Shipping in the US mainland can be pretty simple with only trucks driving across land, but the complexities of moving items across water from mainland to island or island to island can add unique complications and expenses when shipping to Hawaii.
Since shipping to Hawaii can be a monumental task that requires an eye for detail and expert knowledge, make sure to choose a shipping company that will take the logistics of moving your items seriously.
Consider a company that:
- Is educated
- Makes shipping seamless
- Is cost-effective
- Works with you to meet your needs
How Do I Ship My Stuff to Hawaii?
The first step would be to call a reputable shipping company that will walk you through the process. When shipping to Hawaii, consider a company that will offer the following:
- Comprehensive logistics solutions such as intermodal services
- Specialized services for your needs such as vehicle shipping, residential moves, or business relocation
- Trucking Door-to-Door Convenience
- Secure handling and real-time tracking
A reputable company should give you an initial consultation, securely pack your belongings for you, handle the transitions between different shipping modes, and give you piece of mind.
What is Intermodal Services?
Intermodal services is a form of logistics that streamlines transit by combining multiple transport methods such as vessel shipping, rail transport, and trucking door-to-door. In this way, shipping times and handling of your belongings can be reduced, keeping your items intact and received in a timely manner.
- Vessel shipping refers to ocean freight and is the backbone of shipping to Hawaii. When using vessel shipping, it is most cost-effective to have full container loads.
- Rail Transport utilizes the inland train system to quickly move your items from one point to the next
- Trucking Door-to-Door utilizes shipping trucks that will either pickup or deliver your items to the next shipping modality such as a water vessel
- Drayage Services handles the transition of your shipment at rail yards and ports
A full-service shipping company will have its own trucking fleet and other shipping teams to handle these various types of shipping modalities so that you don’t have to.
Maston Container Shipping: Ship in Bulk
With container shipping, not only can you ship your household goods or business effects, but you can also ship vehicles and large machinery. Shipping to Hawaii requires a company that has expertise in maritime logistics which starts with filling out the appropriate paperwork for easy clearance through customs.
Matson container shipping involves delivering an empty Matson container via truck to your door at your home, storage facility, or business and giving you up to 10 days to load your container (ideally, a quality shipping company will do the loading for you).
Once your container is loaded, the shipping company will deliver the container via truck to the rail yard or main port that will transport your shipment to the destination port of your choosing.
Upon arrival, the shipping company will deliver the Matson container to your new door with the option to unload it for you, and will then return the empty container and all barges to Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kawaihae, Kona (Big Island), Molokai, or Nawiliwili, Kauai.
Hawaii Shipping Equipment
Matson containers are weather-resistant equipment and considered “dry containers”, keeping your goods protected from the elements. For larger goods that cannot fit in a closed container, there are flatrack containers also called “open containers” that allow loading from the sides or the top.
Hawaii shipping companies have a variety of sizes of each container for your various cargo. Ensure that you are clear when discussing with the company what you are needing shipped.
Trucking Door-to-Door: Comprehensive Trucking Services to and from Hawaii
When researching shipping companies that claim to handle Hawaii shipping, ask if they have certified trucking services that will safely get your shipment from Destination A to Destination B which includes from one shipping method to the next.
A convenient trucking service covers all mainland states, picking up and delivering shipments between rail yards as well as major ports. Trucking services should also be able to transport within the Hawaiian islands, Guam, and Saipan.
This is the “door-to-door” experience: ensuring your shipment reaches each of its designated checkpoints with one company overseeing the transitions and intricacies.
Skip the Parcel Service
When it comes to Hawaii shipping, choose a freight shipping service over a parcel service as this is a more efficient and affordable way to deliver between the mainland and the islands. Freight companies are equipped to handle the transportation complexities of transitioning between trucks, ships, and air freight.
While the average freight delivery time can take between 2–4 weeks, it may be beneficial to exercise patience as this can save money in the long run.
Flexible Delivery Dates
Once you have found a shipping company that you like, discuss your delivery date expectations. Remember that shipping to and from Hawaii can be an expensive venture, so look at ways to keep some money in your pocket.
To save some cash, try to provide enough lead time as another way to save money. Rather than insisting on a specific day, allow the company to assess the sailing schedule to maximize inexpensive direct sailings. This may change your intended delivery date if you are open to the option.
Tips for a Smooth Hawaii Shipping Experience
Research and open communication are keys to ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and on time to Hawaii and from it. Once you have solidified a shipping company, follow these steps:
- Plan and research early
- Obtain a quote
- Plan your shipment
- Pack strategically and, better yet, let the pros do it to ensure your items are secure
- Communicate special needs including hazardous materials
- Track your shipment
Shipping to Hawaii requires special considerations and logistics. It can seem daunting but planning well in advance and talking with a knowledgeable expert shipping company can help your shipment run smoothly. Aloha to you and enjoy your new move!
