Basil, an herb known for its vibrant flavor, is a summer staple in salads, pasta sauces, sandwiches, and more. However, many might not consider the journey that basil takes to reach the shelves of their local grocery store. United Cargo is instrumental in ensuring this fresh herb arrives on your plate seamlessly.

Hawaii’s tropical climate, combined with moist soil and abundant sunlight, allows for year-round basil production. This aromatic herb is a frequently transported item from Hawaii, and just this summer, an impressive 200,000 pounds of basil are being moved weekly. In 2025 year to date, 42% of Honolulu’s (HNL) commodities have been basil. Compared to other herbs, the delicate nature of this crop requires fast air transit to get to its destination as soon as possible, at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit, making United Cargo the most efficient transporter.

Basil thrives on land in O’ahu, Kapolei, Waianae, and Kahuku, where local farms collect orders from all over the country, including wholesalers, grocery stores, and even your favorite neighborhood restaurant. From Thai, sweet, curry leaf, and betel leaf basil, the Hawaiin farms produce it all. After harvesting, the basil is brought to the United Cargo warehouse in Honolulu for inspection by an agricultural expert. Then, packed in sturdy brown boxes, the basil gets loaded onto United aircraft five days a week and shipped all across the nation. It reaches all United hub airports, with PHL, BOS, MIA, and PDX also being popular destinations.

United Cargo is proud of its robust delivery service and food safety standards, ensuring basil remains fresh throughout its journey, regardless of the season. The next time you savor the aroma of basil on your dinner plate, remember that its freshness is courtesy of United!