How can a group of five islands 2,500 miles west of the California coastline offer many opportunities for truck drivers? Well, for one, those seven islands can only produce so many of the needs of modern-day America. While the Port of Honolulu is the primary port among the islands, each has its own port where it imports every project imaginable for use or consumption — largely for the 10 million plus tourists arriving from the U.S. mainland who contribute nearly $18 billion to the state’s economy. And with that many people, plus Hawaii’s native population, the state relies on imports to meet their every need. Where do trucks come in? Well, while truck driving routes across even “The Big Island” aren’t short, you won’t find too many resort owners interested in meeting ships at the dock with hand carts; they aren’t made for traversing the beach.
Geographic Advantages
When it comes to truck driver jobs, one thing can be said for Hawaii over all other states — If you want to be home every night, Hawaii is the place for you! While each of the islands have highways, the total mileage of all public roadways lanes is less than 10,000, the least of any state in the nation.
Bordering States/Countries
Hawaii and each of the islands composing the state are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, some 2,500 miles off the California coast.
As the economy experiences is ups and downs, Hawaii is a major tourist destination, and tourists consume products, many of which come from the U.S. mainland. While the trucking industry offers truck driver jobs, most would be considered “local” routes due to the limited mileage of highways on any single island.
Hawaii’s Deep Water Ports
Hawaii has 15 ports spread across its islands, the largest of which is Pearl Harbor. Nearby Honolulu Harbor is a busy port as well. The remaining ports are small, mostly served by ships traveling from Pearl Harbor and Honolulu.
Products Moved by Trucks
When it comes to truck driver jobs, Hawaii offers a variety of industries in which a driver can specialize. Whether they are exported out of state, out of the country, or simply remain in the state for the use of those living in Hawaii, according to the latest data from World’s Top Exports, the following are the primary products moved by truck drivers and offering many truck driving jobs to those calling Hawaii home:
- Light petroleum oils
- Miscellaneous petroleum oils
- Aircraft including engines, parts
- Iron or steel scrap
- Cold-water shrimps, prawns
- Unsweetened and non-flavored waters
- Macadamia nuts
- Specially designed instruments, apparatus
- Aluminum waste, scrap
- Petroleum bitumen
Hawaii Highways
Hawaii has no roadways classified as interstates, as the state’s roads do not connect to those of any other state. Instead, Hawaii has one route that receive federal funding as a “de facto” interstate. Route H-1 is located on the island of Oahu and serves Honolulu and its surrounding communities. The largest island, Hawaii, is circled by two state highways, Route 19 and Route 11.
For more information on Hawaii and its truck driver jobs, visit hawaiitruckingandtransportation.com