Inbound Logistics | June 2026

LogistIcs In HawaII: SUSTAINING SUPPLY CHAINS

“We work with our customers to build logistics plans for their shipments, starting from the source or manufacturer all the way to the nal delivery,” he adds. “As situations change, we can adjust the modes being utilized to ensure shipments get to their destination exactly when they are needed.” FORWARD THINKING BUILT IN You might say that global supply chain solutions company Logistics Plus, Inc. was built to meet the kinds of challenges that Hawaii presents. After all, the company boasts that it was built for “what’s next.” Founded in 1996 in Erie, Pennsylvania, Logistics Plus now maintains ofces and warehouses in strategic locations across the United States, including Honolulu. The company also maintains a broad trans-Pacic and global footprint stretching from Canada to Vietnam and beyond. “Logistics Plus opened its Honolulu ofce in late 2022, and the market response has been strong,” says Cara Fradelos, sales manager for Logistics Plus Hawaii. “Troy Pagaduan, our director of operations, along with Frank Knafelz, our senior vice president, has built a capable local team that combines

island expertise with the resources of a global organization.” In March 2025, the company opened a 75,000-square-foot warehouse just ve minutes from Honolulu Harbor and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. “That proximity to port and air infrastructure is essential when serving island-based clients,” Fradelos says. Pagaduan believes that the characteristics of logistics in Hawaii require a global perspective to navigate effectively. “Being in the middle of the Pacic Ocean, we are very vulnerable to weather and other delays,” he explains. “Staying in touch with our clients, setting shipping expectations, and helping forecast their needs really help to

as a strategic waypoint continues to grow, both for goods bound for the islands and for cargo moving on to Guam, Australia, and other Pacic destinations.” ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE Economics also underscores the need for forward thinking. “Most economic changes affect Hawaii in more ways than one,” Pagaduan says. “For example, increases in fuel prices affect pricing for just about everything from shipping and deliveries. Helping to understand your needs, but also being aware of what is going on globally, will help prepare for what’s coming.” Pagaduan sees shifts ahead for Hawaii’s supply chains. “Tourism and trade play a big part of the global trade pattern,” he says. “I could see a change of more exports out of Hawaii along with an increase of imported goods.” He believes more international imports will be needed to support the state. Hawaii’s steady growth will impact freight demand and infrastructure, he adds. “It will be interesting to see what type of changes are in store for Hawaii,” he says. “Hawaii is a growing state, and freight demand will always be a big priority.” Logistics Plus will be ready to respond. “LP started out small, trying to carve a niche in the islands, and we have been consistent with growth in the past couple of years,” he says. “Our FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) department started doing projects on the island the past couple of years as well.” LEVERAGING A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Having a long history gives logistics companies a major advantage in navigating Hawaii’s unique challenges. Case in point: Honolulu Freight Service (HFS). Founded 90 years ago, HFS provides multimodal freight transportation services connecting Hawaii and Guam to the continental United States. The company’s roots date to 1936, when Paul Beidleman delivered freight from Yuma, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California,

mitigate disruptions to service.” Because global supply chain

disruptions hit Hawaii particularly hard, the company’s “what’s next” approach to logistics frequently comes into play. “Most of our product has to come via shipping, so planning ahead and forecasting the future is always best practice,” Pagaduan says. “Hawaii has always beneted from a strong geographic position, but global attention on the Pacic has expanded considerably,” Fradelos adds. “As U.S. trade policy shifts to diversify away from single-source dependencies, Hawaii’s role

Logistics Plus maintains warehouses and o ces in strategic locations across the United States, including Honolulu.

42 Inbound Logistics • June 2026