Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 06 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Panama?
Moving a container to Panama is a time-consuming and exhausting process. You are responsible for packing, loading, and unloading the cargo.
In addition, you must pay the people who manage your container during the shipping procedure.
If you don't want that hassle, contact us, Three Movers. We're a hauling firm with services in various locations worldwide, including Panama.
But how much will our service cost you? The price of international shipments isn't always the same. Several factors can affect the overall expense. Here are the factors that affect your shipping expenses.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping
Various aspects of the shipping process will affect your expenses. For example, the characteristics of your cargo, distance traveled, and mode of transportation all contribute to how much you will pay for the shipping process.
Large and heavy products require higher prices. If you're shipping them to a distant country, the moving firm will use the distance traveled by your container to calculate your price.
Moreover, the cost of hauling is affected by the time of year. Sending your goods during Panama's peak season will greatly affect your expenses.
Expect increased relocating cargo rates and delays if you ship anytime from December to April.
These are the primary factors influencing the price of containers transferring to Panama. However, the following could also affect your expenses:
- Insurance
- Packing
- Taxes and Custom fees
- Inspections
- General Rate Increase
- Storage
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything requiring full container shipping to Panama of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $855 |
| 40 ft Container | $950 |
LCL is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Panama.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $65/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $575 |
| Household Goods | $775 |
International House moving to Panama services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $550 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1850 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2755 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3430 |
International auto transport services to Panama via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RVs, and heavy equipment.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1253 |
| SUV (Container) | $1387 |
| Sedan via RORO | $686 |
| SUV via RORO | $756 |
Which Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
The answer to this question depends on what you are shipping and your budget. However, your choice could be either a 20-ft or 40-ft container. Both are ideal for transferring both residential and business items.
A 20-foot container can accommodate the contents of an average-sized garage. Meanwhile, a 40-foot is ideal for transporting equipment or supplies for a micro or small enterprise. It can hold 20 to 24 pallets.
When it comes to your budget, you have two options for shipping.
You can ship a receptacle without paying for the whole cargo space. This option is called an LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipment. In this form of transportation, you share a receptacle's cost and cargo space with other people.
If you don't want to deal with problems relating to shared space, you can always pay for the entire. FCL (Full Container Load) shipping is the term for this mode of transport. After you pay the agreed-upon price, the moving firm will then ship your cargo.
Different Types of Freight Transportation
Moving companies transport the shipments using land, air, and sea freight.
The best option for you depends on your plans and budget. Let's say you're transporting the cargo from the United States. You can use air freight to move your items to Panama. This is the fastest way of transportation. It would only take a day before your cargo arrives at its destination. However, keep in mind that this is the most expensive option.
If you don't want to spend much on shipping, go with the land or ocean freight. Although slower than air freight, they are always cheaper for domestic and intercontinental shipments.
What's next?
Now that you know the factors that could affect the cost of shipping a container to Panama, your next move is to contact us! We'll give you a free quote, and then we can start packing your things.
You can call us at (888) 202-0036 or email us at [email protected].
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheap cost of shipping a container to Panama typically ranges from $2,000–$3,800 for a 20ft container and $3,200–$6,000 for a 40ft container. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port, FCL vs LCL, fuel surcharges, and carrier availability. Inland pickup, customs handling, and final delivery within Panama can add $800–$2,000 depending on distance and access.
Container shipping rates to Panama generally range from $95–$160 per cubic meter for LCL shipments, while FCL rates are quoted per container. U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports are usually cheaper due to shorter sailing distances. Port congestion, carrier space, seasonal demand, and Panama Canal scheduling all influence final pricing and transit reliability.
FCL is typically more economical once shipments exceed 12–15 cubic meters, while LCL is better for smaller volumes. FCL avoids consolidation delays and reduces handling risk, often clearing customs faster. LCL costs can increase due to warehouse handling, multiple documents, and inspections, which sometimes makes it more expensive overall. This is similar to pricing patterns outlined for international moving pods.
Shipping time averages 7–14 days from U.S. Gulf or East Coast ports and 18–30 days from the West Coast. FCL shipments move faster than LCL due to fewer transfer points. Delays may occur from customs inspections, Panama Canal congestion, holidays, or weather. Transit timelines align closely with other routes covered under moving overseas shipping costs.
Required documents include a Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, and Packing List. Certain products may also require sanitary, phytosanitary, or origin certificates. Documentation errors frequently cause inspections and port storage charges. Similar paperwork standards apply across most overseas container moves, including those explained in moving belongings overseas.
Yes. Common additional fees include port handling, customs processing, destination delivery, and optional cargo insurance. Storage fees increase quickly once free-time expires at Panamanian ports. Budget an extra $1,000–$2,500 beyond base shipping rates depending on container size, cargo type, and inland delivery distance.
Accurate estimates require knowing container size, cargo volume, origin city, destination address, and whether packing or crating is required. Online estimates provide ranges, but final pricing depends on live carrier rates and port conditions. Cost planning is similar to other container-based moves handled by shipping container movers.
