How do I open the shipping forms provided on your website?
Our forms are provided in both Microsoft Word® and Adobe Acrobat® format. Download Adobe Acrobat for free if you do not already have it installed.


How do I figure out the cubic feet of my shipment?
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.

Density
If the density of your shipment exceeds 45 lbs per cubic foot, every 45 lbs of weight is equal to 1 cubic foot. Just divide the total weight of your shipment by 45 to get the cubic feet by weight.

Hints:

When measuring freight, round your dimensions up to the next inch at

the ½" mark. For example:
34.5" = 35", and 34.3" = 34".

Cubic feet should also be rounded up just the same.

If you have 8 pieces and all are the same size:

48" x 40" x 36" x 8 ÷ 1728 = 320cf.

When measuring a pallet of freight, be sure to measure the longest,

widest, and highest dimensions, including the pallet. If the product extends past the edge of the pallet, you must measure to the end of the product. If the product does not meet the edge of the pallet, then measure to the edge of the pallet. Why? Because the pallet is using space within the container being shipped.

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How do I ship my automobile?
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.
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When do I need to have my shipment at Hawaiian Express Service for shipping to Hawaii?
Cutoff times vary, but USUALLY by noon the day prior to shipping. For confirmed cutoff times, please contact your local Hawaiian Express Service terminal.
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Is my shipment insured?
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.
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How long will it take my shipment to reach my customer?
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.
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What does prepaid mean?
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. In person when freight is delivered to a Hawaiian Express Service terminal.
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.

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What does collect mean?
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.
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What is a C.O.D.?
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.
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Are there packaging requirements?
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.

Proper "A-frame" packaging examples for shipping glass:

    
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Is any special documentation required for shipping to Hawaii?
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.
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What paperwork do I need to move my shipment to Guam?
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.
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How are freight charges calculated?
Ocean costs are based on the size of the shipment. All ocean charges from the port to final destination are based on the cubic feet of your shipment. Pricing has several components. Ocean rate is for the actual vessel transportation on the ocean. Wharfage is a fee assessed by the ports for each container. Hawaiian Express combines Ocean & Wharfages into one fee. Delivery rate is based on the specific destination (zip code) on the islands. This fee will be based on either an actual delivery, a spot, or will-call. There is also a fuel surcharge to help recover the exceptionally high cost of fuel, and a terminal handling fee. You can contact your local Hawaiian Express terminal for current rates as they change periodically.
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How much freight can fit in a container?
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:

20' Standard: Inside Length: 19'4" Inside Width: 7'6" Inside Height: 7'8" Door Opening: 7'6"W x 7'4"H Cube Capacity: 1172cf Max Weight: 24,000lb

40' Standard: Inside Length: 39'6" Inside Width: 7'9" Inside Height: 7'10" Door Opening: 7'8"W x 7'6"H Cube Capacity: 2387cf Max Weight: 42,000lb

40' High: Inside Length: 39'5" Inside Width: 7'8" Inside Height: 8'10" Door Opening: 7'8"W x 8'6"H Cube Capacity: 2686cf Max Weight: 42,000lb

45' High: Inside Length: 44'5" Inside Width: 7'6" Inside Height: 8'10" Door Opening: 7'8"W x 8'6"H Cube Capacity: 3030cf Max Weight: 44,000lb

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What is the proper way to palletize freight?
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.

Incorrect Pallet	Correct Pallet

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:

Incorrect Stack

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