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Thinking about shipping a car to Alaska? Whether you’re moving for a new job, a new adventure, or simply to be closer to family, shipping a car to the Last Frontier can be a daunting task.
But with the help of Compare The Carrier, it doesn’t have to be. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Alaska auto transport, from the pros and cons to the process of shipping itself. We’ll also provide you with tips on how to save money and make the process as smooth as possible.
So buckle up and get ready to learn everything you need to know about shipping a car to Alaska with Compare The Carrier!
Why Do People Decide To Move To Alaska?
Alaska is a remote state of considerable size with magnificent natural beauty and a sparse population. Some people may think it’s extremely hard living up here, but in cities like Anchorage or Juneau, life is just as comfortable and convenient as in any large city in any other state. If you value the places that hold the magic of unspoiled wildlife and you are not afraid of freezing temperatures, Alaska is one of the best places for you. It offers a unique possibility to live an active way of life but with a slower pace of life.
If you haven’t decided on moving yet, let’s take a closer look at some pros and cons of moving to the Great Land.
+ No sales or income tax:
That is correct: the state has no sales tax or personal income tax, which helps many people stay afloat.
– High cost of living:
Even though the state has no sales or income tax, the cost of living is still rather high here. First of all, it is determined by the price of shipping of most common things like food and clothes that need to be sent from the mainland by air or water. Besides that, the median home value here is $326,000, much higher than the national one.
+ Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD):
As well as official Alaskans, any person who has lived here for a full year can claim the PFD. The Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment that allows Alaskans to share in a portion of the State minerals revenue in the form of a dividend. The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend has lifted 15,000 – 25,000 Alaskans out of poverty annually, depending on the size of the dividend and the state of the economy that year.
– Education:
Even though education in Alaska is mostly good, there are lots of struggles people face all the time in less remote areas: a limited variety of courses, teachers, and activities; the lack of specialized vocational courses. Besides that, up until 2013, there were no Law or Medical schools.
+ Slower pace of life:
If you are moving to Alaska from a large city or metropolitan areas like Atlanta, GA, or New York, NY you will definitely appreciate the lack of rush here and the close-knit communities that people form here to help each other and keep an eye out for each other.
– Challenging infrastructure:
The state has only four interstate highways, so traveling around the cities can be quite difficult at a time. Some areas (like Juneau) are only accessible by plane or boat.
+ Breath-taking nature:
From mirror-like lakes to majestic mountains and forests with fearsome creatures, there is always a new stunning place that attracts people. And if you love sunshine but hate hot temperatures, Alaska is definitely the best place for you since the sun shines almost 20 hours per day in summer. Then, of course, darkness takes over during the long winter but it’s still worth living here since you watch the Aurora Lights every night the sky is clear. With all this being said, it’s rather easy to understand why Alaska is called the Great Land.
How can I ship my car to Alaska?
The first thing you should know when shipping your vehicle to Alaska is that there is only one port terminal where the vehicles can be accepted for further transportation to the Last Frontier. It is located in the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington state. As for Alaska, there are 4 ports we can ship vehicles to: Juneau, Anchorage, Kodiak, and Fairbanks.
Another important thing to understand when shipping to Alaska is whether you need transportation services within the mainland. If you are living in the Seattle area, you will most likely prefer to drop off your vehicle in port by yourself. But if you live hundreds of miles away and you want to ship a vehicle but don’t want to drive the vehicle to port all by yourself you will need to hire somebody to do it for you.
In situations like these, your transportation company will schedule the driver to transport your vehicle from your exact pick-up address to the port where it will be loaded on a vessel and properly secured with lashings so it will not move during the transportation. Usually, transit time is around 12-14 days from port to port*.
After your vehicle is delivered to the terminal in Alaska, you will receive the notification that it can be picked up. If you are not able to pick it up right away, the shipping company will store it for free for a few days (or we can also schedule a driver who can deliver it to your exact address in Alaska). Depending on the shipping company, free storage time may vary from 2 to 5 days after which fees will be applied.
* if the vehicle needs to be shipped to the terminal in Seattle add 3 days for routes of 1000-1200 mi, 5 days for routes of 1600-2000 mi, and 7-9 days coast-to-coast transportation (2700-3100 mi).
What Is The Cost Of Shipping The Vehicle To The Last Frontier?
The cost for shipping to or from Alaska depends on the terminal you are shipping the vehicle to (or from) and the type of vehicle. The larger the vehicle is, the more expensive it gets to ship it.
The payment for the transportation from port to port is divided into 2 parts: the partial deposit charged after it’s confirmed the vehicle was loaded on a vessel and the remaining balance you pay at the drop-off with cash or credit card. If you need additional transportation services (from your exact location to port or vice versa), payment is collected at the pick up if the vehicle is going from your address to port or at the delivery if it’s going from port to your house.
More info about moving car within mainland you can check in this article about cross country auto transport.
Below you can see the table with the average prices for shipping to or from the most popular Alaskan ports:
** If you are planning to ship an oversized (more than 260″ in length, 96″ in width, and 84″ in height) or modified vehicle (uplifted or oversized tires, roll bar with lights) the total price will depend on the exact dimensions of your vehicle. You can contact us directly and we will provide you with a customized quote.
If you looking for shipping costs to other overseas locations you can check this guide.
Alaska Car Shipping Near Me
There are a bunch of companies shipping the vehicles to or from Alaska. We would recommend you top 3 of them: Alaska Auto Transport, Alaska Auto Transportation, and Matson. Though if you need a full list of car shipping companies you can check our “top 25 best car shipping companies“.
Alaska Auto Transport
Alaska Auto Transport offers specialized vehicle, container, and oversize cargo transport between the Mainland and the Last Frontier. Their schedule and services are so far the best ones since it’s the only company that ships any kind of vehicle except the inoperable ones. The mainland terminal of Alaska Auto Transport is located in Kent, WA.
Lately, Alaska Auto Transport updated their website policies and now you can ship up to 250 lbs inside the vehicle if the items are in the trunk or backseat but below window level and properly secured.
Alaska Auto Transportation
Alaska Auto Transportation is another popular company shipping all kinds of vehicles (including inoperable cars which can brake, roll, and steer). The company’s terminal is located in Seattle, WA and their weekly sailings can accommodate any schedule. This company also offers to ship to some less popular ports of Alaska like Valdez, Nikiski, Dutch Harbor, and Ketchikan.
Matson
Matson shipping company was founded in 1882 which makes it the oldest shipping company on this list. Besides Alaska, it also offers transportation to the Hawaiian Islands, Micronesia, Guam, Japan, and China. Unlike two other companies, Matson offers transportation services only to 3 ports: Anchorage, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor.
When planning to move to or from Alaska especially if you also need shipping to or from your home address within the mainland, you will have to check and negotiate lots of things: reserve shipping to/from Alaska, find a carrier for your exact time frame to avoid fees for storage days and check their insurance. And of course, have an additional plan if something goes wrong. These will take lots of time and you will need so much patience. But if you decide to go with our company, our experienced shipping agents will be happy to assist you and schedule everything for you. You can get your instant shipping quote here.
How Can I Get Ready For Moving?
If you are planning to drop off the vehicle at the terminal by yourself, please make sure the vehicle is clean, the items you are shipping (if any) are in the trunk or backseat, and are properly secured. Once you get to the terminal, wear a mask to protect yourself and other people.
If the vehicle will be transported to the port by the driver, make sure to clean your vehicle so once the driver comes he will be able to inspect the car for any preexisting damages. If there are any, he will note them down in the Condition report.
Don’t forget to disinfect the car (especially the door handle, gear shift, and steering wheel) before the driver comes and also when you receive the vehicle at the delivery location. It’s very important to keep safety measures, so make sure you wear a mask when meeting the driver and paying him. It will help you, the carrier and all other people he is moving the cars to stay safe and healthy.
Why Choose Compare the Carrier?
Compare The Carrier’s top priority is to help our customers to find the best option for their needs in hundreds of different auto transport companies. We created this service to make the easier process of looking for trustful reviews on companies and compare them with one another.
Our AI software analyzes thousands of reviews on the most popular reviews websites, compares pricing, checks the license and other important parameters. After that, based on this data send requests to 5-10 companies that might offer you the best service quality for a reasonable price, which helps you to save your time and money on vehicle shipping.
So don’t hesitate and start comparing quotes right now!
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car to Alaska?
Costs vary depending on several factors, including car size, shipping method, origin and destination points, seasonality, and fuel prices. Compare The Carrier provides free quotes tailored to your specific needs.
Are there any ways to save money on Alaska car shipping?
Yes! Consider flexible pick-up and drop-off dates, shipping during off-peak seasons, comparing quotes from multiple providers, and opting for open-carrier transport for non-luxury vehicles.
What should I do to prepare my car for shipping to Alaska?
Ensure your car is clean, free of leaks, and has a full tank of gas (unless prohibited). Remove valuables and personal belongings, and disable alarms.
What are the different types of car shipping companies, and which is best for me?
Compare The Carrier partners with a network of reputable companies offering enclosed container, open-carrier, and roll-on/roll-off shipping. They help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.
What happens if my car gets damaged during transport?
Reputable companies like those partnered with Compare The Carrier offer insurance coverage for potential damage. Review the terms and conditions carefully before booking.
What are the additional fees involved in shipping a car to Alaska?
Beyond the base shipping cost, there may be additional fees like:
Terminal handling fees: Charged at origin and destination ports.
Marine insurance: Optional coverage for potential damage during transport.
Fuel surcharge: Fluctuates based on fuel costs.
Customs clearance fees: Applicable for vehicles entering from Canada.
Compare The Carrier offers transparent pricing breakdowns to avoid surprises.
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Thanks for sharing this article with us very informative post.