Ocean freight, air cargo and trucking probably will experience some growth in Hawai'i next year, according to a projection by DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express, a large freight forwarder serving the state.

"While Hawai'i may not be experiencing the boom years of the past, 2007 will shape up to be a reasonably healthy one with growth expected to be in the 1 to 3 percent range," said Ralph Merolla, executive vice president of the company based in Rancho Dominguez, Calif.

He said Matson Navigation and Horizon Lines, shipping lines that carry the bulk of ocean freight to Hawai'i, probably will have little change in operations in 2007. Merolla predicted air cargo should experience a 3 percent to 5 percent increase, aided by shipments of high-value merchandise.

Trucking will remain flat at best, he said, because of the cautious outlook for the state.