HAWAII LOGISTICS
“People may assume that Hawaii’s logistics are simply an extension of West Coast shipping,” Zybura says. “The reality is that Hawaii requires a specialized, localized approach; it almost requires a mixed international and local solution. Inter-island freight operations, local delivery nuances, and port-specific regulations create a logistics environment that’s quite distinct from mainland models. “Another misconception is that service levels are lower or slower in Hawaii,” he adds. “In truth, providers like Approved Freight Forwarders have built highly responsive, customer-focused operations that rival—and often exceed— mainland standards. “If you are able to get the logistics plan right, you can create a differentiated strategy to outpace competitors,” Zybura says. “At Approved Freight Forwarders we pride ourselves in creating customized logistics solutions to help our customers create those differentiated strategies.” Zybura is optimistic about Hawaii’s continued importance in worldwide logistics. “Hawaii remains a vital link in the Pacific and a key market for mainland shippers,” he says. “As global trade patterns shift and ecommerce expands, Hawaii’s role as a strategic hub is only growing. Investments in technology and infrastructure— combined with the resilience of our local logistics community—position us well for the future.” Lynden: Synergies of Service As the saying goes, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” A strong case in point is Aloha Marine Lines (AML), a barge service company that is part of the powerful Lynden family of companies providing transportation and logistics solutions in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and around the world. “In addition to barge service, we can provide air and ocean forwarding services to Hawaii, and trucking services throughout the mainland,” says Bret Harper, Aloha Marine Lines’ vice president of sales. “Our combined
The Lynden family of companies, including Aloha Marine Lines (AML), provides transportation and logistics solutions in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and around the world.
one point of contact anywhere in the world by tapping into Lynden Logistics,” Harper says. Lynden Logistics provides air and ocean freight forwarding, expedited ground freight services, customs brokerage, and other specialized services such as charters, barcode scanning and assembly, and distribution. Providing Turn-Key Solutions The assets and experience of AML and its partners enable the company to meet the challenges of the state’s unique and complex infrastructure. Recently, they have been called upon to assist in emergencies such as the Hawaii wildfires. In late 2024, AML delivered the third barge load of modular units to Maui for a FEMA project supporting the Lahaina fire rebuild efforts. “We were glad we could assist in a small way with the ongoing Maui recovery efforts,” says Harper. “These barges were loaded with temporary housing units for displaced residents. We worked within tight deadlines and load requirements to move 83 modulars on trailers from Seattle directly to Kahului, Maui.” Meanwhile, AML and Lynden Logistics are supporting the Navy’s Shipyard Optimization Program (SIOP) to replace Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor. The project is a key investment for the Navy to increase capacity and modernize shipyards through upgraded dry docks,
capabilities allow customers to have their freight picked up from suppliers on the mainland and shipped to Hawaii all by the same company, simplifying the entire process. “If something needs to be delivered quickly, we can transport it via air or ship,” he adds. “If it’s less urgent, we can save the customer money by using our barge service. We call this service Dynamic Routing.” The companies’ synergies add up to an approach that leverages their combined resources and expertise to ensure a seamless and coordinated delivery of goods, often across multiple modes of transportation on air, land, and sea. “We work together and can utilize all our services,” Harper explains. The unique challenges of providing logistics services to and from Hawaii include navigating 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean, Harper notes, and then traversing the distances within and among the islands. AML’s fleet of barges and specialized container equipment enables the company to overcome these challenges for both small and large shipments with efficiency and speed. AML’s Makani Class barges, for example, measure 438 feet long and 105 feet wide, with a deadweight capacity of 16,900 tons. They are fitted with high binwalls, which help to keep freight secure while minimizing the amount of lashing needed for each voyage. Lynden Logistics, also part of the Lynden family of companies, provides global freight forwarding. “You can have
facilities, and new equipment. “We view ourselves as logistics
consultants,” Harper says. “We provide turn-key solutions that make the shipping process easy for customers.”
56 Inbound Logistics • June 2025
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