How to Prepare Your Freight

Charges are based on the total cubic feet or density, whichever is greater. Unless something you are shipping is extremely heavy in relation to the size, all you'll need are the dimensions.

12" x 12" x 12" = 1728
1728 ÷ 1728 = 1cf

To figure cubic feet, multiply (in inches) the length x width x height and divide that total by 1728.

For example, a package that measures 48" long x 40" wide x 36" high:
48 x 40 x 36 ÷ 1728 = 40cf

If you have 5 packages, all with different measurements, use the above calculation to figure each cubic foot measurement, then add all cubic feet totals for your grand total.

Cutoff times vary, but USUALLY by noon the day prior to shipping. For confirmed cutoff times, please contact your local Hawaiian Express Service terminal.

Shipments are insured for the "invoice" value of the goods while in our possession. Liability is limited to $1,000 per package while shipment is on board vessel. Additional marine insurance is available via outside agencies.

See our Shipping Schedules for approximate shipping days. The number of days is approximate as there maybe unforeseen delays such as weather delays and schedule changes due to vessel breakdown, etc.

As shipments will be loaded around other cartons, crates and palletized shipments, contents should be protected to prevent damage from normal freight handling practices. Shipping glass requires it to be packed in an "A-frame". See pics below for examples of proper packaging of glass.

    

Hawaii-bound freight moves just like any domestic shipping would. The only document required is the standard domestic Bill of Lading. If, however, you are shipping Hazardous Goods, more documentation is required. Learn about Hazardous Goods shipping.

When figuring if your freight will fit in a specified container, please note the DOOR OPENING dimensions as it will need to fit within those specified. When in doubt, call your local Hawaiian Express Service terminal.

Containers vary in size and the volume they will hold. Hawaiian Express Service can ship 20', 40' and 45' containers. For a list of these containers and their volume, see below:

Door Opening: 7'6"W x 7'4"H Inside Length: 19'4" Inside Width: 7'6" Inside Height: 7'8" Empty Weight: 4,870 lbs. Cubic Capacity: 1,172 ft.

Door Opening: 7'8"W x 7'6"H Inside Length: 39'6" Inside Width: 7'9" Inside Height: 7'10" Empty Weight: 7,800 lbs. Cubic Capacity: 2,387 ft.

Door Opening: 7'8"W x 8'6"H Inside Length: 39'5" Inside Width: 7'8" Inside Height: 8'10" Empty Weight: 8,160 lbs. Cubic Capacity: 2,686 ft.

Door Opening: 7'8"W x 8'6"H Inside Length: 44'5" Inside Width: 7'6" Inside Height: 8'10" Empty Weight: 10,000 lbs. Cubic Capacity: 3,030 ft.

As square on the pallet as possible, without hanging over the edges, and as flat on top as possible. If boxes on the bottom hang off the edge of the pallet, the weight of boxes above it will force the bottom box to crush down.
Remember, when we rate freight, we based it on the total cubic feet. In the picture below, if those top boxes were layed down flat, the shipment would have shipped cheaper: