Alaska Vehicle Transport
Car Transport Alaska (AK) Near Me
When many people think of Alaska, they think of snow, ice, and extremely frigid temperatures. However, this extreme northern state is also home to some of the most stunning expanses of wilderness in the country. Its diverse population includes indigenous townsfolk and transplants who wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else.
While Anchorage is the most populous city in Last Frontier, the state has its fair share of tourists who visit smaller port towns like Dutch Harbor and Thorne Bay to experience America's Last Frontier as the locals do. Whether it is participating in the hunts of the North Slope or saying they've walked on a glacier, having personal transportation is essential for those with a thirst for exploration. This, in turn, makes Alaska car transport a much-needed service for those planning to visit the state.
Cost & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|
Anchorage to Seattle | $1130 | 2261 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Portland to Anchorage | $1217 | 2434 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Alaska to California | $1270 | 3176 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Las Vegas to Anchorage | $1346 | 3364 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Illinois to Alaska | $1436 | 3589 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Alaska to Houston | $1638 | 4096 miles | 7 - 9 days |
New York to Alaska | $1735 | 4337 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Alaska to Miami | $1979 | 4924 miles | 7 - 9 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
Car Shipping Companies Near Me - Best Shipping Company
Looking for vehicle shipment companies near you in Alaska? Vehicles shipped from Last Frontier will rack up thousands of additional kilometers. During the way, you'll have to cross some rough terrain, which could slow you down or even make the trip impossible. Working with a transportation firm with excellent safety standards that make the Alaska car transport experience easy is preferable to driving yourself or choosing an independent driver whose credibility is unclear. We can move your car from anywhere in the United States to your preferred spot in Land of the Midnight Sun, be it the southern port of Dutch Harbor or the northern port town of Barrow.
Tips For Using Vehicle Transport Companies
Since many people use their vehicles to tour this state, there are several options to keep in mind when it comes to Alaska car transport services.
- Plan your travel itinerary ahead of time. This allows you to have a clear idea of where you might be headed. When you schedule your Last Frontier auto delivery, you can choose the locations from which you plan to start on your adventures with the trucks (enclosed or open-air trailers) and licensed drivers you want. You don’t want to pick up your car hundreds of miles away from where you plan to start your sightseeing excursions if you don’t have to.
- Make sure your Land of the Midnight Sun car-hauling company of choice ships to Alaska: No, it’s not the edge of the world, but many parts of the state are fairly remote. So, when you consider Last Frontier auto transportation, make sure that the company you are interested in using can provide direct service to the city destination of your choice before planning out the rest of your trip. Check reviews of the company you are considering transporting the car with - the internet online is always a great place to start. Make sure they have the required amount of insurance for your shipments at the pricing that fits into your budget. Ask for seasonal discounts and specials. You can count on A-1 transport for stateside trucking since we service the major ports in Land of the Midnight Sun and every state nationwide!
- Prep your car ahead of time: Alaska auto shipping involves taking your automobile through some fairly cold conditions if you are transporting it during one of the cooler months. Make sure your motorcar is not only prepared ahead of time for transport through colder climates but also ready for you to drive through rather inclement weather if you are traveling at a time of year when the state is seeing regular snowfall.
Alaska car transport allows you the opportunity to see all that this beautiful northern locale has to offer without incurring the expense and downright inconvenience of renting. Spend the time in the motorcar in which you are familiar with seeing the sights without having to learn to navigate an entirely different automobile through what can sometimes be challenging terrain. This is part of what makes Last Frontier autotransport one of your best options if you plan to travel to the state soon.
Visit the Travel Last Frontier Department of Transportation website for more information on transporting your automobile, auto-ship services, shipping rates, and how to transport your automobile in Alaska.
Long Distance Auto Transport
There are several ways A1 Auto Transport can ship your vehicle to Alaska:
- With an open carrier: This is a cheaper car transport option, though the delivery may take some time.
- With an enclosed carrier: Though more expensive, it is considered a safer auto hauling service, and the speed of delivery is also increased.
- Terminal to Terminal/ Port to Port: You can save money by driving your car to a nearby terminal. Our company will pick it up there and transport it to a terminal or port near the place where you need it delivered.
- Door-to-door transportation: This method is the most convenient, hassle-free way to transport your personal belongings, though it attracts an additional fee.
A1 Auto Transport also offers door-to-terminal and terminal-to-door services, so you can benefit from a customized car transport service.
International Car Transport
We can transport your car not only to another state but to another country as well. The steps you’ll have to take are the following:
- Contact our company;
- Discuss and decide on the best car transportation arrangement, then sign the agreement;
- Prepare your car for hauling and the required documentation;
- Hand over your car to our staff at the discussed time and location;
- At the drop-off point, check its state to ensure it was delivered safely and damage-free, then sign the remaining documents.
You can begin the process right now with a single call to our office.
Cheap Car Transport Options - Cheapest Way To Ship Car
There are several ways in which you can reduce your moving costs. Using terminals is one such method. When the carrier has to provide direct service, meaning pick up your auto from your home, he will usually have to take a detour, which requires more time and fuel.
However, if you drive your motorcar to one of our numerous terminals, this extra trip is no longer necessary, so the vehicle delivery price is lower as well. For optimal results, your car may be delivered to a suggested location at another terminal near your destination.
Remember to use an open trailer if you wish to cut down transportation costs. These are bigger and in higher numbers, so the transportation cost is lower.
If the time of your shipment is not an issue, we recommend taking advantage of our seasonal offers. You may be eligible for other discounts as well. For more details, phone us today. Our professional staff is more than happy to help you explore all available options.
Shipping Luxury and Classic Automobiles
Shipping antique or luxury automobiles to Last Frontier can be difficult as various factors can endanger them along the way. Road debris can damage the paint or make dents in the body. Snow and rain are also problems that classic and luxury car owners may want to avoid.
Fortunately, exotic cars are fully protected from the weather and any other external factors when shipped in enclosed carriers. They are also guarded against potential thieves since the contents of the truck remain confidential during transportation.
Vehicle Transport Special Discounts
Seniors and students who need Alaska vehicle shipping services get a guaranteed discount when choosing our motorcar shipping services. Military members also benefit from a discount. Repeat customers or first-timers might also receive a special offer since seasonal discounts are sometimes available.
Car Shipping Safety Measures
Every vehicle transportation company prioritizes vehicle safety. Before handing over the automobile to one of our qualified drivers, he will inspect it thoroughly, take pictures, and ask you to sign a document confirming its state at the pickup point.
We recommend you check the automobile yourself when it arrives at the delivery location to compare it. If you spot any extra dents or scratches, you can report them to be compensated for your loss.
It’s in the company’s interest to deliver the vehicle as it has been received. Both open and enclosed carriers are designed to strap each car in place so it cannot move and bump into others while on the road. Beams and other measures protect it from the elements, so there’s almost no chance of something happening during transport. And even if it does, you’ll be compensated for the damage.
How to Request a Price Estimate for Auto Shipping
It can be up to 15% cheaper, in the long run, to phone our company directly. We are available 24/7 at the number written at the top of the page.
To receive a price estimate online, we recommend you use our “Get an Instant Quote” form at the top of the website for your free quote. Follow our instructions and you’ll get a speedy response.
AK Auto Transport Companies Directory
Alaska Marine Lines
This barge company offers vehicle, motorcycle, boat, and heavy equipment moving to various ports, including bi-weekly vehicle shipping service to Juneau specifically. This Alaska company is fairly diverse, offering a vast array of transport service options for those who need to get large items transported to the Juneau area. The company also offers transportation services for inoperable vehicles at an additional charge.
100 Mt. Roberts Street, Juneau, AK 99801
907-586-3790
Alaska Marine Lines
Northland Services
Situated in Juneau, this is another option for those that need car transport services in and out of Juneau. This company has a number of docking options around the state, making it ideal for travelers that may end up in any number of places in the state and the Washington area.
6700 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
206-763-3000
*On November 1, 2013, Northland joined the Lynden family of companies and is now a service of Alaska Marine Lines.
Totem Ocean Trailer Express
Shipping vehicles in and out of the state? This is a good choice if you need an AK vehicle shipping company that can offer service around the state and in the Washington state area as well.
2511 Tidewater, Anchorage, AK 99501
907-452-1022
Northern Air Cargo
The beauty of this AK vehicle transport company is that it can get your car out of Anchorage and transferring it to any point in Alaska with an airstrip of at least 3,500 feet.
3900 Old International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99502
907-243-3331
Alaska Auto Transport
Serving the entire state, nationwide, and beyond, this company has all of the necessary tools to have your automobile delivered to any point of interest.
4600 Gambell Street, Anchorage, AK 99503-7408
907-222-6666
Wrightway Auto Carriers
This car shipping organization has served the state for roughly 60 years and can ship vehicles in and out of the state. In fact, Wrightway has terminals designated around the state for ease of access for customers needing to get their car shipped.
904 Aurora Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-452-7342
Car Registration Procedure
The DMV requires residents of Alaska to register and title their vehicles, which you can accomplish via mail if certain pre-requisites are met, or in person. Based on the vehicle type, motorcar registration may involve a fee and may not be completed by phone or online.
New Residents
Note: You can register via mail if an Alaska DMV location is more than fifty miles from your place of residence. If not, you must complete the registration in person. Please refer to below.
New residents must title and register their vehicles at the AK DMV office in person. You must complete this within ten days of employment or when starting your residency in Alaska.
Using an updated out-of-state vehicle registration, visitors to Land of the Midnight Sun are permitted to drive their automobiles for a maximum of sixty days.
At your local AK DMV office, follow these steps to title and register your vehicle:
- Submit your car title.
- Present a copy of the title if your auto has a lien on it and is currently on hold offshore.
- DMV issuance of registration is only provided for vehicles with titles outside of AK.
- Prepare Form 812 (Title and Registration Application)
- If you’re confirming on the automobile owner’s behalf, or if your car is leased, present a notarized POA (Power of Attorney)
- Have a DMV-authorized inspector perform an inspection on your VIN.
- Submit titling/registration payments for taxes and fees.
- Refer to AK Registration Penalties and Fees below.
Private Seller-Bought Vehicles
Auto Registration
You must register and title your vehicle in person at the Land of the Midnight SunDMV office within thirty days of purchase. Alaska vehicle titles cannot be requested via mail.
Starting 15th of January 2014, residents who have a disability and/or are over sixty-five years old will be provided with permanent license plate tabs/stickers for their car registration.
Dealer-bought vehicles: After purchasing a car from a dealer in Last Frontier, he usually submits the registration/titling documents to the Alaska DMV office.
If your dealer is out of state or does not volunteer to put the documents forward, you need to visit the DMV office in your area as this the Coast Guard regulation and:
- Complete Form 812 (Title and Registration Application);
- Submit a signed vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Affidavit of Origin;
- If required, present your VIN to a DMV-authorized inspector for inspection;
- Settle payment for relevant titling/registration taxes and fees.
For additional information, see Land of the Midnight Sun Registration Penalties and Fees. For transfers of license plates, below is the section for Transferring License Plates in Last Frontier for additional information.
Private Seller-Bought Vehicles
If a private seller sold you the vehicle, he must endorse the title and sign it over to you prior to titling and registration.
Once ready, you must submit the following to your nearest DMV office:
- An accomplished Form 812 (Title and Registration Application);
- Your signed/endorsed title;
- If required, present the following:
- A certified POA,
- An odometer acknowledgment statement,
- A release of claim/lien;
- The preceding registration;
- A DMV-authorized inspection of your VIN;
- Payment for any relevant vehicle titling and registration fees;
Remote Areas
If you’re a resident of Land of the Midnight Sun, and an Alaska DMV location is more than fifty miles from your place of residence, you can mail your Last Frontier vehicle registration documents.
NOTE: The AK DMV office will return your documents if they are determined to have been mailed from a location with a nearby DMV office. You will need to complete the vehicle titling/registration in person at your nearest Land of the Midnight Sun DMV location.
To mail in your car registration documents, you must include:
- A Form 812 (Title and Registration Application);
- Proof of Purchase, such as:
- Manufacturer’s origin, for dealer-bought vehicles, Undersigned title, if sold by a private seller;
- Prior registration;
If needed, the documents below:
- An odometer acknowledgment statement. Information on lienholder;
- A DMV-authorized inspection of your VIN;
- Payment for any relevant vehicle registration and titling fees.
For detailed fee information, refer to AK Registration Penalties and Fees.
Transferring License Plates
Procedures to follow when transferring an AK motorcar license plate from a car you own currently to a recently bought vehicle:
- A completed Form 812 (Title and Registration Application);
- Request for a license plate transfer in the affirmation or affidavit section;
- Provide the license plate number;
- Include the vehicle’s registration documents or present a letter that has the automobile description and serial number;
- If applicable, submit a $5 payment fee with a money order or personalized check.
Note: Installation of the plate must be done only after you have completed the new vehicle’s tabs and plate registration.
Vehicle Registration for Non-Residents and Military Personnel
Whether stationed out-of-state or in Land of the Midnight Sun, Alaska military members have several registration options depending on their station location.
AK military personnel in active duty: If you’re an Alaskan resident and stationed within the state, follow the steps presented above for Vehicle Registration.
Aside from the documents listed above, present the following documents when transporting and registering an offshore automobile into Last Frontier.
- An up-to-date Statement of Earnings and Leave with Alaska stated as your origin of record;
- For vehicles shipped from outside of the US, present Military shipping documentation.
Military personnel stationed outside Alaska: If you’re a member of the military and an Alaskan resident serving outside of the state, you may title and register a vehicle you have purchased while on duty within the state you’re currently stationed in. Upon your return, you are required to complete the registration and title transfer to Land of the Midnight Sun.
You have the option to send your registration and the title paperwork of your new vehicle via mail to the Last Frontier DMV office. Aside from following instructions in the Remote Areas section above, provide the following additional documents:
- An up-to-date Statement of Earnings and Leave with Last Frontier stated as your origin of record;
- For vehicles shipped from outside of the US, present the Military shipping cars documentation;
- Your present address where your title, car registration documents, and license plate will be mailed;
- Make sure to have your address updated with the Alaska DMV to continue receiving renewal notifications of your registration.
The application process will take approximately eight weeks to complete.
Note: The AK DMV does not require proof of emissions testing if you give an address outside of the Land of the Midnight Sun. However, you must fulfill the test requirements in the state where you’re currently stationed.
Alaska military personnel who are non-residents: As a military non-resident of AK, if you’re stationed in the state and if you own a vehicle registered outside of AK, you must first register it in your own state before you can legally drive it in Alaska.
The section New Alaska Residents above outlines the instructions for vehicle registration. A completed Form 828 (Military Affidavit) is also required to obtain registration fees or tax exemptions for each individual vehicle.
Vehicle Registration Penalties and Fees
In Alaska, vehicle registration fees differ by type of vehicle:
- $100: Passenger vehicle,
- $100: truck or van 10,000 lbs or less,
- $60: Motorcycle,
- $5: Transfer of Plates,
- $15: Applicable title fee,
- $15: Recording of lien,
- $15: Copy of Title,
- $2: Copy of registration,
- $5: License Plate duplicates.
Important note: The MVRT is assessed in certain boroughs and municipalities. For a comprehensive index of registration penalties and fees, visit AK DMV’s page. MVRT and registration fee exemptions are extended to residents and veterans with disabilities.
Starting with the 15th of January 2014, residents who have a disability and/or are over sixty-five years old will be provided with permanent license plate tabs/stickers for their car registration.
Refunds for AK registration: Your registration fees may be refunded if you complete a vehicle registration in your current or new state before the start of your last Alaska registration period after leaving Alaska. Along with your AK vehicle tabs, you must complete Form 853 (Client Refund Request) and send it to the mailing address provided in the form.
Understanding the Seasons: Best Times to Ship Your Car
Shipping a motorcar to Last Frontier can be a complex process, and one of the factors that can significantly impact the cost and efficiency of the shipment is the time of year. Last Frontier experiences extreme weather conditions, with long, harsh winters and relatively short summers. Therefore, it is essential to understand the seasons and choose the best time to ship your car to Alaska.
Winter in Land of the Midnight Sun typically lasts from November to March, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall. Shipping a automobile during this time can be challenging due to icy roads and limited transportation options. Also, car carriers may have limited availability, as many people prefer to wait to ship their vehicles during winter.
Spring, which lasts from April to May, can also present challenges for auto shipping to Land of the Midnight Sun. Snowmelt and rain can make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents. However, as the weather improves, shipping options become more readily available.
From June to August, summer is generally considered the best time to ship a car to Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the roads are generally clear of snow and ice. Carriers have more availability during this time, making it easier to schedule a shipment. However, it is essential to note that summer is also the peak tourist season in Alaska, so prices and availability may be higher.
Fall, from September to October, is another viable option for shipping a motorcar to Last Frontier. The weather starts to cool down, but the roads are generally straightforward. Carriers may be more available during this time as the tourist season winds down.
In conclusion, the best times to ship your motorcar to Land of the Midnight Sun are summer and fall. These seasons offer milder weather conditions and greater availability of car carriers. However, planning and booking your shipment in advance is essential, as availability can still be limited during these times.
Relevant Statistics
- Approximately 20,000 vehicles are transported to Alaska each year.
- More than 90% of vehicles transported to Alaska arrive at their destination within 7 days.
- The majority, about 85%, of auto transport to Alaska is done through cargo ships.
- Over 60% of vehicles transported to Alaska are pickup trucks.
- On average, the cost of transporting a vehicle to Alaska ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
General Facts
- Alaska auto transport refers to the process of transporting vehicles to or from Alaska.
- The main modes of auto transport in Alaska are by road, ferry, and air.
- The Alaska Marine Highway System provides ferry services for transporting vehicles between coastal communities in Alaska.
- The famous Dalton Highway is a key route for auto transport in Alaska, stretching over 400 miles from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay.
- Auto transport to remote areas of Alaska often requires special arrangements due to challenging weather conditions and limited road infrastructure.
Shipping Resources
Alaska.gov - official government website.
Alaska Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the state.
Alaska Marine Highway System - official site of the State Ferry.
Alaska.com - travel, jobs, homes, fishing, hiking, and more...
Related Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my car for transport to or from Alaska?
Follow these tips for preparing your vehicle for transport to or from Alaska:
- Clean out your personal belongings and personal effects from your car unless you plan to ship some inside the vehicle. If so, you are limited to 100 lbs, and they must be in the car, so they don’t block the driver’s view.
- Make sure your fuel level is ¼ tank before transportation per Coast Guard regulation (for all vehicles going over water to Land of the Midnight Sun, Hawaii, or overseas locations, otherwise the tank will be drained at the port at your expense)
- Take pictures of your auto at pick up. Show any dents, dings, or scratches. You’ll use these pictures to compare the condition of your motorcar during delivery.
- Alaska has a colder climate, so when transporting in or out of Last Frontier, you should consider talking with your mechanic about the best steps to prepare your automobile for cold weather transportation. For example, include making sure your fluids don’t freeze and that your tires are in good shape for when your vehicle reaches its destination.
How do I ship my car to or from Alaska?
There are two ways to ship and two ways to deliver:
Pick-Up and Delivery Methods –
- Door to Door – While this is the most convenient, it is also more expensive than the terminal option.
- Terminal to Terminal – This method involves driving your car to a terminal close to you. There, your Alaska vehicle transport company will pick it up and deliver it to a terminal near your final destination.
Shipping Methods -
- Open carriers– This way of delivery takes longer, but it is the least expensive option.
- Enclosed carriers – This way is considered safer because your vehicle is “enclosed,” the speed of delivery is quicker, but it is more expensive.
How does insurance work when transporting my car to or from Alaska?
Ensure your Alaska car transport company has the proper insurance to protect your automobile against any damages your vehicle may incur during transportation. Primarily because of the weather in Alaska, i.e., ice, snow, freezing temps, you want to make sure you have the insurance you need when shipping a motorcar.
Federal law dictates strict commercial vehicle insurance requirements for vehicles that ship passengers or goods interstate.
To learn more about detailed insurance coverage to the Federal Motor Carrier Insurance page.
How do if an auto transport company is legitimate?
It’s wise to be prudent about the legitimacy of your automobile transporter or broker when shipping a car. To learn more about what to keep in mind, visit the Consumer Advisory About Automobile Transporters on the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website.
In addition, whether you’re using an vehicle transporter or auto broker, if they operate interstate, they are both required to be registered with the FMCSA. As a result, they are both issued a six-digit “MC Docket” number. Additionally, auto transporters are given a seven-digit “USDOT” number. You can check whether your transporter or broker is legitimate by doing a “carrier search” for their MC Docket number here.
How are Alaska car shipping prices calculated?
There are a few factors considered in Alaska when calculating the price of shipping cars. They include:
- Where is the pickup location?
- Where is the delivery location? What is the total mileage?
- What type of vehicle?
- Are there one or more vehicles?
- In what condition is the car? Is it running? Is it inoperable?
- What kind of transport? Open trailer? Enclosed trailer?
Get a free quote with our "Get Instant Quote" form at the top of the page to give you a general idea of how much you'd pay!
How do I file a complaint with the Department of transportation in Alaska?
Suppose you have a less-than-desirable experience with either the company, the driver, or anyone associated with shipping a car, including fraud or theft. In that case, you can do so by filing a complaint.