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Help Center

How does my freight get to Hawaii?

Freight destined for the Hawaiian Islands moves through the Los Angeles, California seaport, where it is loaded into secure ocean containers and transported via sea.  The vessel docks in Oahu where shipments are removed from the containers and delivered to the consignee. Freight destined for neighboring islands moves via inter-island barge.

How long will it take for my freight to be delivered?

There are two sailings to Hawaii each week:

Departures Arrivals Transit* Notes

Los Angeles:

Wednesday 

Oahu

Molokai

Lanai

Big Island

Maui

Kawai

7 days

15 days**

15 days**

13 days

10 days

10 days

Freight must be at our Santa Fe Springs Service Center (Los Angeles) by the Tuesday morning prior to departure

Los Angeles:

Saturday

Oahu

Molokai

Lanai

Big Island

Maui

Kawai

7 days

15 days**

15 days**

13 days

10 days

10 days

Freight must be at our Santa Fe Springs Service Center (Los Angeles) by the Friday morning prior to departure

*After arriving at the destination island, most deliveries are made within 72 hours.

** Freight arriving in these locations must be picked up; delivery service is not available.

What paperwork do I need to ship to Hawaii?

You will need a bill of lading (BOL) in order to ship to Hawaii. Please be sure to include the name and telephone number for the consignee.

Can I expect the same kind of invoicing for LTL shipments to Hawaii?

To make your shipping experience easier, XPO provides a single invoice reflecting all transportation elements. Land travel rates are based on the negotiated pricing agreement you have with XPO. Sea travel rates are based on the cubic measurement of the freight. Use the shipment density calculator to get the cubic measurement of your freight.

Can I ship Hazardous Materials freight to Hawaii?

Yes, Hazmat freight can travel to Hawaii, excluding explosive materials and subject to Hazmat shipping requirements. Limited Quantity hazmat must be declared. An MSDS sheet must accompany the BOL. Check with your local service center for more information.

Can I get a rate quote online?

Yes, online rate quotes include pricing for the total shipment, including land and sea travel. Rate quotes will require the cubic measurement of the freight. Click here to calculate the cube of a shipment.

Can I ship "collect" to Hawaii?

You can ship collect shipments destined for the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai. The shipments will be held until payment is made on the mainland, and then released for delivery to the consignee in Hawaii.


Shipments originating in Hawaii, destined for the US mainland, are not eligible to use our prepay by credit card service. The customer on the mainland must have credit if shipping collect from Hawaii.

Can I ship a full container load to Hawaii?

We provide service for LTL/LCL only. 

Are there size constraints for shipments to fit in a container?

The maximum dimensions for a shipment to fit in a container are 90 inches width and 96 inches height.

Is liftgate service available on the islands?

Yes, liftgate trucks are available. Please indicate liftgate service is needed for pickup or delivery on the Bill of Lading.

Can I pick up my shipment at the port in Hawaii?

You are able to will-call your shipment at our Agent’s facility located on each of the islands. Please contact our Offshore Help Desk to schedule this type of delivery — (800) 886-8574, Option #2.

Can I ship Island-to-Island?

Yes. Please send a completed BOL to ltlhawaiioperations@xpo.com . Be sure to include the contact name and phone number for the shipper and consignee.

How will I know when my shipment will arrive in Hawaii?

The estimated arrival date will be posted on the bottom of the bill copy after the shipment is rated. The shipment will be scheduled for delivery within 48 hours of arrival at the island. Contact the Offshore Help Desk for details — (800) 886-8574 Option #2.

How do I schedule a pickup for a shipment coming from Hawaii to the continental U.S.?

Please send a completed BOL to ltlhawaiiopertions@xpo.com . Be sure to include the name and phone number for the shipper and consignee. 

What do I do when I am ready to ship to Hawaii?

  • Web registered users can make all shipment arrangements online. Log on to LTL.xpo.com to get a rate quote and schedule a pickup.
  • Collect required documents
  • Measure shipment and review container dimensions

Tip: Be sure to schedule your shipment so it arrives in time to meet the sailing schedule.

Additional questions? Contact the XPO Offshore Help Desk — (800) 886-8574, Option #2 during business hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. PST.

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