What to Know About Freight Forwarders in Hawaii

If you’re running a business that depends on moving goods to or across Hawaii, understanding how freight forwarders operate is critical. Whether you're shipping from the mainland, receiving international cargo, or coordinating inter-island distribution, freight forwarders play a vital role in ensuring your products arrive on time and intact.

Here’s what you need to know about freight forwarders in Hawaii—and how local delivery companies like Preferred Transportation Services complete the job after your freight lands.

What Is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of a shipper. They don’t typically move the cargo themselves—instead, they coordinate with carriers (ocean, air, trucking, etc.) and manage the logistics from origin to destination.

In Hawaii, freight forwarders are commonly used to:

• Ship containerized freight from the U.S. mainland

• Coordinate international imports

• Consolidate goods from multiple suppliers

• Navigate customs and port logistics

• Organize documentation and tracking

Popular ocean carriers and freight forwarders to Hawaii include Matson, Pasha, DHX, and Approved Freight.

What Happens After Freight Arrives in Hawaii?

This is where many businesses run into issues. While freight forwarders get your shipment to Honolulu (or another port), they often do not handle final-mile delivery, break bulk distribution, or local warehousing.

That’s where Preferred Transportation Services comes in.

We work closely with freight forwarders and their clients to:

• Receive incoming containers

• Break bulk (deconsolidate) and palletize freight

• Store inventory short-term or long-term

• Deliver to retail stores, offices, construction sites, or homes

• Provide liftgate, inside, or white-glove delivery options

Services Freight Forwarders Don’t Typically Provide

Most freight forwarders:

• Do not offer on-island delivery scheduling

• Do not provide short-term warehousing or storage

• Do not deliver directly to businesses or residences

• Do not offer inside delivery or unpacking

That means you’ll need a Hawaii-based delivery partner like Preferred to complete the job reliably.

Why Work With a Local Freight Delivery Partner?

• We know Oahu’s roads, regulations, and delivery protocols

• We coordinate with freight forwarders for seamless handoffs

• We offer final-mile services including flatbeds, liftgates, and refrigerated trucks

• We deliver to military bases, job sites, retail centers, and residences

• Our team provides real-time communication and white-glove service

Pro Tips When Working With a Freight Forwarder

1. Ask who handles the local delivery.
   Don’t assume your freight forwarder delivers beyond the port.

2. Confirm paperwork and labeling.
   Make sure your goods are properly documented and labeled for Hawaii customs and port clearance.

3. Have a delivery plan in place.
   Schedule with your local delivery partner as soon as you get an estimated arrival date.

4. Consider storage timing.
   If your freight arrives early or your site isn’t ready, short-term storage can save you time and money.

Need Help After Freight Forwarding?

If your goods are en route to Hawaii—or already here—we’re ready to help.

Preferred Transportation Services is Hawaii’s trusted delivery partner for freight forwarders, manufacturers, distributors, and retail brands. From container to customer, we ensure smooth, on-time, professional service.

Request a quote or contact us to schedule local freight delivery.