Shipping a vehicle to Alaska could appear as an overly complex task, but that is not always the case. Whether or also it be for work relocation, a vacation, or simple transport, knowing how to transport a vehicle will make sure that a person makes sound decisions. This guide sets out to provide every possible step, cost, and consideration that comes with shipping a car to Alaska so that execution will be smooth.
Why Ship A Car To Alaska
Just like many parts of the world, Alaska has unique geographic features that set it apart from the Lower 48 states. In terms of logistics concerned with shipping a vehicle, these factors, including their remote location only reachable by land, harsh weather, and extremely cold temperature means vehicle transport requires excessive preparation. However, with some guidance, knowledge, and the right tools, the process can be rather easy.
Alaska, unlike the continental United States, does not have easy road access. Still, even the farthest reaches like Juneau and Anchorage have access to car shipping services, and providers can safely and reliably deliver the vehicle to the client.
Search for Most Appropriate Options for Shipping a Car
When trying to relocate a car to Alaska, there are a myriad of options designed to simplify the process for everyone. The following is a concise list of the methods available for shipping vehicles to Alaska:
- Open Carrier Shipping: This method of shipping is the most popular and economical. A car shipping company will load your automobile onto an open trailer, which will then be sent to Alaska. Open carrier shipping has its drawbacks, the most significant of which is exposing a vehicle to the elements, which can include snow, rain, wind, or sun. In the event of a blizzard, the vehicle is bound to be lost. Nonetheless, the majority of vehicles that utilize this method do not require extensive protection.
- Granting Access through Enclosed Carrier Shipping: For classic or exotic models, preferred shipping method is enclosed. It involves putting the car in a specialized truck which blocks all entrances from the outdoors, weather, and other vehicles. For premium cars, enclosed transport should always be used, as the automobile will be best protected during shipping.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping: There are RoRo services that assist in shipping vehicles from Seattle and Tacoma to Alaska. A representative will drive your car onto the vessel and it will be carefully stowed for transport. This service is commonly used for large trucks, and may be cheaper than enclosed shipping.
Step 2: Select Your Departure Point
Washington State Vehicles are shipped to Alaska primarily from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Some smaller ports in the Pacific Northwest also service Alaska. Vehicle ferrying and shipping has been enabled from these ports, complemented by a robust infrastructure which includes a vehicle ferry system and a car-cargo ship terminal.
These routes into Alaska are the only ones accessible by car:
– Anchorage (Port of Anchorage) The biggest city in Alaska. Serviced by many freight routes and car shipping companies, Anchorage is a major city in the region.
– Juneau (Alaska Marine Highway System): Juneau is the capital of Alaska and serves as a vital region for car shipping to Alaska because The Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferry services to transport cars and personal vehicles as cargo, with Juneau being a pivotal juncture for passengers or personal vehicles being shipped. Although it is less accessible than Anchorage, Juneau is still an imperative area for shipping cars to Alaska.
Carson Shipping is one example of a recommended port selection you are guided through and even require assistance selecting the port of choice. Once you set all requirements under your preferences.
Step 3: Receive a Quota
After agreeing on any specific type of shipping and place of departure, the next step is to fulfill all requirements regarding vehicle specifications and restrictions around vehicle transport. After that, you will be issued a proposal along with estimated fees for shipping your vehicle to Alaska. The following are some of the components safeguarding shipping expenses to Alaska
– The Distance: The farther you are located, the more costly it becomes- The reason why Van shipping Alaska is usually more expensive than other cross-country shipments is due to the state’s geographic location.
– Vehicle Type: As a general rule, shipping costs are greater for SUVs, specialty trucks, or other types of specialty vehicles. It is always important to have the vehicle’s details ready beforehand if you are going to get a quote.
– Shipping Method: Because enclosed transports offer greater protection to the vehicle, they are more expensive than RoRo shipping and other methods.
– Time of Year: There are times when certain groups of people, such as new movers and vacationers, actively seek transportation services to Alaska during summer months, leading to an increased supply. This means it is very likely that these shipping services will become more expensive during these periods.
For more precise guidance, companies such as Carson Shipping offer instant calculations for vehicle shipping to Alaska based on the vehicle model and shipment preferences.
Step 4: Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping.
The following steps should be taken in order for the vehicle pre-shipping process to run smoothly.
- Vehicle Cleaning: After washing the vehicle, it becomes easy to identify damages to the vehicle and thus it can be adequately prepared for inspection prior to shipping.
- Removing Personal Possessions: It is essential to ensure that all items are removed from the car as these shipping companies do not allow personal belongings.
A failure to remember these items increases the probability of them being lost, damaged, or stolen.
- Inspection of Damage – Mechanical and Fluid: Prior to vehicle transport scheduling, it is advisable to conduct an in depth assessment of the vehicle and ensure any significant damage is attended to as it can complicate things during transportation.
- Photographic Evidence: In case of transportation damage, prior documented photos of the vehicle will prove to be helpful.
- Make Ready the Vehicle for Collection: Depending on the arrangements made with the employee(s), the customer either brings the vehicle personally to the escort vehicle transport company or the escort vehicle transport company dispatches an employee to pick up the vehicle. Confirm there are no scheduling conflicts with the transport company before proceeding.
Step 5: It’s possible to later track the transport of the vehicle.
Any information regarding the shipping of the vehicle is accessible for the duration of the shipping period. Shipping Tracker caps provided by multiple competitors of Carson Shipping, as well as Carson Shipping themselves, offer the possibility for users to track and monitor their vehicles throughout transportation. Users are reassured that they are up to date with the consigns.
Step 6: Delivery Confirmation for Alaska
Users are notified when the vehicle arrives in their state and they can select the port location according to their convenience. Delivery will be made to the user’s preferred location or any address set by the user.
Conclusion
Although shipping a car to Alaska can be perceived as difficult, the process can be rather straightforward with proper direction and a dependable auto-shipping company like Carson Shipping. Ensuring proper vehicle preparation and considering the available shipping options, obtaining quotes, and monitoring the shipment guarantees safe and efficient delivery of the vehicle.
