Hilo, HI
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Hilo.
270
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
West Coast
Region
Who Operates Out of Hilo
270 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Hilo. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
118
Owner-operators (1 truck)
100
Small fleets (2-5)
29
Mid fleets (6-20)
9
Large fleets (20+)
44% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 25 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.73 |
| Reefer | $3.19 |
| Flatbed | $3.36 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
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
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Running freight in Hilo? Get dispatched.
Our dispatch team books loads, negotiates rates, and handles the paperwork so you can keep your wheels turning in and out of Hilo.