Alaska Auto Transport

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions we get asked about shipping a vehicle.  You are welcome to refer to these as a helpful guide.  We are available to answer specific questions to provide you with even better assistance.

Yes! On our standard sailings and seasonal truck options we allow you to ship up to 250 pounds of personal belongings in your vehicle at no additional charge when you are shipping between Alaska & Washington. This is one of the perks of using us as your carrier! Unfortunately on routes beyond Washington we CANNOT allow personal effects to be shipped as the Department of Transportation forbids car carriers from hauling “freight.” If you are shipping your vehicle with personal effects please ensure that they are boxed, sealed, and secured in the backseat and trunk area only at or below the window lines with nothing in the front seats. We can not allow anything loose in the cab of the vehicle to include change in the cup holders, items hanging from the mirror, etc. Please also note that we can not allow you to ship anything that customs would not allow, no hazardous materials (including firearms, ammunition, flammables, compressed gases, oxidants, corrosives, etc), items of unusual value (e.g. cash, money, bonds, precious metals, stones, or gems), alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs or medications (prescription or otherwise), antlers, furs, or pornographic material. The reasoning behind these packing restrictions is for the safety of not only your vehicle, but our staff who are loading your vehicle, and the safety of the other vehicles in the container.

If you are planning on shipping personal items, print and prepare your Personal Items Inventory Here.

Everything in the transport industry is variable. Things such as weather conditions, mechanical failure, or even a power outage can have an affect on the total transit time of your vehicle. For instance, if the weather is bad, often times our sailings will pull aside rather than sail through the rough waters and risk damage to the cargo. In an effort to alleviate stress on everyone involved we will always quote the approximate transit time rather than an exact date and time.

If you are shipping to or from Alaska and Washington the approximate transit time is 10-14 days from the date the sailing departs, weather permitting. If you opted for our expedited service from Alaska and Washington, the approximate transit time is 6 days depending on the date your vehicle is dropped off and the date the voyage sails.

Modifications greatly impact the way we load your vehicle as well as how we load the other vehicles in our containers. Please let us know if your vehicle includes roof racks, moose bumpers, hi-top conversions, cages, etc. Overall dimensions will determine the actual price of shipping the vehicle.

Yes! We are a fully licensed and insured carrier. Our insurance information can be found here.

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If receiving or dropping off in WA state from the SeaTac Airport we are approximately 8 miles from the Seattle / Tacoma Airport. We would be happy to call a taxi or if you have Lift or Uber the estimated cost is around $25.00.

Unfortunately, no. Federal laws prohibit the transporting of firearms by anyone other than a Federally Licensed Gun Dealer, or the United States Postal Service in some cases. In most cases we ask you to call a locally owned and operated Gun Dealer such as Wild West Guns, LLC, conveniently located here in Anchorage to assist you.

Unfortunately we no longer ship Motorcycles. We recommend contacting Alaska Classic Motion, at 907-272-6863 with the length, width, height, and approximate weight of your unit in order to get an accurate quote.

We do not ship inoperable vehicles.

Most ignition interlock devices, or breath alcohol ignition interlock devices are government property and as such, we cannot ship them.

No. While we do transport cars in enclosed containers they are still susceptible to temperature fluctuation. Please ensure that your vehicle has sufficient antifreeze and lubricants. Alaska Auto Transport does not provide these services and is not liable for vehicles that are damaged as a result of temperature.

Additionally, during the winter months please make sure and have a minimum of ¼ tank of fuel. With subzero temperatures, it is better if we can warm up the vehicle prior to moving them on and off the trailer and or container. All electric vehicles must have a minimum of 50% charge upon drop off.

Between Kent, Wa and Alaska we can ship with a chipped or cracked windshield, but if the vehicle is going overseas or to Hawaii no damage is allowed on the windshield or any other windows. We do ask that you keep in mind that if your windshield does ship with a crack or a chip that it may worsen over the journey due to fluctuating temperatures, pressure changes, and road conditions, especially when in a container. Alaska Auto Transport is not responsible for repairing windshields that ship in damaged condition for just that reason.

We offer 7 days of free storage at both our Anchorage and Washington locations. We charge $10 for additional days.

All financial transactions occur in Anchorage. If the vehicle is coming up to Central or North Alaska payment is required upon receipt of the vehicle in Anchorage. If the vehicle is coming up to Southeast Alaska or going out of Alaska pre-payment is required.  In all cases, if the vehicle value is less than the vehicle shipping fee we require payment prior to shipping

We Accept:

  • Credit Card: Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
  • Cash
  • Certified Banker’s or Cashier’s Checks
  • Money Orders

 
We do not accept:

  • Personal Checks
  • American Express
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