HAWAII LOGISTICS
need, we have found that personalizing the solution yields the best value for our customers.” Talbert believes the impression that there is one simple process for shipping to the islands is a misconception. “Depending on a company’s specific needs, there are numerous ways to build the right supply chain to Hawaii,” he says. “Our team takes a consultative approach with each customer, aiming to find the right process for them from the front end of their supply chain all the way down to the delivery.” BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR HAWAII From the perspective of its decades of experience and robust on-island teams, Approved Freight is bullish on Hawaii’s place in the logistics landscape and seascape in the future. Among the state’s many assets is its appreciation of the growing importance of sustainability. At the same time, however, emphasis on environmental concerns poses additional challenges for responsible logistics professionals. “Hawaii’s commendable commitment to sustainability and environmental protection adds complexity to logistics operations,” Talbert explains. “With Hawaii signing onto the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to accelerate the adoption of electric and zero-emission light- and heavy-duty
vehicles, we are confident this will continue to be an inflection point for all companies doing business in Hawaii. With a large presence in California already, we have been at the forefront of environmentally sustainable logistics solutions.” To that end, the company recently acquired a zero-emission hydrogen truck to service port needs for shipments to Hawaii. Looking ahead, Talbert sees three significant areas for change in Hawaii’s position in the logistics marketplace: eco-friendly offerings, speed of delivery, and the evolving landscape of freight transportation. “As large steamship lines increasingly adopt eco-friendly solutions and the state’s ocean terminals expand their freight capabilities, Hawaii’s capacity to meet the needs of residents and businesses will only grow,” he says. “We anticipate an increasing number of customers inquiring about our most eco-friendly solutions and how they can reduce their shipping footprint to Hawaii.” As in all matters in the world of logistics, it’s about anticipating and reacting in real time to what is around the corner. “As consumers increasingly prioritize speed, convenience, and variety, the economic pressures for reliability and affordability in servicing Hawaii will remain significant concerns for supply chain experts,” Talbert says. “However, we recognize that these factors alone cannot fully address the complexities of shipping to Hawaii.” Approved Freight’s consultative approach to solutions promises to be a continuing advantage for navigating those complexities. REACHING PARADISE Mark Twain called Hawaii “the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” Thanks to logistics professionals who constantly innovate and improve their strategies to cross the distance, the paradise that is Hawaii becomes closer and closer with every passing year. n
senior commercial operations manager for Lynden Air Cargo. “Our Herc was a perfect fit to shuttle the loads delivered to Honolulu from the mainland on the widebody aircraft, as well as handling two loads from the mainland.”
Approved Freight Forwarders: Decades of Experience and Robust On-Island Teams
Navigating the unique challenges of logistics in Hawaii requires a superior measure of direct customer service. For that reason, Approved Freight Forwarders continues to expand its customer service team to ensure customers have a single point of contact. “We understand that no matter how streamlined shipping to Hawaii may seem, it always presents unique challenges that require the expertise of our team members,” says Paul Talbert, the company’s sales VP. “Our
team specializes in being trusted advisors, dedicated to finding the
optimal solution for our customers and providing the highest level of value for each challenge.” For example, Talbert says, “Sometimes it’s most effective to warehouse items on the mainland and utilize strategic consolidation points. Other times, solutions need to be warehoused on the island and delivered outward from Oahu to each island. Whatever the
With delivery fleets on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, Approved Freight Forwarders moves cargo on each island quickly and efficiently, providing direct customer service.
62 Inbound Logistics • June 2024
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