Shipping Your Car From Alaska to the Lower 48

Where vehicles ship from

The most common route is Anchorage to the Tacoma area on carriers such as TOTE Maritime and Matson. Southeast vehicles move by barge on Alaska Marine Lines to the Seattle area, or by the state ferry if you want to drive from Bellingham. Fairbanks vehicles are usually driven or trucked to Anchorage first. Kodiak vehicles have their own ocean service.

You can book directly with the ocean carrier and handle drop-off and pickup yourself, or use a vehicle shipping company that arranges door-to-door service. Check that any auto transport company is registered with FMCSA.

Documents

• Title or current registration
• Photo ID matching the owner name
• Lienholder authorization letter if the vehicle is financed or leased. Many carriers require written permission from the lender to ship out of state
• Keys, including any fob
• Booking confirmation

Preparing the vehicle

• Wash it so the inspection captures existing damage, and take your own dated photos.
• Keep fuel low. Carriers often require a quarter tank or less.
• Remove personal items. Most carriers don't allow household goods in shipped vehicles, and loose items aren't covered.
• Remove toll tags, roof boxes and loose accessories.
• Note leaks, and make sure the battery and tires are in good shape.

How long does it take to ship a car from Anchorage?

Sailing time between Anchorage and Tacoma is a few days, but door-to-door time includes drop-off cut-offs, port processing and onward trucking. Ask for the vessel schedule and plan the car to arrive before or with you.

Ship, drive or sell?

Ship if you're flying, moving in winter, or have a second vehicle. Drive if it's summer, the vehicle is reliable, and you want to carry essentials and pets. Sell if the vehicle is older, heavily rusted, or wouldn't pass your new state's emissions or inspection rules, or if it simply isn't worth shipping. Some states, notably California, have specific rules for vehicles brought in from out of state.

After arrival

Register and title the vehicle in your new state within its deadline, and update insurance. Deadlines vary by state. Our upcoming Money & Legal guides cover this state by state.