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The regional carrier you didn’t know you needed: winning in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico

The shipping landscape is evolving fast. Over the past few years, regional carriers have transformed how e-commerce retailers think about delivery — replacing one-size-fits-all networks with specialized, market-focused solutions that deliver better service where it matters most.

That same thinking applies to markets far beyond the mainland. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico represents enormous potential for e-commerce growth — over 5 million customers with strong buying power and loyal shopping habits. Yet they also come with unique delivery challenges that demand local expertise.

That’s where International Bridge (IB) comes in. We’re more than just a carrier — we’re the regional carrier for small parcel shipping to America’s non-continental markets. With a local presence in each location and over 20 years of experience navigating these lanes, we’ve built e-commerce shipping solutions that make deliveries efficient, reliable, and affordable for retailers of all sizes.

For brands ready to win in these high-value markets, IB is the partner you didn’t know you needed — until now.

Why shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico matters

  • Alaska depends on reliable parcel shipping for both everyday goods and e-commerce purchases. With fewer providers serving the state, sellers who commit here can quickly become trusted go-to brands.
  • Hawaii has a high demand for e-commerce products, driven by residents and a strong tourism economy. Retailers that can ship consistently and affordably gain loyal repeat customers.
  • Puerto Rico has over 3 million U.S. citizens and a thriving e-commerce market. Success requires understanding delivery nuances, address validation, and bilingual customer service.

Together, these regions represent a lucrative growth channel with less competition than most mainland markets.

E-commerce shipping challenges (and how IB solves them)

  • Perceived high shipping costs → Our optimized air and ground network keeps rates competitive and predictable.
  • Longer transit times → We use direct routing through our exclusive air cargo solutions to cut delivery times significantly.
  • Limited carrier options → Our Non-Con shipping service ensures consistent delivery where national carriers often struggle.

Many competitors avoid these markets entirely — leaving the opportunity wide open for those with the right logistics partner.

How IB makes these markets accessible

We’ve built our business around e-commerce shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with solutions designed specifically for the complexity of these lanes:

  • Non-Con shipping connects your business to all three markets without hidden fees or extra handling steps.
  • Exclusive air cargo solutions provide faster, more reliable delivery than standard networks.
  • Local presence in each market means your shipments are supported by people and infrastructure on the ground.
  • Bilingual customer service (English + Spanish) ensures smooth communication for customers in Puerto Rico and beyond.
  • Affordable shipping helps you expand your footprint without squeezing your margins.
  • As a traditional carriers alternative, IB delivers the flexibility retailers need without the headaches of oversized networks.

Go deeper into each market

We’ve created dedicated guides to help you understand the opportunities, challenges, and solutions in each region:

Meet us at Parcel Forum 2025

The rise of regional carriers has shown one thing: tailored networks win. They deliver better service, lower costs, and stronger customer experiences. If you’ve already embraced regional carriers for your mainland strategy, it’s time to apply the same thinking to shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

September 8–10 | Chicago | Booth #630

At Parcel Forum 2025, we’ll showcase exactly how IB helps retailers turn these “hard-to-reach” destinations into high-value growth channels. From Non-Con parcel shipping to streamlined air cargo solutions, our team will walk you through real-world strategies to reach these markets efficiently and cost-effectively.

Pro tip: make shipping even easier

With IB’s blue™ tool, you can even print shipping labels from home and streamline your fulfillment process. No extra trips, no wasted time — just efficient preparation that pairs perfectly with our e-commerce shipping solutions.

Ready to expand your reach?

These markets are growing — and your competitors may already be making their move. Let’s talk about how IB can help you own them.

Schedule a conversation with our team today or visit us at Booth #630 at Parcel Forum to explore the possibilities.

Discover IB’s Non-Con E-Commerce Shipping Solutions

 

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