Planning to ship a car to or from Alaska? Whether relocating or simply needing a vehicle transport option, Alaska auto transport provides a reliable, efficient way to handle the unique challenges of long-distance transport across land and sea. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the basics of Alaska car shipping to why Sherpa Auto Transport is a trusted choice for transporting vehicles to and from “The Last Frontier.”
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What is Alaska Car Shipping?
Alaska car shipping is the process of transporting a vehicle to or from Alaska using a combination of overland and maritime transport. Given Alaska’s remote location and limited road connections, vehicle transportation services typically involve loading your car onto a truck, which then delivers it to a shipping port where it embarks on the sea portion of its journey.
Shipping a car to Alaska is ideal for long-distance moves or if you’d prefer to skip the extensive drive across rough terrains and varying weather conditions.
How Does Alaska Car Transportation Work?
Shipping a car to Alaska with Sherpa Auto Transport is designed to be smooth and reliable.
The general steps are as follows:
- Booking – You’ll book a car shipment date and time that aligns with the ship’s twice-weekly schedule between Anchorage, Alaska, and Tacoma, Washington.
- Vehicle Drop-off – Once dropped off at the designated port, your car is loaded securely onto the vessel.
- Sea Transport – Ships depart twice weekly, ensuring your car makes it to the port on schedule.
- Final Destination – Upon arrival at the port, your car is unloaded and made available for pick-up or continued transport to another destination.
This service streamlines the complex logistics involved in Alaska car transport, providing a more straightforward experience for you.
Benefits of Alaska Vehicle Shipping Services
Shipping your car to or from Alaska offers numerous benefits, including:
- Convenience – Avoid a long, grueling drive through remote areas and challenging conditions.
- Safety – Professional car shipping mitigates wear and tear and exposure to rough weather and road conditions.
- Cost Savings – Transporting your vehicle with a professional shipping service can be more affordable than driving, considering fuel, lodging, and maintenance along the way.
- Reliability – Sherpa Auto Transport’s twice-weekly ship departures mean a predictable schedule, so you know when your car will arrive.
Types of Car Shipping Services in Alaska
There are several vehicle shipment options available for your Alaska car transport.
Inland Transportation Options
Here are some options available for the inland transportation portion of your shipment:
- Open carrier transport: This is the most cost-effective option, where your vehicle is transported on an open trailer with other vehicles. It’s a popular choice for standard cars and offers good value.
- Enclosed carrier transport: This option provides additional protection for your vehicle, as it is transported in a fully enclosed trailer. It’s ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars that need extra care.
- Cross-country car transport: This service is perfect for shipping vehicles across the country. Your vehicle is transported on a dedicated trailer, ensuring it reaches its destination safely.
Port-to-Port vs Door-to-Port
Choosing a port service is crucial when shipping your vehicle to Alaska. If you are shipping directly between Washington State and Alaska, you want port-to-port services. Dropping off your vehicle directly at the Tacoma dock is the most cost-effective way to ship your vehicle to Alaska.
Sherpa Auto Transport can also provide door-to-port service. We will pick up your vehicle at your specific pickup location and deliver it to the Alaskan port of your choosing.
With either option, you will pickup your vehicle at the specified port in Hawaii for final delivery.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment
To prepare your car for shipping to or from Alaska, follow these steps:
- Wash and clean your vehicle: Ensure it is free of dirt and debris to facilitate a thorough inspection.
- Remove any personal belongings: This includes loose items in the trunk and glove compartment to prevent loss or damage.
- Disable any alarm systems or immobilizers: This prevents any issues during transit that could arise from alarms going off.
- Check your vehicle’s tire pressure and battery: Ensure they are in good condition to avoid any complications during loading and unloading.
- Consider filling up your gas tank to the recommended level: Typically, a quarter tank is sufficient, as it reduces the vehicle’s weight and potential hazards.
What to Do on the Date of Your Shipment
On the date of your shipment, make sure to:
- Be present at the pickup location: It’s important to be there to hand over your vehicle to the shipping company and address any last-minute questions or concerns.
- Ensure that your vehicle is clean and free of personal belongings: A clean vehicle allows for a thorough inspection, and removing personal items prevents loss or damage during transit.
- Provide a set of keys to the shipping company: The shipping company will need a set of keys to move your vehicle as needed.
- Review and sign the shipping documents carefully: Make sure all details are correct and that you understand the terms and conditions.
- Take photos of your vehicle from all angles: Documenting your vehicle’s condition with photos can be helpful in case of any disputes regarding damage during transit.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Alaska Car Shipping Experience
To get the most out of your Alaska car shipping experience, consider the following tips:
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- Research and choose a reputable shipping company: Look for companies with experience in Alaska car shipping and positive customer reviews.
- Plan ahead and book your shipment well in advance: This ensures availability and can help you secure the best rates.
- Be flexible with your pickup and delivery dates: Flexibility can accommodate the shipping company’s schedule and potentially reduce costs.
- Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage: This provides extra protection for your vehicle during transit.
- Keep in touch with the shipping company: Regular communication helps you track the status of your shipment and address any concerns promptly.
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Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise
At Sherpa, we will quote your shipment correctly the first time. Our exclusive Price Lock Promise means that your quoted amount is the final price for your transport. We back every quote with our own money to ensure your price stays fixed so that you know exactly how much it will cost to transport your vehicle between the mainland and Hawaii.
Why Trust Sherpa Auto Transport for Alaska Car Shipping Services?
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we understand the specific challenges that come with Alaska auto shipping. We provide reliable, transparent service, taking care of every detail so you don’t have to.
Our focus on customer satisfaction, safety, and quality ensures your vehicle reaches its destination securely and on time.
Plus, we offer:
- Transparent Pricing – Our exclusive Price Lock Promise means no hidden fees or unexpected costs.
- Dedicated Support – Our team is available to help answer any questions and provide updates throughout the shipping process.
- Reputable Service – Sherpa is highly rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), so you can trust your vehicle is in good hands.
How Does Alaska Car Shipping Work With Sherpa?
Sherpa Auto Transport handles all aspects of the shipping process to Alaska.
Our process is simple and transparent:
- Choose Your Service – Decide if you want an open or enclosed carrier service for the overland portion of the journey.
- Get a Quote – We provide a straightforward quote with no hidden fees.
- Scheduling – We coordinate your car’s transport to align with the twice-weekly sailings, ensuring a smooth and timely journey.
- Ongoing Updates – You’ll receive updates so you know exactly where your car is throughout the process.
We manage all logistics to ship vehicles safely and efficiently, providing excellent customer support throughout the process.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to or From Alaska?
The ship leaves Anchorage, Alaska and Tacoma, WA twice per week, ensuring a timely process for shipping cars. When your automobile is dropped off from your truck, it is safely loaded onto the ship that sails that day. Once you leave the ship, your car is shipped to another port within a week. If it is a good time to drop off your vehicle at the port or pick it up at the ship to the port, then we’re going to get your vehicle in a good spot and tell you exactly how many days it will last.
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What Our Alaska Car Shipping Customers Are Saying
We’re proud to deliver a five-star vehicle shipment experience to make it easy to transport your car to Alaska. Read what customers say about their Sherpa experience. You can read our reviews across multiple sources here.
Alaska Car Shipping FAQs
What is the average cost to ship a car to Alaska?
The average cost to ship a car to Alaska can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the vehicle, the distance of the move, and the time of year. Generally, you can expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 to ship your car from Washington to Alaska.
How long does it take to ship a car to Alaska?
Shipping a car to Alaska typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks. This timeframe can vary depending on the starting location, the shipping route, and any potential delays. It’s important to plan ahead and schedule your shipment well in advance to ensure timely delivery.
Is it possible to get around Alaska without a car?
While it is possible to get around certain parts of Alaska without a car, having a vehicle can significantly enhance your ability to explore the state. Public transportation options are limited, and many of the most scenic and remote areas are best accessed by car.
The Bottom Line
Sherpa Auto Transport provides top-notch car shipping services between Alaska and the U.S. Mainland