Shipping from the USA to Panama

➤ Get cost-effective shipping solutions from the USA to Panama with LAC! We offer the best Air freight & Container Shipping Services in the Americas

At Latin American Cargo (LAC), we’re more than just a company – we’re your dedicated partner, fully attuned to your unique shipping needs. Specializing in delivering premium freight forwarding solutions customized to fit your requirements, we’re committed to minimizing your costs while enhancing service excellence.

With a focus on delivering timely and pristine service, our team is dedicated to maximizing the chances of your shipments arriving smoothly at their destination. Trust us to streamline the critical decision of selecting a freight forwarder into a seamless process. 

Elevate your presence in the market by opting for Latin American Cargo – your ultimate freight forwarder for US to Panama shipments.

Our freight shipping services to Panama from the US

Latin American Cargo (LAC) stands as your ideal partner for shipping from the USA to Panama. Beyond merely a freight forwarder, we embody a network of dependable professionals well-versed in the intricacies of the Latin American market.

Our pledge is to consistently pursue the pinnacle of service excellence in freight transport. Whether your cargo comprises agricultural products, vehicles and parts, plastics or diverse goods such as machinery and equipment, we spare no effort in ensuring its safe and efficient delivery.

In the subsequent sections, we’ll explore the advantages of our sea and air freight services. Understanding the individuality of each shipping scenario, we offer a spectrum of solutions meticulously tailored to meet your unique requirements.

Benefits of Sea Freight

When it comes to shipping cargo from the US to Panama, sea freight presents numerous advantages.

A significant benefit of sea freight is its cost-effectiveness, particularly for bulkier shipments. In comparison to air freight, sea freight often proves to be a more economical option for transporting large volumes of cargo.

Moreover, sea freight accommodates a diverse range of cargo types, from small pallets loaded with agricultural products to floor loaded vehicles and machinery, offering flexibility to meet various business requirements.

Another compelling advantage of sea freight is its environmental sustainability. Ships boast a lower carbon footprint than planes, making sea freight a more eco-friendly choice for companies aiming to minimize their environmental impact.

At Latin American Cargo, we specialize in delivering tailor-made sea freight solutions designed to meet your specific needs.

Benefits of Air Freight

Opting for air freight to transport cargo from the US to Panama boasts several significant advantages.

First and foremost, it offers expedited deliveries compared to sea freight. Time-sensitive cargo can reach its destination in Panama within hours, not days, making it an ideal solution for urgent shipping requirements.

Moreover, air freight is renowned for its heightened level of security, minimizing the risks of theft and damage during transit. This is especially advantageous for companies dealing in high-value cargo, where safety considerations heavily influence decision-making processes.

Additionally, air freight offers greater flexibility and convenience. Flights depart more frequently than sea vessels, and airports are typically well-connected with local transport networks, facilitating a more seamless shipping process overall.

Count on Latin American Cargo when it comes to air freight services. We are dedicated to providing top-notch service and tailored solutions to meet your unique shipping needs from the USA to Panama.

Discover the advantages of air freight with us and elevate your business presence in the Latin American market.

Import and custom particulars

Navigating the process of shipping merchandise to Panama, whether by land, sea, or air, for the first time undoubtedly requires guidance and support. Various guidelines, prohibitions, and restrictions must be taken into account along the way.

Shipping cargo to Panama becomes easier with LAC, as we’ve successfully navigated these challenges numerous times, gaining a comprehensive understanding of customs procedures along the way.

What paperwork is needed for international shipments to Panama?

In Panama, import duties are calculated on an ad valorem basis using the declared CIF value, with historical prices sometimes referenced. The country adheres to the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement for determining customs values.

Furthermore, all imports are subject to a 7% value-added tax (ITBM), except for pharmaceuticals, foods, and school supplies. Thanks to the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, 87% of U.S. products enter Panama duty-free, although some duties may phase out over time.

For accurate duty information, U.S. exporters can utilize resources like the Customs Info Database and the Tariff Tool for Free Trade Agreements. However, these tools have limitations, such as not covering agricultural products and possibly lacking entirely current tariff rates.

Under the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, a certificate of origin may be required. This certificate should contain details such as the names of the certifying person, importer, exporter, and producer, along with the tariff classification and description of the goods, origin information, and certification date. Certificates can span up to 12 months of shipments and may be in English or Spanish, though translations might be necessary.

Panama employs the Harmonized System (HS) or Tariff Nomenclature for customs classification, recently updated due to its inclusion in the Central American Customs Union and adopting “RECAUCA” modifications. This system typically doesn’t present significant obstacles for U.S. exporters.
Documentation requirements vary depending on the cargo category and can be extensive, usually encompassing a Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, and Certificate of Origin (if applicable). To ensure smooth shipping to Panama, it’s crucial for your packing list to be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” can attract unwanted attention and lead to further inspections..