When visitors board the ferry for a scenic ride across the channel to Catalina Island, they might assume that moving people is the island’s biggest logistical challenge. But there’s another essential service operating just out of sight — one that keeps Catalina’s economy, residents, and businesses running smoothly: Avalon Freight Services (AFS).
Since 2016, AFS has served as the critical freight link between the mainland and Catalina Island, ensuring that everything from construction materials and vehicles to groceries, household goods, and camp supplies reach the island reliably. While the ferry carries passengers, Avalon Freight carries nearly everything else. Operating from its mainland facility at 385 E. Swinford Street in San Pedro, AFS runs at least five days a week year-round, with a steady cadence that underpins the island’s economy.
Their flagship vessel, the Catalina Provider, is a custom-designed landing craft capable of delivering cargo to nearly any shoreline on the island — a critical capability for supporting Catalina’s infrastructure and remote areas. The AFS vessels are EPA Tier 3 compliant to help reduce air emissions, carbon output, and noise levels. The company has further invested in sustainability by migrating its fleet to renewable diesel (R99), derived from soybean oil and other vegetable stocks. This commitment aligns closely with Catalina’s broader environmental ethos.
Beyond everyday freight, Avalon Freight’s vessels are engineered to support emergency response, offering the ability to “land anywhere on the shore, transport firefighting gear, vehicles, even evacuate island residents, if necessary,” Tim Bombard of Avalon Freight Services said. These dual-purpose capabilities directly support the island’s resilience planning.
Freight, for those unfamiliar, includes all goods and cargo transported by sea — from construction materials and fuel to groceries, furniture, and equipment. In a place like Catalina, where there are no bridges or highways connecting it to the mainland, freight service is the backbone of daily life. Nearly every product consumed, used, or built on Catalina has made the journey aboard an AFS vessel or freighted by air with Catalina Flying Boats.
AFS plays a critical role in supporting Catalina’s economy long term. “Operating five days a week with charter flexibility ensures steady delivery of essentials — from food, fuel, and building materials to emergency vehicles via ramp barge — fortifying Avalon’s economy and community welfare,” Bombard explained. By ensuring reliable, just‑in‑time freight, AFS lowers logistical barriers for local restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and other small businesses, creating a more diverse and resilient economy.
For individuals relocating to or from Catalina, AFS is an essential partner, offering vehicle transport, household goods shipping, and guidance on navigating the logistics of moving between island and mainland. However, AFS notes that they are a “warehouse-to-warehouse freight company” and advise that if customers “need items moved to/from the warehouse in Avalon they will need to contact Catalina Transfer.” Moves must be scheduled at least a week in advance, with goods carefully weighed, loaded, and delivered efficiently.
Once freight is dropped off at the San Pedro terminal, cargo typically departs around 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with non-perishable items accepted on Saturdays for transport the next business day. Freight is generally ready for pick-up the following day in Avalon — a swift turnaround that helps keep island life running smoothly.
In addition to scheduled services, AFS offers chartered transportation to support special events and services outside Avalon. From private construction projects to film crews shooting on the island, Avalon Freight provides flexible logistics support tailored to Catalina’s unique needs.
As the company looks to the future, its focus on sustainability remains a priority. “We will continue to work on integrating low carbon fuels and technologies, partnering with community and conservancy efforts while growing our sustainability operations,” Bombard said. Avalon Freight Services is “not just a shipping provider — it’s a pillar within Catalina’s sustainable evolution,” enabling the island’s ecological goals while keeping its economy connected and resilient.
Without AFS, Catalina’s hospitality industry, small businesses, infrastructure projects, and everyday life would grind to a halt. From groceries to building materials, household items to hotel linens, Avalon Freight Services ensures Catalina stays stocked, supplied, and ready to welcome thousands of visitors each year.
For shipping details, reservations, or moving inquiries, AFS encourages customers to call the San Pedro office at 310-221-6290 or email [email protected]. The friendly team is happy to help with everything from simple shipments to large freight moves, ensuring that goods get where they need to go — on both sides of the channel.
If you’re planning to use Avalon Freight Services, the following details are important to help you prepare and ensure a smooth experience:
- Rates are based on weight
- Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change.
- Cash or credit card payment to be made on all items or vehicles prior to pick up.
- The barge runs Monday – Friday. Freight will be ready for pick up the following day on the Island and freight returning from Avalon will be ready for pick up the following day in San Pedro after 10:00 am, except for freight returning on Friday, it will be ready on Monday after 10:00 am.
- Drop off vehicle to San Pedro by 12:00pm the day of the reservation and in Avalon before 3:00pm
- Make a reservation for vehicle at least 2 weeks in advance the day before you need the items in Avalon.
- No Weekend Barge
- Our services will get the freight to and from our San Pedro warehouse and our Avalon warehouses. Freight will need to be picked up from our Avalon warehouse.
- There is a company on the island that can transport your freight to the jobsite in Avalon.
- Catalina Transfer – 310-510-2287 OR 310-347-5994
- Their deliveries are based on availability and they have their own fees.
Business Hours (www.avalonfreightservices.com)
- Monday – Friday
- 7:30 am -4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
- Avalon Freight Services observes Federal Holidays. Please visit the Avalon Freight Services website for the holiday schedule or contact us at 310-221-6290.
- Avalon Freight Services:
- https://www.avalonfreightservices.com/
- ** Please Note **
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- Vehicle access and permits are very restricted. Please contact the City of Avalon at 310-510-0220 prior to freighting a vehicle concerning permits.
- City Of Avalon Website: http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/3182/3211/default.aspx
- Vehicle access and permits are very restricted. Please contact the City of Avalon at 310-510-0220 prior to freighting a vehicle concerning permits.
In a community surrounded by water, Avalon Freight Services is more than a transport company — it’s Catalina’s lifeline. For more information, visit avalonfreightservices.com.
