Crowley triples warehouse space in Panama

   Crowley Maritime Corp. said it has tripled its bonded warehouse space in Panama and consolidated its liner and logistics teams to a new shared location in Panama City.
   Miguel Artiga, vice president of logistics for Central America, said the facility in the Parque Sur corporate and industrial park can handle nationalized and bonded cargo and is close to major transportation arteries, giving the company the capability to offer faster and more efficient services for local shippers.
   “Crowley customers now have access to a fully customs-bonded, 25,300 square-foot warehouse with eight dock doors, increasing the company’s efficiency in receiving and delivering cargo; a 38,426 square foot container yard; and a business office staffed with knowledgeable Crowley representatives who can serve as a single point of contact for shippers and consignees who are importing to and exporting from the country. The facility also offers dedicated capacity for both bonded and non-bonded cargo, integrated communication and data interchange systems, along with a permanent fire and security system,” the company said.
   In addition to regular liner shipping services, which are offered twice weekly to and from Colon, customers can now take advantage several services, including air freight; multi-factory/country consolidation and deconsolidation; cross-docking; re-labeling/re-packing; sorting/pick and pack; inventory control; traffic and documentation; customs clearance/brokerage; and local and regional distribution services from this new joint liner and logistics facility.
   The liner team, which will maintain its terminal at the Port of Colon, will now use the shared space as its main operating hub, under the direction of Crowley’s Ruben Karamanites, general manager for liner services in Panama. This alignment of businesses reinforces the total capabilities Crowley can now offer customers with a single point of contact. – Chris Dupin