Moving a vehicle to the “Last Frontier” isn’t your average road trip

At Alaska Auto Shipping Group (AASG), we handle the logistics so you don’t have to, but we know you have questions. Shipping by land and sea involves unique regulations, weather challenges, and prep work.

Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often to help you get “Alaska-ready.”

🚢 The “How & When” of Land and Sea Shipping

Q: How long does it actually take to get my car to Alaska? A: Transit times vary depending on your starting point and the season. Generally:

Seattle to Anchorage: 7–10 days.
Seattle to Fairbanks: 11–14 days (includes the overland truck leg from Anchorage).
Cross-country from the East Coast: Usually 14–21 days total.

Q: Can I choose between land (the Alcan Highway) and sea (Barge/RORO)? A: Yes! Most customers choose the sea route from Tacoma/Seattle because it’s the most affordable and avoids the wear and tear of the 2,000+ mile gravel-heavy Alcan Highway. However, if you need door-to-door service to a remote interior location, our land transportexperts can coordinate the overland trek through Canada.

Q: Can I ship personal items inside my car? A: Yes—but with limits. On our standard Alaska-Washington routes, AASG allows up to 250 lbs of personal belongings at no extra charge.

The Rules: Items must be boxed, secured in the trunk or back seat (below the window line), and contain no prohibited items (liquor, firearms, or perishables). Note: This perk only applies to the sea portion; once the car moves to a standard mainland car carrier, DOT regulations usually require the car to be empty.

🛠️ Preparing Your Vehicle for the Journey

Q: How much gas should I leave in the tank? A: This is a strict maritime safety rule: Between 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank.* If you have too much, we may have to charge a de-fueling fee.

If you have too little, your car might not start during the loading process in sub-zero temperatures.

Q: Does my car need special “Winterization”? A: Absolutely. If you are shipping during the winter months, ensure your vehicle has:

Sufficient Antifreeze: Rated for at least -40°C/F.
Healthy Battery: Cold weather is brutal on older batteries; make sure yours is fully charged.
Winterized Fluids: Use low-temperature windshield wiper fluid.

Q: Why do I need to wash my car before you pick it up? A: It’s not just about looking good! A clean car allows our drivers to perform an accurate Condition Report. If the car is covered in mud or road salt, it’s impossible to document pre-existing chips or scratches, which protects both you and the carrier.

📑 Paperwork and Logistics

Q: What documents do I need to provide? A: To clear the port and potential border crossings (if going by land), we need:

A copy of your Title or Registration.
A Lien Holder Authorization (if you are still paying off a car loan, your bank must provide a notarized letter allowing the car to go to Alaska).
A valid Government ID.

Q: Is my vehicle insured during the trip? A: Yes. Your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance while it is on the truck or the vessel. We always recommend taking 360-degree photos of your car the day of pickup for your own records.

Quick Prep Checklist

[ ] Fuel Level: 1/4 tank or less.
[ ] Cleanliness: Wash exterior; vacuum interior.
[ ] Personal Items: 250 lbs max, secured in trunk/backseat.
[ ] Maintenance: Check antifreeze, battery, and tire pressure.
[ ] Spare Keys: Provide one full set to the driver/port.
[ ] Alarms: Disable all car alarms to prevent battery drain during transit.