Dependable Hawaiian Express

What Dependable Hawaiian Express does

Dependable Hawaiian Express (DHX) is a privately held California-incorporated freight forwarder and non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) that specializes in ocean and air freight shipping between the US mainland/Canada and the Hawaiian Islands, Guam, Alaska, and the broader Pacific Rim. The company's operational core consists of Less-than-Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) ocean freight services built on Matson's five-weekly Hawaii sailings from Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, and Seattle, supplemented by inter-island barge service through Young Brothers and parcel/project cargo handling. Air freight is delivered through affiliate DGX-Dependable Global Express, an IATA member covering the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Pacific Rim, China, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. DHX runs an asset-based trucking fleet providing last-mile delivery on the Hawaiian Islands with liftgate, inside delivery, white-glove, and final-mile services, and operates four warehouse/distribution sites (Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Guam) connected by a shared warehouse management system. Supporting technology includes EDI-based customer integration, customizable milestone-based shipment alerts, online booking and tracking portals, ISO 9001:2015 quality management, and ISPM 15 wood-packing compliance. DHX is part of the Dependable Group of Transportation Companies, alongside DDC (mainland warehousing), DHE (trucking), DLS (logistics), and DGX (air/ocean).

DHX earns revenue primarily through transaction-fee pricing on freight movements, structured around LCL cubic/weight comparison, FCL container rates plus terminal handling, dimensional or actual weight for air freight, and dynamic fuel surcharges (currently 31.50% for Hawaii, 32.50% for Guam, and 34.50% for Micronesia as of June 2026). Warehouse and distribution services at Hawaiian island facilities are billed on recurring pallet-position and accessorial fees, with 4-7% annual rate increases observed in 2024-2025. Project cargo, oversized and heavy-lift shipments, and specialized handling command negotiated project rates. Pricing is quote-based, accessible via a sales-led model with dedicated account executives at each of DHX's 10 locations and a self-service inside-sales motion through the company's online Quick Quote, tracking, and payments portals.

The company serves a horizontal mix of customers ranging from individual consumers shipping personal effects to enterprises moving construction materials, hospitality supplies, retail and e-commerce inventory, and industrial project cargo. Customer segments explicitly named in the data include nonprofit organizations (e.g., Habilitat, Inc.), construction and building materials shippers, retailers seeking inter-island e-commerce fulfillment, hospitality operators, and industrial manufacturers with oversized cargo requirements. DHX's primary competitive position rests on Pacific-island specialization, in-house trucking for end-to-end shipment control, company-owned terminals and equipment across 10 locations, frequent sailing cut-offs, and consistent 48-hour delivery windows from container availability at destination.

Name

Dependable Hawaiian Express

Legal name

DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express, Inc.

Website

https://dhx.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Dependable Hawaiian Express is a privately held, California-based NVOCC and freight forwarder specializing in LCL and FCL ocean freight, air freight, warehousing, trucking, and project cargo between the US mainland and Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, and the Pacific Rim, serving enterprises, SMBs, and consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ocean Freight Forwarding and Pacific Island Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Couriers and Express Delivery Services (4921)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)

akta.pro primary industry

Ocean Freight Brokerage (FCL/LCL) (TLADAMAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Project & OOG/Breakbulk Ocean Forwarding (Out-of-Gauge, RoRo) (TLACABAH), Oversized/Out-of-Gauge Specialized Cargo Forwarding (OOG) (TLACAJAG), International Freight Forwarding (Air/Ocean) for Personal Effects (HSAKACAD)

Keywords

• Ocean freight forwarding
• Less-than-container shipping
• Pacific island logistics
• Warehousing distribution services
• Project cargo handling

Headquarters

HQ city

Rancho Dominguez

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ocean Freight (LCL and FCL): DHX's primary revenue stream, providing Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation and Full Container Load (FCL) ocean freight services connecting the US mainland, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Pacific Rim countries. Charges are based on cubic footage or weight (whichever is greater for LCL) plus fuel surcharges, destination handling, and accessorial services.
2. Air Freight Services: Air freight forwarding services through affiliate DGX-Dependable Global Express, covering domestic and international shipments to/from Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Pacific Rim, China, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Revenue generated through air freight charges based on dimensional weight or actual weight.
3. Warehousing and Distribution: Public warehousing services at multiple island locations (Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Guam, and mainland). Revenue from pallet position fees, same-day and last-mile delivery services, inventory management, and e-commerce fulfillment.
4. Trucking and Local Delivery: Asset-based trucking and local delivery services including commercial, retail, and hospitality deliveries throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with services such as liftgate, inside delivery, white glove, and final mile delivery generating accessorial charges.
5. Project Cargo and Specialized Handling: Specialized project cargo services for oversized, heavyweight, or non-standard cargo requiring flat rack, open top, RoRo, heavy lift (forklift and crane), and custom crating. Revenue generated through negotiated project rates.
6. Fuel Surcharges: Dynamic fuel surcharge applied to ocean freight shipments to Hawaii, Guam, and Micronesia, fluctuating based on fuel cost indices. Current surcharge: 31.50% for Hawaii, 32.50% for Guam, 34.50% for Micronesia (as of June 7, 2026).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dependable Hawaiian Express (DHX) is a licensed NVOCC freight forwarder providing ocean freight (LCL and FCL) and air freight shipping between the U.S. mainland, Canada, and Pacific destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and Pacific Rim countries. The company supplements its core freight forwarding with public warehousing and distribution, asset-based trucking and last-mile delivery, and specialized project cargo handling for oversized and heavy goods, all managed through company-owned terminals and a digital self-service portal.

Product overview

DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express operates as a freight forwarding and logistics company offering a unified platform of shipping and supply chain services. The core product portfolio centers on Ocean Freight (FCL and LCL) and Air Freight (via affiliate DGX), supplemented by warehousing and distribution, trucking, and specialized project cargo services. Self-service digital tools include Quick Quote for rate estimation and shipment tracking. The company connects mainland U.S. and Canada to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and international Pacific Rim destinations through partnerships with ocean carriers (primarily Matson) and air carriers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ocean Freight Services Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) ocean freight shipping connecting the mainland U.S. and Canada to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and Pacific Rim destinations, with flexible consolidation, custom crating, and special project handling options. Serves enterprise retailers, manufacturers, and small businesses shipping to Pacific islands.
• Air Freight Services Air cargo transportation through affiliate DGX-Dependable Global Express covering routes between continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Pacific Rim, China, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Charges are based on dimensional weight or actual weight, whichever is greater.
• Public Warehousing & Distribution Storage, warehousing, and distribution services across Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Guam, and mainland U.S. locations, featuring state-of-the-art warehouse management software connecting all sites, same-day shipping, inventory management, and e-commerce fulfillment capabilities. Pallet-position based pricing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Delivery within 48 hours of container availability at destination
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DGX-Dependable Global ExpresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDGX is DHX's affiliate specializing in global air freight forwarding between the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Pacific Rim, China, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. DGX handles all air freight operations for DHX customers and is an IATA member. Contact for air freight: 800.700.3858 or [email protected].
• DDC-Dependable Distribution CentersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDDC is DHX's affiliate for warehousing and distribution services on the US mainland. For warehousing and related distribution services throughout the continental U.S., customers are referred to DDC (http://godependable.com).
• Matson Navigation CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationMatson is the primary ocean carrier partner for DHX's Hawaii and Guam shipping routes. DHX utilizes Matson's vessel schedule with 5 sailings per week from West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Seattle) to Hawaii. Matson sets annual rate increases affecting DHX pricing (e.g., $200 per westbound container increase effective January 5, 2025).
• Young Brothers (HTBYB)coreTechnology or IntegrationYoung Brothers provides inter-island barge service connecting Honolulu to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island for DHX's outer island delivery services. LCL shipments from outer Hawaiian islands transition through Honolulu for consolidation. Young Brothers also subject to Hawaii PUC rate oversight.
• DLS (Dependable Logistics Solutions)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLS is part of the Dependable Group of Transportation Companies. Referenced in credit application and terms of service documents alongside DHX, DDC, DHE, and DGX as affiliated companies.
• DHE (Dependable Highway Express)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDHE is part of the Dependable Group of Transportation Companies. Referenced in credit application and terms of service alongside DHX, DDC, DLS, and DGX as affiliated companies.
• HITCO Moving & StoragecoreTechnology or IntegrationHITCO is DHX's delivery agent in Hilo (Big Island), Hawaii, supporting seamless coverage across the East side of the Big Island. HITCO is closed on certain holidays affecting Hilo delivery services.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pasha Hawaii: Pasha Hawaii operates roll-on/roll-off and container shipping services between the US West Coast and Hawaii. It directly competes with DHX for Hawaii-bound ocean freight and shares similar customers (retailers, manufacturers, construction) needing reliable Pacific shipping with specialized handling.
• Matson Navigation Company: Matson is the primary ocean carrier serving Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, and Pacific islands and operates as both partner and partial competitor to DHX. Its vessel schedules and rate announcements directly shape DHX's service economics, while its NVOCC license and direct shipper contracts overlap with DHX's core LCL/FCL offering.
• Aloha Cargo (Pacific Logistics Group): Aloha Cargo / Pacific Logistics Group is a Hawaii-based freight forwarder offering LCL consolidation, FCL, and trucking services to and from Hawaii. It directly competes with DHX for the same SMB and enterprise Pacific shipper base and offers comparable LCL pricing and online quote tools.

Regional players

• Young Brothers (Hawaii Pacific Logistics): Young Brothers provides inter-island barge service in Hawaii and operates as both partner (for DHX's outer island deliveries) and partial competitor (its subsidiary Hawaii Pacific Logistics handles mainland-to-Hawaii consolidation). Comparable Pacific island coverage and similar reliance on PUC oversight make it a direct regional peer.
• Yusen Logistics: Yusen Logistics is a Japanese-headquartered global forwarder with strong Pacific Rim ocean/air and warehousing presence across Asia-Pacific. It offers comparable Pacific island consolidation services to DGX and competes for trans-Pacific Asia-Hawaii-US volume but does not match DHX's specialty in US-to-Hawaii LCL/FCL with island delivery.

Emerging players

• Flexport: Flexport is a tech-enabled digital freight forwarder offering ocean, air, and trucking with API-first integration. While not specializing in Pacific islands, it competes for the same SMB/mid-market shipper audience DHX serves on Quick Quote, representing the digital-native model DHX must defend against.

Broad incumbents

• Kuehne+Nagel: Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world's largest freight forwarders with broad ocean, air, and contract logistics services including Pacific coverage. It competes with DHX/DGX for international Pacific Rim volume and large enterprise contracts, but lacks DHX's depth in Hawaii/Guam asset-based island delivery.
• Expeditors International: Expeditors International is a global asset-light freight forwarder with strong Pacific Rim ocean and air capability. It overlaps with DHX/DGX on international Pacific consolidation but does not offer DHX's asset-based island trucking and warehousing, making it a broad incumbent rather than a head-to-head competitor.
• DHL Global Forwarding: DHL Global Forwarding is a leading worldwide ocean and air freight forwarder with established Pacific and trans-Pacific operations. It competes for large enterprise Pacific shipping volume and provides similar DGX-equivalent air forwarding but with a much broader global network and no specialized Hawaii island asset base.
• C.H. Robinson: C.H. Robinson is one of North America's largest freight brokers and 3PLs with global ocean/air forwarding. It competes with DHX on ocean freight brokerage for mainland-to-Pacific volume and offers NA Ocean services, but does not replicate DHX's asset-based Hawaii/Guam island delivery network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dhx_dgx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dhx---dependable-hawaiian-express-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dependable Hawaiian Express