Shipping to Panama

Shipping from the USA to Panama

Gelle Transport arranges freight from the United States to Panama through vetted international air and ocean partners, building on our experience as a Kansas City trucking company since 2014. We collect your cargo in the US, prepare it for export, book the international leg and coordinate arrival in Panama, with routing and availability confirmed before every booking.

For Canada and Mexico, road freight across the border is often faster and more economical than ocean or air. Caribbean and Central American islands are mainly served by short-sea routes from Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Air freight to Panama

Air cargo from the United States to Panama normally arrives at Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Air freight is the best choice for urgent, compact and high-value shipments such as electronics, spare parts, documents and medical supplies. Typical door-to-door transit from the USA to this region is about 1–5 days, depending on the origin airport, connections and customs clearance. Air cargo is charged on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.

Sea freight to Panama

Ocean freight to Panama usually arrives at Balboa and Colón (Manzanillo International Terminal). Choose a full container (FCL) for larger volumes or a shared container (LCL) for smaller consignments. Typical ocean transit from the USA to this region is about 1–3 weeks, depending on the US port, sailing schedule and transhipment.

Customs and import documents for Panama

Most shipments to Panama need the following. Product-specific requirements vary, so we confirm them before your cargo leaves the US:

• Commercial invoice with item values
• Detailed packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Importer registration / tax ID in Panama
• Certificates of origin or conformity where required
• Permits for regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals)

Import duties and taxes are assessed in Panama in the local currency (Panamanian balboa / US dollar) and are normally paid by the importer. US export rules also apply — some goods, technologies and destinations need an export licence.

How Gelle Transport helps

1. 01

   Assess the shipment

   We confirm the route to Panama, what can be shipped and any restrictions before you commit.

2. 02

   US pickup and export

   We collect from your address or supplier and prepare the cargo and documents for export.

3. 03

   International freight

   Air or ocean booked with vetted carriers, with updates while in transit.

4. 04

   Arrival coordination

   Clearance and delivery in Panama coordinated with local agents where available.

Other countries in North America