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 computation to figure each cubic foot measurement, then add all cubic feet totals for your grand total.

We do not ship automobiles as there are special vehicle preparation and documentation requirements to ship overseas. We will, however, be happy to steer you in the right direction for making arrangements to ship these items.

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.

Collect means that the receiver (consignee) of the freight is responsible for all shipping charges. The term Driver Collect means that no credit will be extended and that the freight charges must be paid for at the time of delivery.

Prepaid means that the shipper of the freight is responsible for payment of all charges. There are three ways to pay a freight bill:

1.) There are multiple ways to pay your bill.
We accept: credit cards (Visa or MasterCard only), certified checks, or cash. Credit Card payments will be charged a 3% convenience fee.

2.) Via direct billing. An application for direct billing must be completed and forwarded to our Corporate Offices for approval. If approved, a bill will be mailed to the Shipper for payment.

C.O.D. stands for Collect On Delivery. A C.O.D. is the invoice or dollar value of the goods which a shipper wants to collect from the receiver upon delivery. (Not just the freight charges). The C.O.D. amount must be stated in a specific place and format on the original Bill of Lading before the carrier receives the goods for transport. Upon delivery and collection of the funds from the receiver, the funds are transferred to the shipper. There is a fee charged for this service. Contact your local terminal for C.O.D. fees.

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".

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.

All freight coming into Guam must go through Guam Customs. They require a commercial or proforma invoice which states the dollar value of the product entering the country. This must be broken down by product and not just a total invoice, for example: 20 pairs of shoes at $10.00 each for $200.00, 5 pairs of gloves at 1.00 each for $5.00, total shipment $205.00. This invoice along with your regular bill of lading is the only paperwork needed for Guam.

The cost for shipping is generally calculated on the weight and size of your shipment. All services are competitively priced to give you the best options that can work for your business needs. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have and any estimates you may need. Just call the terminal office nearest you for more information.

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 Honolulu Freight Service terminal.

Containers vary in size and the volume they will hold. Honolulu Freight Service can ship 20', 40' and 45' containers.

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.

One of the most common questions that arise when we first bring on a customer has to do with the freight bill and bill of lading. While these documents are similar in most contexts, there are key differences between the bill of lading and the freight bill. Failing to know these can lead to misunderstandings that might undermine an otherwise mutually beneficial business relationship between your carriers, suppliers, and ultimately customers.

Bills of lading are official documents, which may be admissible in a court of law, that precisely name and enumerate the items to be transported during a freight shipment. They are issued by the shipping company that provides overall logistical support to meet the customer’s needs like Honolulu Freight Service. When composing these bills of lading, it is important to provide weight, value, and description of every item to be shipped. These bills (remember NOT the freight bill by bills of lading) represent the agreement between the shipper and the logistics provider or carrier that spells out where the freight will be collected, where it will be transported, and when the freight will arrive. Traditionally, this bill also serves as title to the goods thus described; in other words, it can serve as an official description of loan collateral. In effect, this bill makes explicit the “service level agreement” that exists between a freight company and its customer. When determining whether a company has met its obligations, this bill is often the paramount source. For that reason, both customers and freight companies have a vested interest in ensuring these bills are accurate. Disputes can be avoided when all parties involved take steps to ensure these documents have been thoroughly checked over.

Freight bills or freight invoices are different from bills of lading in that they do not serve as a key piece of “evidence” in any dispute. While freight bills should match up closely to their bills of lading counterparts, they can also include additional charges (such as accessorials), information, or stipulations that serve to clarify the information on the bill of lading document. When you are looking for an “invoice” to examine as part of a focused logistics improvement effort, you will generally use this bill rather than the original lading documents. Examples of using the freight bill for improvement is during the freight audit process. If you are using a third party logistics provider, included in the agreement should be a freight audit and freight payment service (also known as freight accounting). In effect, these freight bills are similar to other invoices for professional services your business might collect. Although they may seem less important during the freight shipping process, they should be retained long term.