Auto Shipping to and from Alaska (2021) - Paul Eisenstein

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Auto shipping to and from Alaska is no easy feat. The Alaskan wilderness makes up most of the state, and many parts are too remote for trucking. Many cities like Kodiak and Dutch Harbor receive goods by water and air, while others are only accessible by air.

If you’re interested in transporting your vehicle to or from Alaska, you’ll need to understand auto shipping rates and the transport process. We’ll explain both in detail and answer a few frequently asked questions about Alaskan auto transport. We’ve reviewed the best car shipping companies in the industry to demystify the auto shipping process and help drivers find the best rates.

Get free quotes from our top recommended providers below.

Table of Contents:

What to Expect When Shipping a Car in Alaska

Alaska is the largest U.S. state, and only about a third of its land is within the limits of a town or city. Considering the state’s rugged terrain and cold climate, auto shipping to and from Alaska presents unique challenges to shippers. It takes drivers with particular experience and skill to manage the drive. Many shipments also require door-to-port service rather than door-to-door, increasing costs and the shipment’s timeframe.

The eastern part of the state has a network of highways, but some may become impassable during the winter months. This can reduce where car shipping services can go, so it’s best to have backup destinations in mind when transporting a vehicle to Alaska. However, if you’re shipping to or from the Anchorage area, car shipping services won’t be affected by the weather.

You can find door-to-door car shipping services for Alaskan cities near the main eastern highways. Depending on the time of year, you should allow for extra transit time, as the car shipping company may have to navigate harsh road conditions. Booking in advance also allows more flexibility – you’ll have additional carriers and services to choose from.

Besides logistical challenges, Alaska is quite far from the rest of the U.S., so you’ll pay for the extra mileage. Car shipping costs are highly variable depending on your exact drop-off or pickup location in the state, as well. If you’re moving to a remote location, it’s often more economical to meet your shipper in a city or at a car shipping terminal. Depending on the auto shipping company you choose, this also may be your only option.

Cost of Auto Shipping to and from Alaska

So, how much does it cost to ship a car to and from Alaska? We reached out to uShip, a popular car shipping marketplace, for quotes on a standard-sized car. If you have an SUV or truck, or if your car has been lowered, you’ll pay a higher price. We received the quotes below in March, and as mentioned, prices vary by Alaskan season.

Route	Distance	Shipping Type	Cost*
Seattle, WA to Juneau, AK	1,412 miles	Open	$3,782
Seattle, WA to Fairbanks, AK	2,144 miles	Open	$4,568
Seattle, WA to Anchorage, AK	2,260 miles	Open	$4,571
San Francisco, CA to Anchorage, AK	3,067 miles	Open	$5,747
New York, NY to Anchorage, AK	4,356 miles	Open	$7,741

*Costs obtained using uShip’s instant quote pricing tool. Prices may fluctuate if using the company’s listing option.

Auto shipping to and from Alaska isn’t cheap. For reference, shipping a car cross-country – from Boston, Massachusetts to Los Angeles, California – costs $1,266 for a similarly sized vehicle. Mileage, carrier availability and seasonality all will affect your car shipping costs. However, you may find more affordable prices if you work with a broker that can compare prices across multiple auto transport services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Transport

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?

To find cheap car shipping prices, opt for open transport and terminal-to-terminal shipping. These shipping services are more widely available, reducing overall car shipping costs. Additionally, it’s best to compare rates from multiple companies. You can also use a reputable car shipping broker to compare car shipping quotes for you.

Does AAA offer car shipping?

AAA does not offer car shipping. An unrelated company called AAA Transporters does offer some auto shipping services.

How much does it cost to transport a car?

Car transport costs depend on many factors. You may pay a few hundred dollars for a trip between 100 and 200 miles. Cross-country shipments usually cost $1,000 or more. Alaska auto transport can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the mileage.

What is auto shipping?

Auto shipping is a service that can transport your vehicle between two locations. In the industry, there are two main types of car shipping companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers connect you with carriers, and carriers load your vehicle on a trailer and drive it to your destination. The most common type of auto shipping is open truck transport.

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