Shipping a Car to Alaska

How Does Shipping a Car To Alaska Operate?

Choosing a shipping method:

First and foremost, you should be aware that two choices are available when properly transporting your car or vehicle from the continent to Alaska: land (door to door) or water (port to port).

But there's a problem. At some time or another, cargo bound for Alaska may have to travel by both land and water. This is done in a different sequence depending on where you are sending from and which region of Alaska you are shipping to.

Please select a shipping company:

Please research to identify a reliable shipping company that provides services from your current location to Alaska. When searching for companies that specialize in shipping a car to Alaska, it is important to prioritize those with a proven track record. To ensure reliability, take the time to read customer reviews and feedback about their services.

Get Quotes: 

Please provide quotes from various shipping companies so that we can compare the costs and services they offer. The prices can differ depending on multiple factors, including the distance, type of vehicle, and the chosen shipping method.

Prepare Your Car: 

Before you ship your car, ensure it is in good condition. Please conduct a comprehensive inspection and carefully document any pre-existing damages.

Please remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and securely fasten any loose parts to prevent potential damage during transit.

Complete Necessary Paperwork: 

To ensure a smooth shipping process, it is essential to furnish the shipping company with the required documentation.

This includes your vehicle's registration and proof of ownership, a valid driver's license, and any additional paperwork specified by the shipping company.

Drop-off or Pickup:

Depending on the chosen shipping method, you may be required to either drop off your car at a designated terminal or arrange to pick it up from your location. Please make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by the shipping company for this process.

Shipping and Delivery:

When shipping your car by sea, it will be loaded onto a vessel and transported to the port in Alaska. Upon arrival, you can retrieve your vehicle from the dock or arrange transportation to your desired location in Alaska.

Insurance:

Consider getting insurance coverage for your vehicle when shipping it, as this will help protect against any potential damages or losses.

Customs and regulations:

It is essential to be mindful of any customs regulations or import/export requirements applicable when shipping a car to Alaska.

Types of Service for Shipping Car to Alaska

When you need to ship car to Alaska, you have a variety of services to choose from that can cater to your specific requirements and budget.

The benefit you choose will depend on speed, convenience, and cost. Here are several common types of services available for shipping a car to Alaska:

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Service: 

Shipping a car to Alaska using this method is popular and cost-effective. The vehicle is driven onto a specialized Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel, securely fastened in the cargo hold, and subsequently driven off upon arrival at the destination port. Removing all personal belongings from the car before opting for RoRo shipping is crucial.

Container Shipping: 

In this method, your car is carefully loaded and securely placed inside a shipping container, protecting the elements and potential damage.

Container shipping is a secure choice for transporting higher-value or classic cars. Additionally, it offers the convenience of allowing you to ship personal belongings alongside the vehicle.

Barge Service:

Barge shipping is a popular method for shipping a car to Alaska, particularly for areas that do not have direct access to major ports. The vehicle is loaded onto a flat barge, generally a slower but more flexible transportation option.

Air Freight: 

You can choose air freight services if you require urgent car delivery. Nevertheless, this method is rather costly and typically only utilized for shipments of significant value or requiring prompt delivery.

Door to Door Service:

This service allows the shipping company to conveniently collect your car from its current location and transport it directly to your preferred destination in Alaska. While it provides convenience, it may also come with a higher price.

Terminal to Terminal Service:

This option allows you to conveniently drop off your car at a designated shipping terminal, which will be picked up from another terminal in Alaska.

Generally, it is more affordable, but you may need to arrange additional transportation to and from the terminals.

Expedited Service:

 If you require prompt shipping car Alaska, Rapid Auto Shipping provides expedited services that prioritize your shipment.

What is the Cost to Ship a Car to Alaska?

The cost to ship a car to Alaska can vary between $1,500 and $4,500, whereas the average national shipping rate is $500 to $1,500.

The cost of shipping a car to Alaska depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, the origin of the shipment, and the time of year when it will be sent.

For an accurate quote, contacting multiple auto shipping companies and comparing their rates and services is recommended. To obtain a more precise cost estimate, please provide them with the specific details of your vehicle and the departure location.

Additionally, please ensure that you inquire about any potential extra fees or insurance options to thoroughly understand the overall expenses associated with shipping your car to Alaska.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Shipping a Car to Alaska?

Your selected shipping method and service can also influence the cost of shipping a car to Alaska. Some commonly utilized services for auto shipping in Alaska are:

Open auto transport:

Your automobile will be carried on a multi-vehicle, two-tiered open transport trailer. This option is not typically recommended due to Alaska's challenging weather conditions. However, it is the most affordable and widely chosen transportation method.

Enclosed auto transport: 

Your car will be securely loaded into a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from external elements. This option is preferred for shipping cars to Alaska because it ensures your vehicle will be protected from the state's cold and harsh weather conditions.

Terminal to terminal transport: 

This option is more cost-effective for car shipping than door to door transport. With this option, your car will be conveniently dropped off and picked up at the terminals closest to your starting point and destination.

Although door to door shipping is a popular option, it is not commonly available in Alaska.

How Much Time Does It Take To Ship Car To Alaska?

Typically, shipping a car to Alaska takes about a week from Washington. If you're transporting from anywhere else in the United States, you'll need to account for additional steps of the trip (such as port travel, inspection, and so on) to the port in Tacoma or Seattle.

A truck driver can typically cross 500 miles daily, so divide that amount by the total mileage from your position to the Tacoma port to get an estimate.

However, consider that several factors, such as road and weather conditions, traffic, and availability, can all influence arrival time.

Safety Measures for Car Shipping Alaska

Every vehicle transportation company prioritizes the safety of the vehicles. A thorough inspection will be conducted before entrusting the car to one of our skilled drivers. He will take pictures and request that you sign a document confirming the item's condition at pickup.

We recommend that you inspect the automobile upon arriving at the delivery location to compare. If you notice any additional dents or scratches, please report them so that you can be appropriately compensated for any damages incurred.

It is in the company's best interest to deliver the vehicle in the same condition as they received it. Both open and enclosed carriers are specifically designed to securely strap each car in place, preventing any movement or potential collisions with other vehicles during transportation on the road.

Using beams and other protective measures ensures they are well shielded from the elements, minimizing the likelihood of any incidents occurring during transport. Even if damage occurs, you will be compensated for it.