Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Freight Forwarding Solutions
Honolulu Freight Service has spent over 80 years building a tradition of superior service and cost-effective solutions for every customer, big or small, who trusts us with their cargo. Since 1936, we have provided the highest quality of seamless transportation service between the North American continent and the Hawaiian Islands, operating as a family-owned-and-operated company dedicated to all freight and shipping needs. Our extensive experience and in-depth understanding of customer requirements, combined with a staff of transportation professionals, ensure personalized quality service that positions us as the premier freight forwarder in the industry. We offer economies of scale for larger clients, hand-in-hand assistance to smaller clients, and custom services to meet all needs. Our core services include ocean transport, comprehensive pick-up and delivery of freight, and short-term warehousing, supported by four mainland service terminal locations. We specialize in dry and refrigerated cargo consolidations, asset-based facilities fully staffed with our employees, and multiple weekly sailings to and from Hawaii. Our network of trucking carriers and web-based tracking tool provide ease of one freight bill with less handling, ensuring weekly reliable service from any point on the continental U.S. to Hawaii.We guarantee the quality of your frozen or chilled products, ensuring perishable goods arrive in top condition to their Hawaii destination. Our multi-modal capabilities and long-term partnerships with ocean and barge carriers provide competitive pricing, vessel priority, and reliable transport. With nearly 80 years of expertise handling over-dimensional cargo, we offer complete integrated logistics and project management solutions for industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. Our dedicated staff is committed to assisting with all freight handling and shipping needs, ensuring seamless transportation solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements.
Services
Less than Container Load
Full Container Load Service
Refrigerated Service
Inter-Island Service
Oversize Cargo
Cargo Consolidation Program
Flat Rack Loading and Banding
Local Trucking
Warehousing
Eastbound Service
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ years of experience in freight forwarding to and from Hawaii.
- Our family-owned operation prioritizes personalized service and customer relationships.
- Asset-based facilities ensure control over cargo consolidation and handling.
- Competitive pricing through long-term carrier partnerships and economies of scale.
- 24/7 shipment tracking guarantees transparency for refrigerated and time-sensitive cargo.
Services
Less than Container Load
Our LCL service offers competitive pricing and professional handling for partial container shipments. With 79 years of heritage, we provide dry and refrigerated cargo consolidations from four West Coast terminals to all Hawaiian islands. Our network ensures weekly reliable service, web-based tracking, and one freight bill for simplified logistics.
Refrigerated Service
We specialize in temperature-controlled shipping for chilled, frozen, and specialty goods. Our enclosed reefer docks maintain the cold chain from origin to destination, with 24/7 tracking and guaranteed on-time delivery. Services include frozen and chilled storage in Honolulu and dedicated routes from Oakland, Los Angeles, and Tacoma.
Inter-Island Service
Our premium inter-island service offers containerized ocean transport between Hawaiian islands. Features include competitive LCL/FCL rates, guaranteed cargo protection, quick Honolulu drop-off, and first-priority discharge at destination ports. Six island terminals provide on-site trucking for door-to-door delivery.
Oversize Cargo
We manage heavy and over-dimensional shipments with specialized equipment and nationwide coverage. Services include Ro-Ro, Lo-Lo, flat rack, and open-top container solutions. Our 80-year expertise supports industries like energy, manufacturing, and government with integrated logistics and island-wide delivery.
Full Container Load
Our FCL service provides dedicated container solutions for large-volume shipments. With partnerships across major steamship lines and barge companies, we offer competitive pricing, door-to-door coordination, and weekly sailings. Services include dry and refrigerated containers from 20' to 45' sizes.
Questions
What cutoff time applies for shipments to Hawaii?
Shipments typically need to arrive by noon the day before sailing. Confirm exact times with your local terminal.
How do I calculate shipment cubic feet?
Multiply length x width x height (in inches) and divide by 1728 for cubic feet.
Does HFS ship automobiles?
We do not handle vehicle shipments but can direct you to specialized services.
Is cargo insured during transit?
Shipments are insured up to $1,000 per package; additional marine insurance is available.
What payment methods does HFS accept?
We accept credit cards (Visa/MasterCard with 3% fee), certified checks, cash, and approved direct billing.
What documentation is required for Guam shipments?
Guam requires a commercial invoice detailing all items and their values for customs clearance.