PILACOtherCarrier-Mandated
Panama Canal Late Arrival Charge (PILAC)
A penalty surcharge imposed by the Panama Canal Authority when a vessel arrives late to its booked transit slot. This disrupts the canal's scheduling and operational efficiency. The charge incentivizes vessels to arrive on time.
Per Shipment
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
FCLLCLAirRailCourierRoadFBAAs Request
Typical Cost Range
$100–$500
flat rate
Penalty increases with delay duration. Long delays can incur thousands of dollars in PILAC charges.
Who Pays?
Shipper (When CIF, DAP)
Consignee (When EXW, FOB)
Negotiability
Set by carrier or port authority — not negotiable.
PILAC is an ACP penalty passed through to shippers by carriers. Not directly negotiable with the carrier. Delays causing PILAC are usually beyond shipper control.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Ad-hoc / case-by-case
Chargeable Unit
Flat Rate
Formula / Calculation
PILAC = ACP Penalty Fee for Late Arrival (varies by delay duration)Panamapenaltytransitdelay
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a shipper be held responsible for PILAC?
The carrier is directly responsible to the ACP. However, if delays are caused by shipper-related issues (late cargo delivery), carriers may attempt to pass costs through.
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