | Mode | Est. Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, USA | FCL | ≈ 5 days | Direct Atlantic call to Colón |
| Savannah, USA | FCL | ≈ 13 days | Weekly service to Colón |
| Houston, USA | FCL | ≈ 10 days | Direct loop to Balboa |
| Shanghai, CN | FCL | ≈ 30–35 days | Pacific loop via Balboa |
| Antwerp, BE | LCL | ≈ 20–28 days | Weekly console to Colón |
| Frankfurt → PTY | Air | 3–7 days | Belly & freighter options via PTY |
Popular Routes & Ports
- Atlantic side: Manzanillo Intl. Terminal (MIT), Cristóbal, Colón Container Terminal
- Pacific side: Balboa, PSA Panama International Terminal
- Feeder links: Fast trans-Caribbean services to Cartagena, Puerto Limon & Kingston support regional distribution.
Step-by-Step Booking with iContainers
- Instant Quote – Enter cargo specs and compare carriers in seconds.
- Secure Space – Lock the sailing or flight that fits your timeline.
- Upload Docs – Commercial invoice, packing list, and any free-zone declarations.
- Arrange Pickup – Door, port, or bonded warehouse—your choice.
- Track & Manage – Real-time milestones until POD delivery.
What Can You Ship to Panama?
| Commodity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Appliances | Supply free-zone wholesalers and Canal-transit stores. (oec.world) |
| Automotive Parts & Machinery | Growing re-export trade to Central America. |
| Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices | PTY offers GDP-compliant cold-chain facilities. |
| Food & Beverage | Coffee, processed foods, and spirits—check labelling rules. |
Restricted items:
Firearms, certain chemicals, and counterfeit goods require special permits.
Main ports in Panama
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Panama
Below ~15 m³, LCL usually beats paying for a whole 20 ft container.
Occasionally; Atlantic-side ports can discharge without a Canal transit, buffering schedules. (Reuters)
Balboa & MIT typically grant 5–7 days free; demurrage applies thereafter.
Many opt for CIF Colón for simplicity; exporters seeking cost control choose FOB.