Transportation links between China and Panama are increasingly becoming a crucial element of cooperation between the two countries. As the world's second-largest economy and a major manufacturing nation, China possesses advanced port facilities and a well-developed logistics network. On the other hand, Panama is known for its famous Panama Canal, which serves as a key global trade route. 


Sea freight is an important mode of connection between the two countries, with China's shipping industry operating on a massive scale and Panama's canal providing a convenient shortcut for cargo ships. Additionally, air freight and land transportation also play significant roles in the China-Panama trade relationship, with China's air network and road transportation system supporting the fast and reliable shipment of goods. By conducting in-depth research and exploring the transportation methods and current situation from China to Panama, we can better understand the cooperation opportunities and development potential between the two countries.


Our Freight Services from China to Panama


Sea Freight from China to Panama

shipping from China to panama

FCL Shipping from China to Panama


FCL shipping from China to Panama is a common and effective freight method suitable for large quantities of goods or sensitive cargo requiring protection. FCL refers to loading goods into standard containers and shipping to Panama via sea freight.


FCL shipping provides reliable cargo protection and a secure transportation environment. In China, many ports have dedicated container terminals and storage facilities to ensure the safe loading and proper storage of goods. Proper packaging and labeling of goods before containerization are carried out to ensure they remain undamaged or lost during transportation.


FCL shipping typically loads goods into standard 20-foot (TEU) or 40-foot (FEU) containers. These containers can accommodate various types and sizes of cargo, such as consumer goods, electronics, textiles, machinery equipment, and more. The goods are securely fastened within the containers to minimize vibrations and movement during transit.


Chinese shipping companies offer FCL shipping services from China to Panama. These shipping companies are responsible for arranging cargo loading, scheduling vessel departures, and managing vessel operations. They also provide related cargo tracking and feedback services to keep cargo owners informed of the real-time status of their shipments.


In Panama, container vessels for FCL shipping usually unload at the Port of Panama City or the Port of Balboa. These port facilities are equipped with modern unloading equipment and storage facilities to ensure safe unloading and timely distribution of goods.


FCL shipping offers an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective transportation mode from China to Panama. It provides convenience to traders and manufacturers, enabling them to transport goods more effectively to the Panamanian market or other destinations. This transportation mode plays a significant role in international trade, fostering commercial cooperation and economic development between the two countries.


LCL Shipping from China to Panama


LCL shipping from China to Panama is a common freight method suitable for small-scale shipments or situations where cost sensitivity is a priority. LCL shipping involves consolidating goods from multiple shippers into a single container for transportation.


In LCL shipping, shippers hand over their goods to freight forwarders or logistics companies, consolidating goods from multiple shippers into one standard container. Goods are typically separated and protected within the container using dividers or markings to ensure their separation and protection.


Freight forwarders and logistics companies in China are usually in charge of arranging LCL shipping services. They coordinate vessel departures' collection, consolidation, loading, and scheduling. By consolidating goods from multiple shippers, LCL shipping offers cost advantages, allowing shippers to share transportation costs and adjust cargo quantities flexibly.


Proper packaging and labeling of goods are particularly important in LCL shipping. Shippers must ensure their goods are appropriately packaged to withstand vibrations and impacts during transit. Proper use of markings and labels ensures the identification and tracking of goods.


In Panama, LCL container vessels usually unload at the Port of Panama City or the Port of Balboa. Freight forwarders or logistics companies are responsible for unloading and deconsolidating the container and distributing the goods according to the requirements of individual shippers.


LCL shipping provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for transporting goods between China and Panama. It suits small-scale shipments and cost-sensitive situations, offering relatively lower transportation costs. Shippers can reduce shipping expenses by sharing container space with other shippers and have the flexibility to arrange the transportation of goods based on demand.


LCL shipping from China to Panama is a common and cost-effective freight method suitable for small-scale shipments and cost-control requirements. It provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness to shippers, promoting trade and business cooperation between China and Panama.


Major Ports in Panama


Port of BalboaPort of Chiriqui GrandePort of Talamas
Port of ColonPort of DavidPort of Bocas del Toro
Port of ManzanilloPort of MulatupoPort of Guabas
Port of CalderaPort of San Lorenzo


Container Shipping Rates from China to Panama


China-PanamaContainer TypeShipping Rate
Shanghai-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$1150

$3150

Shenzhen-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Ningbo-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Hong Kong-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Guangzhou-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Qingdao-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Tianjin-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$1150

$3150

Dalian-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Xiamen-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850

Yingkou-Panama

20ft FCL

40ft FCL

$2150

$3850


Shipping Time from China to Panama


POL (port of loading)POD (port of discharge)Transit time
ShanghaiBalboa24 days
ShanghaiCristobal26 days
ShenzhenBalboa27 days
ShenzhenCristobal29 days
QingdaoBalboa28 days
QingdaoCristobal30 days


Air Freight from China to Panama

shipping from China to panama

Air freight from China to Panama is a fast and efficient mode of transportation for goods, especially for urgent shipments or those requiring quick delivery.


China has numerous international airports, such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, etc. These airports are connected to global air networks, providing various flight options and air freight services.


Shippers in China can arrange air freight for their goods through freight forwarders or logistics companies. These companies will handle the packaging, labeling, and preparing the necessary transportation and customs documents. They will also coordinate the goods' consolidation, flight booking, and loading.


Proper packaging is required for goods to ensure their safety and integrity during air transportation. The correct use of markings and labels facilitates the identification and tracking of the goods.


Goods are usually flown from the originating airport in China to the destination airport in Panama, with Tocumen International Airport in Panama City being the most common destination airport. In Panama, the goods will undergo customs clearance and be received by freight forwarders or logistics companies for further distribution.


Air freight provides fast, reliable, and efficient transportation of goods from China to Panama, allowing quick delivery within a shorter time frame. It is suitable for various types and scales of goods, including high-value products, urgent shipments, and samples.


In summary, air freight from China to Panama is a fast and reliable mode of transportation, providing crucial support for trade and business cooperation between the two countries. It caters to the transportation needs of urgent and time-sensitive goods while offering flexibility and efficiency to shippers.


Charter Flights from China to Panama


Charter flights from China to Panama are a customized mode of transportation for large-volume shipments or special requirements. Charter services offer flexibility and customized options for dedicated aircraft to transport goods.


In China, airlines and freight forwarders provide charter flight services. Shippers can contact these companies and provide detailed information about the goods, including type, quantity, weight, dimensions, and required transportation time. Based on the characteristics and requirements of the goods, the airline will offer the best charter solution.


Charter services can transport goods using cargo planes (dedicated freighter aircraft) or the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. The goods will be packaged and prepared at the originating airport, with the necessary transportation and customs documents arranged. The airline will be responsible for loading, booking, and coordinating the transportation process.


Goods will be flown from the originating airport in China to the destination airport in Panama, typically Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. In Panama, the goods will undergo customs clearance and be received by freight forwarders or logistics companies for distribution.


Charter services provide highly flexible and customized options for transporting goods. They are suitable for large-volume shipments, goods with special dimensions or weights, urgent shipments, and situations where strict transportation times are required.


In conclusion, charter flights from China to Panama offer customized transportation services, providing shippers with high flexibility and tailored options. They are suitable for large-volume shipments or special requirements, offering fast and reliable transportation services that promote trade and business cooperation between China and Panama.


Major Airports in Panama


Tocumen International AirportGuabas AirportCaldas Airport
Panama Pacifico International AirportBocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International AirportSan Lorenzo Airport
Enrique Malek International AirportEnrique Malek International AirportMulatupo Airport
Colon AirportVladimir Padrino Morales AirportBocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport


Air Freight Prices from China to Panama


Generally, air freight costs are calculated based on the goods' weight (per kilogram, kg) or volume (per cubic meter, m³). Air freight costs are usually higher due to air transportation's fast and secure nature.


If you need specific air freight prices, please get in touch with JIKE Logistics. We will be able to provide detailed quotations and solutions based on the characteristics and requirements of your goods.


Air Freight Transit Time from China to Panama


The air freight transit time from China to Panama typically depends on several factors, including the type of goods, mode of transportation, flight schedules, and distance between the origin and destination.


Generally, depending on the chosen route, the average transit time for air freight shipments from China to Panama ranges from 3 to 7 days. This may vary when goods are moved significantly due to increased market demand.


Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Panama


Door-to-door shipping from China to Panama provides a convenient and comprehensive transportation service, ensuring goods are delivered directly from the origin (China) to the specified location in Panama.


DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Sea Freight


DDP Sea Freight (Delivered Duty Paid) is an international trade term representing the seller's responsibility for the entire sea freight process from the origin to the destination, including transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery to the designated location. In DDP sea freight, the seller coordinates the entire transportation process, ensuring smooth delivery and payment of relevant duties and fees, allowing the buyer to receive the goods easily.


DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Air Freight


DDP Air Freight (Delivered Duty Paid) is similar to DDP sea freight but applies to air transportation. In DDP air freight, the seller bears the costs and risks associated with the entire air freight process, including transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery to the designated location. The seller takes responsibility for transporting goods from the origin to the destination, handling the necessary customs procedures, and paying the necessary duties and fees to ensure the smooth delivery of goods to the buyer.


By choosing DDP sea freight or DDP air freight, shippers can entrust the cumbersome transportation and customs clearance procedures to professional freight forwarders or logistics companies, reducing the burden and workload. This door-to-door service offers convenient, efficient, and reliable solutions for shippers, ensuring smooth delivery of goods to the destination.


If you require specific information on door-to-door shipping, DDP sea freight, or DDP air freight prices and solutions, please get in touch with freight forwarders, logistics companies, or airlines. They will provide detailed quotations and professional services based on the characteristics of your goods, origin, and destination, ensuring a smooth transportation process between China and Panama.


What is the best way to ship from China to Panama?


  1. Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is one of the most common transportation methods from China to Panama, especially for large volume and non-urgent goods. Ocean freight is typically more cost-effective than other transportation modes, particularly for heavy and bulky goods. You can choose between full container load (FCL) or less container load (LCL) depending on the quantity and size of your goods.


  2. Air Freight: Air freight is a fast and reliable transportation method for time-sensitive goods. Although air freight costs more, it is a viable option for urgent and high-value shipments. Air freight offers fast transit times, ensuring goods are delivered from China to Panama within a shorter timeframe.


  3. Multimodal Transport: Multimodal transport combines different modes of transportation, such as land, sea, and air, to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. This method is typically suitable for complex transportation needs crossing different geographical areas and transportation segments.


  4. Rail Transport: Rail transportation is a viable option for shipping goods from China to Panama as China's rail network connecting to the Eurasian continent continues to develop. This mode of transportation can provide faster delivery times and lower costs compared to ocean freight.


What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Panama?


  1. Economies of Scale: Ocean freight has the advantage of economies of scale in bulk cargo transportation. Due to the large carrying capacity of ships, they can accommodate a significant volume of goods, resulting in relatively lower transportation costs per unit.


  2. Long-term Contracts and Booking: Many freight companies offer long-term contracts and booking services, allowing shippers to obtain more competitive prices. Shippers can access lower transportation costs by establishing long-term relationships with shipping companies.


  3. Savings on Labor and Fuel Costs: Ocean freight requires less labor-intensive operations and fuel consumption than other transportation modes. This reduces transportation costs, making ocean freight a more cost-effective choice.


What documents are required for importing from China to Panama?


  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Transport Documents

  • Certificate of Condition

  • Certificate of Origin

  • Import Permit or Permit Verification


Tax and Duties in Panama

shipping from China to panama

As per the Panamanian customs regulations, import duties and taxes are payable for goods imported from China to Panama. You are required to pay import duties assessed by Panamanian Customs. As a general rule, you pay from zero percent to 100 percent of the CIF value of the containerized shipment. You are also required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) ranging from 0% to 25% on the CIF value + customs duties + general import duties of Panama. Additional duties may apply if the import originates from China.


Why choose JIKE Logistics?


There are several reasons to choose JIKE Logistics:


  1. Comprehensive Logistics Solutions: JIKE Logistics provides comprehensive logistics solutions that cover various modes of transportation, including ocean freight, air freight, and land transportation. They can offer the best logistics solutions based on customer requirements and the characteristics of the goods, whether in large or small volumes.


  2. Global Network Coverage: JIKE Logistics has established an extensive network and partnerships worldwide, including China and Panama. This means they can provide international transportation services and have the expertise and experience to handle cross-border shipments.


  3. Resources and Facilities: JIKE Logistics has advanced logistics facilities and equipment, including warehousing facilities, vehicles, and information management systems. These resources and facilities ensure the safe and efficient transportation and storage of goods.


  4. Customized Customer Service: JIKE Logistics focuses on customer needs and provides personalized solutions. Whether cargo tracking, customs clearance procedures, document management, or other specific requirements, they can flexibly meet customer needs and provide professional advice and support.


  5. Experienced Team: JIKE Logistics has a highly experienced and professional team. They are familiar with international trade rules and regulations and can handle complex logistics transactions. They can provide professional advice and operational guidance to ensure the smooth transportation of goods to Panama.


In summary, choosing JIKE Logistics means choosing a comprehensive and reliable logistics partner. They have global network coverage, a professional team, and advanced logistics facilities to provide customized logistics solutions and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods from China to Panama.


Conclusion


In conclusion, there are multiple options for shipping goods from China to Panama, including ocean and air freight. Ocean freight is suitable for large volumes and flexible delivery times, while air freight is suitable for urgent shipments and quick delivery needs. Choosing the right logistics mode and partner is crucial for smooth goods transportation.


When selecting a logistics partner, JIKE Logistics is a worthy consideration. They provide comprehensive logistics solutions, including ocean freight, air freight, door-to-door delivery, packaging, and warehousing services. They have global network coverage, a professional team, and can provide personalized logistics solutions while ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods.


By choosing the appropriate logistics mode and partner, shipping goods from China to Panama can become more seamless and reliable. Collaborating with a reliable logistics provider will ensure the secure delivery of goods while providing efficient logistics solutions to meet customer needs.


FAQs


Q: How do I choose the right transportation mode for my goods?
A: Choosing the suitable transportation mode depends on the nature, quantity, urgency, and budget of your goods. Ocean freight is suitable for large-volume goods, while air freight is suitable for urgent and small-volume shipments. Collaborating with a logistics provider can help you select the best transportation mode based on your goods' characteristics and requirements.
Q: How long does the transportation usually take?
A: The transportation time varies depending on the transportation mode, origin and destination of the goods, weather conditions, and other factors. Generally, ocean freight from China to Panama can take around 20 to 30 days, while air freight takes approximately 3 to 7 days.
Q: Do you provide cargo insurance services?
A: Some logistics companies offer cargo insurance services to protect against potential losses or damages during transportation. Purchasing cargo insurance provides additional security to safeguard the value of goods.
Q: How do I handle customs clearance procedures for goods?
A: Customs clearance procedures are essential steps in the import process. You can entrust a logistics provider or a professional customs broker to handle customs clearance procedures. They will prepare the required documents and communicate with relevant agencies.
Q: What is the fastest international courier service from China?
A: For the quickest and most dependable shipment of goods from China to Panama, opting for express shipping services offered by international courier companies like FedEx, UPS, DHL, or TNT is the optimal solution. If your priority is to receive your products within a timeframe of 5 days or less, selecting express shipping is highly recommended.


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