Alaska Auto Transport

The average cost for car shipping to or from Alaska is about $450 for distances less than 500 miles, $1055 for distances between 500 and 1500 miles, and $1,500+ for distances over 1500 miles. The number of miles your car has to travel has the biggest influence on your shipping cost, but there are other factors to consider.

Route: Routes that are similar distances can have different prices because of the traffic patterns and logistics. With Alaska, there are additional considerations for how your car will get to its destination, such as transfers to ships and ports.

Time of Year: The time of year is another major factor in the shipping price, particularly in Alaska. Summer is the busy season across the US because the weather is favorable, which can lead to higher prices. Winter has lower demand, but inclement weather can affect travel routes.

Scheduling: If you require expedited shipping or strict pickup and delivery dates, you may pay higher prices. It’s best to be flexible to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations and low rates.

Make and Model: The make and model of your car and the type of transport you need can affect the cost. Small cars and SUVs, which are lighter, are often cheaper than big trucks or SUVs. Oversized vehicles, such as RVs, are often expensive because they require specialized equipment to ship.

Type of Transport: Choosing an enclosed trailer for your shipment comes with premium prices, which is why it’s reserved for valuable vehicles like exotic cars and antiques. Open-air trailers are more economical, but there’s risks to having your car exposed to the elements and road hazards.

Shipping your car from Alaska to Washington usually takes between 20 and 23 days, while shipping from Alaska to Florida may only take 22 to 26 days. The distance your car has to travel impacts the shipping timeline, but other factors can delay your shipment.

Here’s a rough guide for how long shipping takes based on mileage:

Route: Though routes may be the same distance, it can take longer for some shipments because of the availability of drivers, traffic patterns, local weather, and other factors.

Time of Year: Local weather and storms – as well as seasonal demand – can affect your shipping time. Summer has fewer weather delays, but it’s a busy season and it may be more difficult to secure your shipping dates. Other than holidays, winter is a slower season with more availability, but snowstorms across the US and Alaska can cause significant delays. The fall is the best time to ship in the mainland, but Alaska can experience extreme thunderstorms that may delay your shipment.

Transport Type: Open-air transport is the fastest option because there are more vehicles traveling at once and more companies offer this service. You get more personalized service with an enclosed trailer, but fewer companies offer this service. You may not be able to schedule your preferred ship dates.

These shipping timeframes are an average based on real-world car shipment data, but your shipping timeframe may vary. To get an accurate estimate of how long your shipment to or from Alaska will take, contact us or use our instant car shipping quote calculator!

With the complexity of shipping to Alaska, hiring a professional auto transport company is your best option. Experienced shipping companies understand the ins and outs of shipping all over the US, including the challenges of shipping to Alaska ports and handling boat transfers.

You can drive to Alaska yourself via the Alaska Highway, but it’s a long drive. You have to consider the expenses for the road trip, including gas, accommodation, food, tolls, ferry trips, and the wear and tear on your car. There are also risks involved in driving on your own vs. shipping your car with a professional.

Another option is to hire someone to drive your car. While it may be a little cheaper than hiring a professional auto shipper, you still have to pay for their time, fuel, and other travel expenses. If something happens on the trip, you only have your insurance policy to cover damages.

Shipping your car by train is a preferred option because it’s cheap, but it’s also one of the lengthiest types of transport. Trains may travel quickly, but they transport several cars at once and make stops along the way to pick up or drop off shipments. This can add days or even weeks to your shipment.

Compare your shipping options and learn more about the benefits of car shipping to see what’s best for you. When you’re ready, Nexus Auto Transport can connect you with shipping companies that suit your needs.

Staying on budget is important, but you want your car to arrive to its destination safely. You can choose a reputable shipping company and get a competitive rate by booking your shipment as early as you can. If you’re flexible about your shipping dates, you can wait for slower periods to get better deals and possible discounts, especially with open-air trailers. If a company needs to fill some empty slots, you could get a lower rate.

Don’t be tempted by the “too good to be true” low quotes. It’s common for disreputable companies and scams to use deceptively low quotes to lure in customers, but you may have hidden fees, charges, or a “ransom” at the end of the shipment. Inexperienced auto transport companies also use low quotes to get business, but your car may not be as safe or secure.