Shipping a car to Alaska requires special planning, as vehicles must be transported by ocean freight or a combination of road and sea transport. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from the mainland, or sending a vehicle to a family member, understanding the process ensures a smooth experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shipping a car to Alaska, including costs, shipping options, required paperwork, and delivery times.
🚢 1. How Does Car Shipping to Alaska Work?
Shipping a car to Alaska usually involves two steps:
1️⃣ Transport from your location to the departure port (if not already near a port).
2️⃣ Shipment by ocean freight to Alaska, where the vehicle is unloaded at the designated port.
Main Departure Ports from the Mainland USA:
📍 Seattle, WA (Most Common) – Serves most Alaska-bound shipments.
📍 Tacoma, WA – Alternative option for Pacific Northwest residents.
📍 Portland, OR – Some carriers offer shipping from here.
Arrival Ports in Alaska:
📍 Anchorage – The busiest and most affordable option.
📍 Fairbanks – Requires an additional trucking service from Anchorage.
📍 Juneau – Serves Southeast Alaska but has limited service.
💡 Tip: Most car shipments to Alaska go through Anchorage since it’s the most accessible and cost-effective route.
💰 2. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Alaska?
The cost of shipping a car to Alaska depends on the transport route, vehicle type, and shipping method.
Estimated Shipping Costs (One-Way):
| Route | Open Transport + Ocean Freight | Enclosed Transport + Ocean Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle to Anchorage | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,300 – $3,500 |
| Seattle to Fairbanks | $2,000 – $3,000 | $2,800 – $4,000 |
| Seattle to Juneau | $2,200 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Portland to Anchorage | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,500 – $3,800 |
💡 Tip: Shipping during off-peak months (September–March) can save you $200 to $500.
🕰️ 3. How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Alaska?
The total shipping time depends on your departure location and the chosen route.
Estimated Delivery Times:
| Shipping Route | Estimated Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| Seattle to Anchorage | 7 to 10 days |
| Seattle to Fairbanks | 10 to 14 days |
| Seattle to Juneau | 12 to 17 days |
| Portland to Anchorage | 10 to 14 days |
💡 Tip: Bad weather in winter can delay shipments, so plan accordingly.
📜 4. What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car to Alaska?
To ensure a smooth shipping process, you’ll need:
✅ Vehicle Title & Registration – Proof of ownership.
✅ Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or Passport) – Required for drop-off.
✅ Bill of Lading (BOL) – Shipping contract provided by the carrier.
✅ Lienholder Authorization (If Financed) – If the vehicle has a loan, lender approval is needed.
✅ Alaska Vehicle Registration Application – Required to register the car upon arrival.
💡 Tip: Make copies of all documents before submitting them to the shipping company.
🚚 5. Transport Options: RoRo vs. Container Shipping
Option 1: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
🚢 Most affordable way to ship a car to Alaska.
🚢 Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured in a cargo deck.
🚢 Ideal for operable vehicles.
💰 Cost: $1,500 to $3,000 (depending on the route).
💡 Tip: Your car must be operable for RoRo transport.
Option 2: Container Shipping
📦 Fully enclosed in a container for better protection.
📦 Best for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.
📦 Available as 20-ft (1 car) or 40-ft (2-3 cars) containers.
💰 Cost: $2,300 to $4,500 (higher than RoRo).
💡 Tip: Shared container shipping can reduce costs.
🏗️ 6. How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to Alaska
Follow these steps to avoid delays and extra fees:
✅ Wash the Car: Required for inspection.
✅ Remove Personal Items: Items inside are not covered by insurance.
✅ Check Tire Pressure & Battery: Must be fully functional.
✅ Disable Alarms: Prevent unnecessary alerts.
✅ Keep Gas Tank at 1/4 Full: Standard safety requirement.
✅ Take Photos: Document your car’s condition before shipping.
💡 Tip: Some shipping companies require removal of toll tags to avoid charges.
🛡️ 7. Is Insurance Included for Car Shipping to Alaska?
Auto transport companies must carry basic cargo insurance, but coverage limits vary.
Typical Insurance Coverage:
| Transport Type | Coverage Limit | Additional Insurance Available? |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo Transport | $50,000 to $100,000 | Yes (via third-party insurers) |
| Container Shipping | $100,000 to $500,000 | Yes (gap insurance recommended) |
💡 Tip: If your car’s value exceeds $50,000, consider gap insurance for full protection.
📦 8. What to Do Upon Arrival in Alaska
Once your car arrives, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Inspect the Car: Check for damage and compare it with pre-shipping photos.
2️⃣ Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL): Only sign after confirming the car’s condition.
3️⃣ Register the Vehicle in Alaska: Submit the Alaska Vehicle Registration Application at the DMV.
4️⃣ Check for Import Taxes: Alaska does not charge sales tax on vehicle imports, but check for any fees.
💡 Tip: If damage occurs, file a claim immediately with the shipping company.
💰 9. How to Save Money When Shipping a Car to Alaska
✅ Book Early: Last-minute bookings cost $200 to $500 more.
✅ Choose RoRo Shipping: Most cost-effective option.
✅ Use a West Coast Port: Seattle is the cheapest departure point.
✅ Ship During Off-Peak Months: September–March offers lower rates.
✅ Look for Military Discounts: Many carriers offer discounts for active-duty service members.
💡 Tip: Some companies offer multi-car discounts if shipping more than one vehicle.
🚀 Conclusion: Ship Your Car to Alaska with Confidence
Shipping a car to Alaska is easy when you plan ahead and choose the right shipping method.
To recap:
✅ Choose RoRo for affordability or container shipping for extra protection.
✅ Gather all necessary documents before shipping.
✅ Prepare the vehicle by cleaning it and removing personal items.
✅ Inspect the car upon arrival and complete Alaska registration.
With proper planning, your car will arrive safely, ready to drive in the Alaskan wilderness.
