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| Weight and volume are a consideration |
September 3, 2012
Portobelo, Panama
UPDATE--December 5, 2012 - If your boat is in Panama City, a new service caters to yachts in the Las Brisas/Amador/Balboa YC area - Gente de Mar can take care of shipping small items, check their rates on their website http://www.gentedemar.net/ or calling them on VHF CH74.
So, you’re stuck in Panama with some boat problem and need to import parts from the USA to get you back underway. How do you do it? It depends on the amount of stuff you need and how fast you need it, but if you follow a few simple steps and stay on top of things, you should be able to import anything you need without any hassle. We’ve done it twice already, at a reasonable rate an in record time. We are now expecting a Fedex shipment.
Tax issue - There are, obviously, two ways to import boat parts into Panama: by air or by ocean freight. In both cases, however, you can avoid import duty by labeling your package “Yacht in Transit” (YIT) and addressing it the right way. You can also avoid U.S. State sales tax if you mention to your supplier that your purchase is going out by international freight (either Fedex International or via an international freight forwarder).
Air Freight - In Panama (Caribbean side), several marinas will work with you to receive your YIT packages. Shelter Bay Marina, in Colon; Captain Jack’s Portobelo Yacht Club in Portobelo; Panamarina in Linton are three that I can think of on the Atlantic side. In all cases, check with the marina or yacht club. Shelter Bay Marina charges a 20% or a minimun $10 fee for reception service of air freight (Fedex, UPS, Pakya Air), not too bad if the item is low-cost, but can quickly become prohibitive.
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| Our new stove is not just heavy, it is also voluminous |
We are using FEDEX on our upcoming order (because this time, speed is of the essence to replace our Glendinning control heads) and found out that they have an international flat rate that can save up to 40% on the rate by using the standard size box (i.e. 10kg). Check out the Fedex International Flat Rate at: Fedex International – Rates for Panama (Zone L) are $328.75 for the 10-kg box and $542.83 for the 25-kg box. Not cheap, but fast (3 days.) Since we are in Portobelo, we labeled the package as follows:
Yacht in Transit “Your Yacht Name”
c/o Portobelo Yacht Club
Fedex Office, Colon, Zona Libre (Panama) and instructed the shipper to check the "FEDEX office pick-up" box. Still, check with Captain Jack for pick-up availability first. If you go through Shelter Bay Marina, see their web page.
Update - FEDEX was a bad idea. We had the package addressed to the COLON Fedex office for pickup but it never got there. Instead, Captain Jack had to work little wonders to get the package out of the FEDEX Panama City office... no recommendation there!
Update - FEDEX was a bad idea. We had the package addressed to the COLON Fedex office for pickup but it never got there. Instead, Captain Jack had to work little wonders to get the package out of the FEDEX Panama City office... no recommendation there!
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| Keep track of your boxes by tracking # and Warehouse # |
Pakya Panama is another air freight company. We have not used it but some cruisers in Portobelo have used the service successfully, coordinating with Captain Jack’s and the Portobelo Yacht Club. Others (see below) have used Pakya with Panamarina. More info at Pakya Panama - It’s a bit more complicated than Fedex, a bit slower, but I’ve been quoted $4/lb, which seems reasonable for small packages (this includes import tax, by the way.) See post by Bob Hazell below; since I have no experience with Pakya, I can’t speak of them.
Note: Pakya also provides ocean freight but does not consolidate your shipment with others, which means you still have to pay their $600 minimum Ocean freight.
Note: Pakya also provides ocean freight but does not consolidate your shipment with others, which means you still have to pay their $600 minimum Ocean freight.
Ocean Freight - For large orders, ocean freight is the most economical way to ship. If you are shipping only one bulk item (i.e. batteries or solar panel) just about any freight company will do. However, if you have to ship a bunch of packages from a variety of suppliers, it pays to have a good forwarder and it pays even more to stay on top of them in the consolidation process.
We have shipped via ocean freight to Panama twice already and have been absolutely satisfied with the results. Although we have heard horror stories of cruisers whose merchandise got held for weeks by customs, we found that by using a reputable freight forwarder and a good customs agent, we could get our supplies in as little as 2 weeks and at a very reasonable rate. There are a few simple but important steps to follow. Three years of importing marine supplies into Paraguay to build DOMINO gave us a bit of experience in that matter. And I'm happy to say that importing into Panama is a lot simpler and cheaper and faster than importing into Paraguay (6 months and 34% import tax) or Brazil (whenever and 100% import tax.) So, here are the basics:
We have shipped via ocean freight to Panama twice already and have been absolutely satisfied with the results. Although we have heard horror stories of cruisers whose merchandise got held for weeks by customs, we found that by using a reputable freight forwarder and a good customs agent, we could get our supplies in as little as 2 weeks and at a very reasonable rate. There are a few simple but important steps to follow. Three years of importing marine supplies into Paraguay to build DOMINO gave us a bit of experience in that matter. And I'm happy to say that importing into Panama is a lot simpler and cheaper and faster than importing into Paraguay (6 months and 34% import tax) or Brazil (whenever and 100% import tax.) So, here are the basics:
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| Many boxes: Keep track of them! |
1) Freight Forwarder– This is the company that will receive your supplies and consolidate them into one shipment. Here are a few simple guidelines:
a. We use CFT Cargo in Miami. Have your purchases labeled as follows:
“Your Name”
CFT Cargo
7854 N.W. 46th Street
Doral, FL 33166
Tel: 305-592-4534
Fax: 305-592-4539
b. Typically, CFT stores your merchandise for only 2 weeks, so it is your responsibility to get your stuff to them within a 2-week span.
c. CFT closes their shipments on Wednesdays, ships out on Fridays. The cargo gets into Panama City the following Tuesday. Cargo can be picked-up in Panama City on Friday, or be delivered to Shelter Bay the following Monday or Tuesday.
d. Why Shelter Bay? This is the only customs-approved “warehouse.” Only Shelter Bay Marina is allowed to receive YIT cargo. Thankfully, Shelter Bay Marina provides a 2-hour docking permit ($50) for you to receive your merchandise. With good timing, we arrived at SBM at 11:15, received the truck at 11:45, loaded water, got rid of the cardboard trash, stacked our 700lb of merchandise and were on our way out by 14:00. Some cruisers elect to pick-up their cargo in Panama City, but this means hiring a cab to return with not only the merchandise, but also a customs official who needs to be sure that the merchandise is going on your boat. Not any cheaper than getting delivered to Shelter Bay!
UPDATE- 12/5/12 - We have used the CFT/Kam combination 3 times now and have had excellent results, no damaged or missing merchandise, all within 2-3 weeks of ordering.
2) Agent - A good customs agent can save you time, money and frustration. We use Heidy Kam, from the KAM group. Heidy speaks perfect English. These are the simple steps I use with Heidy:
a. Before I start any of the ordering, I let her know that I am planning a shipment.
b. After I complete my purchases, I send Heidy a copy of each of my invoices and a spreadsheet of all the items I purchased.
c. When the cargo gets into Panama City, Heidy contact me with the cost of the transaction. I go to any branch of BANCO GENERAL and deposit the money into the Grupo Aduanero Kam’s account. The next day, Heidy gets the paperwork through customs. Obviously, if you delay this step, the merchandise will be held in customs warehouse. Also, after a certain period in the warehouse, Customs starts charging warehousing fees!
3) Supplier communication– If you are buying from the Internet, in most cases you won’t pay any State sales tax. Whomever you are purchasing your product from, let them know that your purchase is being shipped out the USA by a forwarder and ask them to hold the sales tax. Provide your supplier with your ultimate “consignee” address, i.e.:
“Your name”
Yacht in Transit “Your Yacht”
Shelter Bay Marina
Colon, Panama
Your supplier might ask for a copy of the “Bill of Laden” which CFT should be able to provide. All of our purchases came free of U.S. sales taxes, but I had to discuss this with every vendor.
Another important point to stress with your supplier: packaging! Think that your stuff will travel by sea, be bumped around quite a bit and if it's fragile you want to have it protected. Your supplier will have no problem taking special care packing and crating your purchases. We give extra "kudos" to Defender Marine who got our stove in perfect shape, to Port Supply who babied our Magnum inverter, and to Voyager Maritime Group who tightly packed and and crated all our Furuno equipment. A little communication can save you much!
Another important point to stress with your supplier: packaging! Think that your stuff will travel by sea, be bumped around quite a bit and if it's fragile you want to have it protected. Your supplier will have no problem taking special care packing and crating your purchases. We give extra "kudos" to Defender Marine who got our stove in perfect shape, to Port Supply who babied our Magnum inverter, and to Voyager Maritime Group who tightly packed and and crated all our Furuno equipment. A little communication can save you much!
4) Keeping Track and UPS# - Remember this: It’s your shipment, it’s your responsibility. If you’re only importing one or two items, it’s easy to keep track of and the freight forwarder won’t have a problem identifying it. Still, have the tracking number of your package on hand, and email it to your forwarder to let them know what happens.
Forwarders hate to have a lot of small packages from a variety of providers. In our case, we had 25 packages from 18 different providers, which is a nightmare for the forwarder. The forwarder cross-references their items by 2 numbers: the tracking number (UPS, FEDEX, DHL, Private label) and by a W/R or Warehouse Record number. I provide the forwarder with the tracking number, and they provide me with the warehouse number. Once we agree that all items have been received, I close the account, send CFT a copy of the invoices, and order the shipment.
In order to make sure that all items are accounted for, I usually provide the forwarder with a merchandise spreadsheet. (Sample below)
CFT CARGO –
SHIPMENT FOR : Jean-Pierre Dufour, Yacht in Transit DOMINO,
Shelter Bay Marina, Colon, PANAMA
# | Shipper | Items | Tracking # | Delivey | W/R # | Value * |
1 | ACB co. | gauges | 1ZX645530396876745 | 8/1 | 147223 | xx |
2 | LabelCity | labels | 1ZY8Y2930396349597 | 8/2 | 147267 | xx |
3 | IMTRA | lights | 1Z0145910312432064 | 8/2 | 147269 | xx |
4 | Defender | Stove | 243504169 Spec. Del. | delivd | 147277 | xx |
5 | Maxwell | Counter | 4718 58829046 Fedex | delivd | 147371 | xx |
6 | Voyager | Furuno | Ryan Courrier delivery | 8/7 | 147432 | xx |
7 | Pt/ Supp. | Marine | AA Cooper | 8/12 | 147592 | xx |
TOTAL | $xxx |
* VALUE = value of merchandise only. Tax and shipping not included.
5) Shelter Bay Marina provides a $50, 2-hour reception dock – As I mentioned above, the easiest way to receive a large cargo is at the Shelter Bay Marina dock. There is no need to stay overnight, only two hours are necessary. Once again, it is your responsibility to coordinate. A few simple steps:
a. Once Heidy Kam has received your fees, you start dealing with Tatiana at CFT in Panama City.
b. A very efficient person, Tatiana coordinates delivery with the driver (a very cool guy who calls you “Mi Amor” and delivers on time!” Tatiana can be reached at cftcargo@cableonda.net -
c. Call John Halley at Shelter Bay Marina a day or two ahead of time to reserve your dock space. John’s number is 433-3581; cell is 6519-3050.
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| Our crew on the way to Shelter Bay: they made fast work of loading the goodies! |
6) Courtesy – Courtesy goes a long way. From your suppliers to your forwarder, your agent and your marina, communication and appreciation go a long way. An e-mail warning of your intentions can make your transaction go much more smoothly. AND… an email of appreciation once your transaction is closed is well appreciated.
7) Finally, how much time and money?
a. Time-wise, the worst is one month from your initial order to final delivery, provided that you deposit the $$ in the Grupo Kam’s account immediately after they notify you. That’s 2 weeks in Miami, 4-5 days in ocean transit, 4-5 days in customs and 1-2 days for delivery.
b. As for charges, obviously, it depends on the volume and weight of the cargo. Our first cargo of 6 Odyssey 1600 batteries (8D) and 4 large solar panels cost us about $300 (including $90 for customs agent and we added $40 for delivery to Shelter Bay. This last delivery of almost 700 lbs of equipment cost us $680 (including $104 for Customs agent, and $150 for trucking the stuff from Panama City to Colon.)
So, here is a little check-list of what you need to do, a few simple steps that can save you big bucks! As I said, we had 25 packages from 18 providers and I wouldn't have trusted any middleman with that shipment. In addition, if you are in a position to buy wholesale from your US suppliers, why pay retail in Panama?
Before you start | Contact KAM agency Contact CFT Cargo Contact your suppliers Have your shopping list ready Contact your Credit Card Co. | |
Start your ordering | Keep your tracking numbers Keep a copy of each invoice Track your payment method Track deliveries Prepare your spreadsheet | |
Before shipping | Verify your deliveries Cross-track with Warehouse #s Send copies of invoices to CFT & Kam | |
Receiving | Contact Kam Customs Agents Pay Kam’s bill at Banco General Call Kam & CFT to tell they your paid Contact Tatiana at CFT Panama | |
Delivery | Contact Shelter Bay for 2-hour slip Coordinate with CFT for delivery time Pay Shelter Bay $50 | |
Now, get to work! |
Until next time….
Dominomarie
COMMENTS FROM CRUISERS and their experiences... I've edited and am posting here some helpful comments from other cruisers:
Re/ Marine Warehouse:
COMMENTS FROM CRUISERS and their experiences... I've edited and am posting here some helpful comments from other cruisers:
Re/ Marine Warehouse:
appi@... tom@... www.marinewarehouse.net Disregard the prices on the website and send them an email with what you need and where you want it shipped and they will send back a quote including freight cost depending on where in Panama you want it shipped." (We used them in Bocas del Toro but had to pay extra delivery fees from Panama City to Bocas. MW does not consolidate) UPDDATE 12/5/12 - We have had mixed reviews on Marine Warehouse on Pacific side, with missing or damaged merchandise, split shipments, promises not kept... perhaps too busy? Re/ PAKYA ocean shipment: By Allen, sv Honalee "Pakya also does ocean shipments YIT but they do not consolidate. The rate for one cubic meter is about $600 including clearing but not final delivery." |
PS – I have posted below excerpts from Shelter Bay Marina and from Noonsite, FYI.
(From the Shelter Bay Marina Website)Shipping Packages/Mail To Shelter Bay Marina
There are many choices for shipping: Fedex, DHL and freight forwarders based in Miami, Florida. Postal Service and UPS can be unreliable. The address for shipping FEDEX AND DHL is:
Yacht in Transit “Boat Name”
Shelter Bay Marina,
30 Butner street,
Fort Sherman, Colon,
Panama
Tel: 011 507 433 3581
Shelter Bay Marina,
30 Butner street,
Fort Sherman, Colon,
Panama
Tel: 011 507 433 3581
Most packages pay service/custom fees when sent by courier. SBM will pay these fees and receive packages in your absence. Please note that we charge a service fee of 20% of the payment or US$10, whichever is greater.
PAKYA is a freight forwarder that has serviced cruisers and other vessels. If you decide to use their services contact them at their office in Miami or Panama, via email or visit their website to make shipping arrangements.
PAKYA Miami: 305-863-1818
PAKYA Panama: +507 236-1728
Email: info@PakyaPanama.com
Website. http://www.pakyapanama.com/index.html
PAKYA Panama: +507 236-1728
Email: info@PakyaPanama.com
Website. http://www.pakyapanama.com/index.html
When sending a package to Shelter Bay Marina through PAKYA, use this address:
SHELTERBAY/Yacht in Transit BOAT NAME
7582 NW 74th Ave.
SUITE PMA 90
Medley, Florida 33166-2423
U.S.A.
Office Telephone: 305-863-1818
7582 NW 74th Ave.
SUITE PMA 90
Medley, Florida 33166-2423
U.S.A.
Office Telephone: 305-863-1818
After contacting PAKYA, obtaining information on fees and arranging shipment, you must send a Pre-alert to them at: PTY600@yahoo.com and copy us at: info@shelterbaymarina.com, stating the following:
a. The contents of the package.
b. The value of the contents.
c. The Tracking number of the courier that delivered to PAKYA Miami.
b. The value of the contents.
c. The Tracking number of the courier that delivered to PAKYA Miami.
Packages shipped to this freight forwarder without notification will be held in Miami until the shipping information is verified.
Please note:
· The package should have a commercial invoice or packing slip attached to the outside of the box declaring the contents and value.
· Ocean freight is recommended if the package is over 250 lbs.
· Shipping hazardous waste is not recommended and may involve substantial additional charges.
THIS is from NOONSITE– Post created by Bob Hazell -
This note is to clarify for yachts in transit the procedure for importing spare parts etc.
On SV Pipistrelle we realized that before our Pacific crossing our house batteries would need to be replaced. As the existing ones had lasted 11 years, it made a lot of sense to replace like with like. They are 12 x 2 volt Sonnenschein batteries manufactured by Exide in Germany.
Whilst in the ABCs we were put in touch with an agent in Holland who was able to supply them at a considerable discount, and so we proceeded with him. We were informed by a USA supplier that Shelter Bay Marina is the only place in Panama where goods can be delivered for yachts in transit. This is incorrect.
We eventually had them delivered to Panamarina, and having visited Pier 17 where they were being held, paid their fees of $200 and a Customs fee of $40. Customs were happy to release them without accompanying us back to Panamarina.
What is essential though, is the service of an agent to smooth out problems that, we assume, arise inevitably. We were put in touch with
Albert White
Pakya Panama
Local #2, Edf. Islas Baleares,
Ave. El Paical
Los Angeles, Betania,
Panama City, Panama
(near Transistmica and Via Brasil)
Office telephone: 236-1728
Office cell phone: 6614-3632
PTY600@yahoo.com
Pakya Panama
Local #2, Edf. Islas Baleares,
Ave. El Paical
Los Angeles, Betania,
Panama City, Panama
(near Transistmica and Via Brasil)
Office telephone: 236-1728
Office cell phone: 6614-3632
PTY600@yahoo.com
The service he provided for us was excellent, but it is also important that the advice he gives and requirements he specifies, are followed by the shipping agent. In our case they were not, and so caused additional problems.
Once you have selected the goods to be imported, contact Al White and provide him with the details including the value, the supplier and the shipping agent. Also find out the name of the receiving shipping agent who will be used in Panama, and advise Al.
Advise your date of arrival at your chosen destination, and check out whether you will be charged a handling fee by the marina. None is charged at Panamarina, and the owners, Sylvie and Jean Paul could not have been more helpful. Remember that if the goods remain in a warehouse at Colon for more than a certain number of days before they can be transported to you, a storage fee will be applied.
Contact Al on your arrival, and I am sure he will do his best to arrange delivery.
Good luck!
Bob Hazell
