Ocean Freight · United States → Panama
Ocean Freight from United States to Panama
22 port combinations connect United States and Panama in our network. The shortest, Miami → Colón (Manzanillo Intl.), is 1,258 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 3–17 days port to port.
- Distance
- 1,258 nm
- Transit
- 3–17 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in United States, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in Panama.
- Origin
- United States
- Destination
- Panama
- Distance
- from 1,258 nm (2,330 km)
- Estimated transit
- 3–17 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,258 nm | 3–8 days |
| Miami | Balboa | 1,282 nm | 4–8 days |
| New Orleans | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,394 nm | 4–9 days |
| New Orleans | Balboa | 1,418 nm | 4–9 days |
| Houston | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,521 nm | 4–9 days |
| Houston | Balboa | 1,546 nm | 4–9 days |
| Charleston | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,583 nm | 4–9 days |
| Savannah | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,593 nm | 4–9 days |
| Charleston | Balboa | 1,608 nm | 4–9 days |
| Savannah | Balboa | 1,617 nm | 4–9 days |
| Norfolk | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 1,803 nm | 5–10 days |
| Norfolk | Balboa | 1,827 nm | 5–10 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 2,000 nm | 5–11 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Balboa | 2,025 nm | 5–11 days |
| Los Angeles | Balboa | 2,971 nm | 8–14 days |
| Long Beach | Balboa | 2,971 nm | 8–14 days |
| Los Angeles | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 2,996 nm | 8–14 days |
| Long Beach | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 2,996 nm | 8–14 days |
| Oakland | Balboa | 3,369 nm | 9–15 days |
| Oakland | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 3,393 nm | 9–15 days |
| Seattle | Balboa | 4,188 nm | 10–17 days |
| Seattle | Colón (Manzanillo Intl.) | 4,212 nm | 11–17 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from United States.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing United States → Panama: about 3–17 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in Panama, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into Panama
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration under Panama customs rules
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from United States to Panama take?+
Estimated transit is 3–17 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is United States from Panama?+
The shortest pair is 1,258 nm (2,330 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from United States to Panama cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into Panama?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Certificate of origin; Import declaration under Panama customs rules.
From United States to other destinations in Panama
Other origins in United States to Panama
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.