Quick Answer: Hawaii follows federal FMCSA minimums but all trucking is effectively intrastate (island-bound). Workers' comp is mandatory. Hawaii is a no-fault PIP state. Insurance costs are among the highest in the nation due to isolated market conditions.
Hawaii Trucking Insurance Requirements
Since there's no driving between Hawaii and the mainland, most Hawaii trucking operations are intrastate. FMCSA rules apply to interstate commerce (goods that originate from or are destined for the mainland), but the trucks themselves stay on the islands.
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates motor carriers operating for hire within the state. You need a PUC certificate and must maintain insurance filings with the commission. Liability requirements follow federal minimums.
Cargo insurance isn't state-mandated beyond federal HHG rules, but the limited repair and replacement options on the islands make cargo coverage particularly important.
Workers Compensation for Trucking in Hawaii
Hawaii requires workers' comp for all employers, including those with just one employee. There are no exemptions. Hawaii has its own rating system — it doesn't use NCCI. The Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act also requires employers to provide health insurance to employees working 20+ hours per week, which adds to labor costs.
WC premiums in Hawaii are high — $7,000–$14,000 per driver annually. The state's isolation drives up medical costs and claims resolution times.
Additional Coverage Requirements
Hawaii is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP coverage. However, most heavy commercial vehicles are exempt from PIP requirements. UM/UIM is not mandatory but must be offered. Hawaii's tort threshold for stepping outside no-fault is relatively low.
What Truck Insurance Costs in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most expensive states for trucking insurance. Single-truck operations pay $14,000–$25,000 annually. The limited number of insurers willing to write Hawaii trucking policies, combined with high repair costs and limited competition, drives premiums up significantly.
Most trucking on Oahu runs along H-1 and H-2. On the Big Island, the Hawaii Belt Road (Highways 11 and 19) carries most freight. Maui and Kauai have limited freight infrastructure.
Hawaii Trucking Industry Overview
Hawaii's trucking industry is unique — every truck, every part, every tire arrives by ship. Operations are island-bound, routes are short, and the market is small. Construction, agriculture, and port drayage are the primary segments. Matson and Pasha handle the intermodal container traffic that feeds the local trucking industry.
Contact the Hawaii PUC at (808) 586-2020 or visit puc.hawaii.gov for motor carrier authority.
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