Hawaii is a beautiful place to move into and your transfer to this great island can be a worthwhile investment. But how do you move your personal items to your new Hawaii location? If a car is part of the possessions that you want to take with you to Hawaii, you may also be wondering about the cost of shipping a car to Hawaii. A viable option to transport all your belongings, including your car, is by using shipping containers. So, let’s go over the 5 Factors That Determine the Cost of Shipping a Container to and from Hawaii
- Size of the Container
The size of the container will undoubtedly impact the cost of shipping it to and from Hawaii. These containers, which are usually made of coated industrial-grade steel, come in a range of sizes.
A decently sized container can take all of your possession on one trip. The standard containers measure 20 and 40 feet and different auto shipping companies may charge different fees for these containers.
Other than the most frequently used 20-foot and 40-foot containers, there are other variations that you can choose from depending on your needs. Therefore, it is important to compare the pricing of different container sizes to help with your selection. You can also ask for quotes from various auto shipping companies so you can make an informed decision.
2. Transfer Location
When it comes to the cost of packing, moving, and unpacking a container, you should take into account your current location and your transfer location. Generally, your shipping costs will increase if both of these locations are from the port.
The accessibility of both your current location and transfer location is also at play when it comes to the cost of shipping the container to and from Hawaii. Considering that you will need to load and unload possessions from a relatively large shipping container, complicated accessibility can make the transaction more expensive.
3. Logistics
A shipping container takes up a lot of space on its own and may need a larger area to park it. This may be impossible if your current location is a high-rise unit or a crowded neighborhood. Chances are you will have to transfer your things from your area of residence to the shipping agency or to a spacious area where shipping containers are permitted on standby.
In this situation, we’ll need to position the container as close as possible to transport your belongings in trucks, vans, or on a dolly. Consequently, your move will take longer and cost more money as a result of this.
Also, overhanging trees, narrow access paths, and other barriers can prevent larger vehicles from getting near your location. This may also be the case for your goods at your transfer location.
Therefore, you will need to transport your things to the container using smaller vehicles, which would result in longer transit times and higher costs. This logistical process can affect the cost as well as the complexity of the transfer.
4. Weight
The weight of your move is an important factor that you need to keep in mind when making your decision. This does not just entail the volume of your possessions but the type of possessions packed in the containers.
Heavier and more compact items will require more fuel and maintenance and this will cause the shippers to charge more. Generally, certified moving consultants may provide a moving estimate for the weight, quantity, and nature of the content to be transferred.
In addition to that, ocean tariffs are also predicated on the weight and potential damage to the property being transported. If your current location is far from the port, chances are the shipping containers will be transported on a rail line.
5. Nature of the Goods
Another factor that will affect the shipping cost is the type of goods you are moving in the container. In the case of a home transfer, most people load up a shipping container with HHG or loose “household goods”. Unlike hazardous goods that require special handling, loose household goods are easy to handle and this makes the shipping process less expensive.
If you have antiques, appliances, and high-value possessions that need special handling care, this may necessitate an increase in the shipping cost. The container will be traveling across the Pacific Ocean and the ship transporting your belongings may experience rough seas.
Hence, movers need to ensure the safe delivery of the container by packing and securing your valuables with the utmost care. Without proper preparation, the transfer itself may cause you more damage and unforeseen expenses.
This is also true when shipping a car to hawaii into your container. Since your car requires special handling, packing it into your container with your household goods will increase the cost of shipping.
Conclusion
As seen above, factors such as the size of container, the weight of container, logistics, nature of goods, and the transfer location can determine how much it will cost to transport your container to and from Hawaii. Ultimately, it is a good idea to contact the auto shipping company of your choice and ask for a quote to get the accurate cost of your move.
We also recommend you prepare extra for any unforeseen and emergency expenses that you may encounter on your way out of the mainland. This will help with your shipping and make your Hawaii car transport effortless.
