Last reviewed: October 17, 2026 · Checked against FMCSA and carrier sources listed at the end
Shipping a household across the ocean is the biggest single decision in a move off the islands. There are three realistic ways to do it, and they differ a lot in how much work you do yourself, how much risk you carry, and who you deal with when something goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- Your three main options: a full-service mover, a self-pack ocean container, or a smaller shipment through a freight forwarder or consolidator.
- A carrier’s own container service is port to port. You arrange the packing, loading and trucking on both ends.
- With an interstate mover or broker, federal FMCSA rules give you specific rights on estimates, valuation and claims.
- On a neighbor island, your goods usually go to Honolulu first.
Before anything else: sell or ship?
Ocean shipping is priced by space and weight, so go room by room and ask one question: would I pay to ship this, or rather replace it on the mainland? Heavy, cheap furniture often isn’t worth the crossing. Things that are irreplaceable, expensive or hard to find usually are. Make this list before you request quotes; every estimate will depend on it.
Your three options
| Full-service mover | Self-pack ocean container | Smaller shipment (forwarder or consolidator) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who packs and loads | The mover | You or hired help | You pack; they handle freight |
| Door to door? | Yes, usually | No. Port to port; you hire trucking on each end | Varies by company |
| Best for | Whole households, busy families, less hassle | Full homes, people who are organized and hands-on | Apartments and light movers |
| Main risk | Choosing a poorly run or unlicensed company | Loading mistakes, deadlines and extra fees | Damage in consolidation; slower timelines |
Self-pack containers: how they work
Matson offers household-goods containers to individuals, as full containers, port to port. According to Matson’s FAQ, you or a mover pack and load the container, ideally within 10 days. You also hire your own registered trucker for delivery on the mainland. On arrival you need to pick up the container within two working days of it becoming available, and return it empty within about a week, or extra charges apply. Matson offers optional coverage priced at 2% of the value you declare. For less than a full container, Matson points you to a freight forwarder or moving company.
Pasha Hawaii’s relocation services mainly work through moving companies and agents, including for military moves, rather than directly with individuals.
Moving from a neighbor island
Young Brothers carries cargo between the islands, always through Honolulu. It offers full containers, palletized less-than-container loads, and mixed loads that can include household items, which need a bill of lading and weatherproof packaging. Book about two weeks ahead. Young Brothers doesn’t ship outside Hawaii, so you’ll need a separate carrier for the ocean crossing.
Your federal rights when you hire a mover
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate household moves that involve a mover. Brokers must be registered with FMCSA, must use only registered movers, and must give you two booklets: “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready to Move.” Ask any company you’re considering how these rules apply to your specific ocean move, and get the answer in writing.
Binding vs. non-binding estimates
- Binding estimate: you pay the estimated amount at delivery. Extra charges for impracticable operations, such as a long carry or no truck access, are limited to 15% of the estimate.
- Non-binding estimate: at delivery you pay at most 110% of the estimate. Anything above that is billed later, at least 30 days after delivery.
Valuation: how much the mover owes you for loss or damage
- Full Value Protection is the default. The mover’s liability is at least $6.00 per pound times your shipment’s weight.
- Released Value is cheaper but only covers 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-pound television would be worth $6. You have to waive Full Value Protection in writing to choose it.
Paperwork and claims
- The mover must give you the bill of lading at least three days before pickup. Read it before you sign.
- You have nine months from delivery to file a loss or damage claim.
- Movers must offer arbitration, and must agree to it for claims of $10,000 or less.
How to choose a mover safely
- Look up every company’s USDOT or MC number on FMCSA’s website. Check whether it’s a mover or a broker.
- Get at least three written estimates based on a real inventory (in person or by video), not a phone guess.
- Ask exactly what’s included: packing, the ocean leg, port fees, delivery, storage.
- Be wary of very low quotes and large up-front deposits.
Our Mover Safety Center covers red flags and what to do if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my car in my household goods container?
Not on Hawaii routes with Matson. Its FAQ says cars ride in household-goods containers only on its Alaska routes. Ship the car separately.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a small amount of stuff?
For a few boxes or a small apartment, a freight forwarder or consolidator, where your goods share container space, is usually cheaper than a full container. Compare written quotes. We don’t publish prices because they change often.
Can I pack plants or produce in my shipment?
Don’t. Agricultural items leaving Hawaii are regulated. See our USDA inspection guide.
Keep planning
Sources
- FMCSA: Protect Your Move FAQ
- FMCSA: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (PDF)
- Matson: Household goods FAQ
- Pasha Hawaii: Relocation services
- Young Brothers: Ship your goods
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm terms in writing with any company you hire.
