Written By Matthew Osborn, Road Runner Auto Transport
If you are moving to Panama from abroad, you might be wondering how to ship your vehicle there since driving there from Europe is obviously impossible, and driving from the US is a very daunting task most people don’t have the desire to undertake. Thankfully, you can have any number of vehicles shipped to Panama with ease using shipping service providers like Road Runner!
https://roadrunnerautotransport.com/caribbean-car-shipping
How far ahead to schedule your car shipment before you relocate to Panama?
Typically a car shipping company asks that you give them at least a month’s notice in terms of
scheduling your shipment. However, with an international shipment that requires the additional
logistical coordination of shipping on a boat, you should schedule your vehicle shipment at least six
weeks ahead of the date that you need the car picked up for transport to the shipping port.
A car shipment to Panama will likely take several weeks, possibly up to a month. It all depends on
where you are shipping your car from. If you are shipping from the United States, it will probably only take between 8 and 14 days to ship your car to Panama from Florida. However, it might take between
21 and 28 days to ship it there from New York. You should keep these possible shipping times in mind when you are deciding on a departure/arrival date into Panama.
Preparation for your car shipment made easy!
Another great thing about shipping your car to Panama during your move will be that the
preparation for the pickup of your car will be very simple and you will likely be able to complete it in just a few hours. Your car’s exterior will need to be clean before it gets picked up. The driver of your auto transport carrier will have to look around the outside of your car for damage that existed before they arrived. This is done for insurance purposes only. If your car is not clean, it will take them much longer and your shipment will be delayed. You will also need to make sure that you exactly a quarter tank of gas in your car in order for the car to be driven onto and off of the car carrier and cargo ship.
Why exactly a quarter tank? This is because fire & safety regulations forbid any vehicle that is being shipped overseas from having more than a quarter tank of gas.
Finally, it is highly recommended that you take any personal items out of your car before it gets
picked up to be shipped to Panama. If you have something in there like eyeglasses or an iPhone charger and these things get lost or are damaged while the car ships, the auto transport insurance will not cover any of the cost to fix or replace them.
How to go about picking your car up from the port in Panama
Your car will be delivered at 9489+3G5, Av. Randolph, Colón, Panama. However, it could be a day or
two until it becomes available for pickup. So, be sure to call and ask before you head there to get your car. You will pick your car up at the RO-RO Gate which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 5:45 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM until 11:45 AM. If you do not pick up your car as soon as it becomes available, you will be charged a storage fee each day. For regular sized cars you will be charged $18.00 per day.
When you get to the port in Panama, you will need a few things in order to have your car
released. Bring the following to the port in Panama when you pick up your car:
-A copy of the shipping receipt
– Cash for applicable storage fees
– A valid ID or passport
In conclusion, shipping your car to Panama is a great way to avoid having to rent a car
until you find the right one to purchase, or avoid the need to purchase a car in Panama all together! You might have to rent a car or take public transportation for a few days while you wait for your car to arrive at the port, but that is nothing in comparison! Just be sure that you schedule your vehicle shipment a month and a half ahead of the date you need the car picked up and that you take the
necessary but simple steps to prepare for your shipment.
We look forward to working with you!
Road Runner Auto Transport
