Hilo, HI
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Hilo.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
West Coast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.73 |
| Reefer | $3.19 |
| Flatbed | $3.36 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
HI-19 (Hawaii Belt Road north)HI-11 (Hawaii Belt Road south)Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road)
Top Industries
Agriculture (macadamia nuts, flowers, papaya)
Astronomy & Research
Tourism
Geothermal energy
Major Distribution Centers
KTA Super Stores warehouse
Sack N Save distribution
Young Brothers Hilo terminal
Top Shippers
Y
Young Brothers (inter-island barge)M
Matson NavigationB
Big Island CandiesNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via HI-19 (Hawaii Belt Road north)
Truck Stops
76 commercial fueling (Kanoelehua Avenue)
Hilo industrial area fuel stations
Challenges
- Heaviest rainfall in the US (130+ inches) causes constant wet roads and frequent flooding.
- Volcanic hazards including lava flows and vog (volcanic smog) in the Puna district.
- Long winding routes between Hilo and Kona side with steep mountain grades on Saddle Road.
- All freight depends on ocean shipping, raising costs.
Opportunities
- Port-driven import freight creates consistent outbound load demand
- Produce freight runs nearly year-round from California's Central Valley
- Premium rates compensate for higher operating costs
- Tech sector growth fuels e-commerce distribution expansion
Seasonal Freight Patterns
California produce runs nearly year-round, with peak harvest June through October. Holiday retail surge is strong September through December. Wildfire season (July-October) can disrupt routes. Winter mountain pass closures affect I-80 and I-70 corridors.
Trucking in Hilo — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Hilo: Dry Van $2.73, Reefer $3.19, Flatbed $3.36. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Hilo is rated "fair." Popular stops include 76 commercial fueling (Kanoelehua Avenue), Hilo industrial area fuel stations. Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Hilo freight market include Young Brothers (inter-island barge), Matson Navigation, Big Island Candies. Key industries driving freight demand are agriculture (macadamia nuts, flowers, papaya), astronomy & research, tourism.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Hilo include: Heaviest rainfall in the US (130+ inches) causes constant wet roads and frequent flooding.; Volcanic hazards including lava flows and vog (volcanic smog) in the Puna district.; Long winding routes between Hilo and Kona side with steep mountain grades on Saddle Road.. However, opportunities include port-driven import freight creates consistent outbound load demand.