
Transporting a car to Alaska from the Tacoma port can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be made easy. The port of Tacoma is a major shipping hub, with many carriers offering car transport services.
The port of Tacoma is strategically located near the Puget Sound, making it an ideal departure point for Alaska-bound vehicles. This location allows for a shorter route to Alaska, reducing transit times and costs.
To ensure a smooth car transport experience, it's essential to choose a reputable carrier with experience in Alaska car transport. Researching and selecting a reliable carrier can save you time and money in the long run.
Car Shipping Basics
We ship cars from Alaska to Washington all year round, using ships for the safest and most efficient auto transport. The two ports used for shipping are the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, AK and the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA.

The cheapest way to ship a car from Alaska to Washington is our standard "open deck" option, but if you need climate-controlled shipping, we offer "below deck" (enclosed) shipping for an additional charge. There are two ships that transport vehicles weekly from Alaska to Washington, leaving the Port of Alaska every Monday and Friday.
It takes less than a week to ship your car from Alaska to Washington once it is dropped off at the port. If you can't pick up your vehicle once it is delivered to the port in Tacoma, WA, we can have your car picked up at the port and trucked to any location in Washington or in any of the lower 48 states.
We ship cars between Alaska and the lower 48 states all year round, using the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, AK and the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA. Most of our Alaska transports are shipped on an open deck because that is the cheapest shipping option.
The ships leave the ports twice a week, so when your vehicle is dropped off at the ports by you or by our trucks, it is safely loaded onto one of the ships setting sail that week.
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Planning and Preparation
To prepare your vehicle for shipping to Alaska, it's essential to give it a good wash to ensure it's clean enough for inspection. This will help identify any pre-existing damage.
Before shipping, make sure to disconnect sensitive car alarms to avoid any issues at the terminal. It's also crucial to winterize your vehicle to protect it from freezing temperatures, as vehicles received for shipment must have radiators and batteries adequately protected from minus 40 degrees.
To ensure a smooth shipping process, keep your vehicle's fuel tank at or below one quarter (1/4) full.
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Route Availability
Route Availability is a crucial factor to consider when shipping your car. The carrier availability rating from Alaska to Washington is a perfect 10/10, based on recent dispatch reports.
This means shipping your car has never been easier.
Vehicle Pre-Shipment Preparation
Before shipping your vehicle to Alaska, it's essential to prepare it properly. Washing your vehicle is a must to ensure it's clean enough for a suitable inspection to determine any pre-existing damage.

Disconnecting sensitive car alarms prior to arrival at the terminal can save you a headache later on. This is especially important if your vehicle has a complex alarm system.
In Alaska's harsh winter climate, it's crucial to winterize your vehicle. This means making sure your radiators and batteries are adequately protected from freezing temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees.
To avoid any issues during shipping, make sure your vehicle has no more than a quarter tank of fuel. This will help prevent any fuel-related problems during transit.
Here's a quick checklist to help you prepare your vehicle for shipping:
- Wash and clean your vehicle
- Disconnect sensitive car alarms
- Winterize your vehicle (radiators and batteries must be protected from freezing)
- Ensure a quarter tank of fuel or less
Transportation Process
The transportation process for shipping a car to or from Alaska is surprisingly straightforward. We handle all the details and paperwork for you, so all you need to do is drop off your vehicle at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, AK or the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA.
The Port of Alaska in Anchorage is the primary shipping port for Alaska auto transports. We use this port for all our Alaska transports.
We offer two shipping options: open deck and closed deck. The cheapest option is open deck, but if you need your vehicle fully protected in a climate-controlled area, we offer closed deck options as well.
The ships leave the ports twice a week, so your vehicle will be delivered to the other port within a week of being dropped off. The ships that transport vehicles weekly from Alaska to Washington leave the Port of Alaska in Anchorage every Monday and Friday.
If you can't pick up your vehicle once it is delivered to the port in Tacoma, WA, we can have your car picked up at the port and trucked to any location in Washington or in any of the lower 48 states.
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Pre-Shipment Steps
Before you ship your vehicle to Alaska, there are some essential pre-shipment steps to take. It's crucial to wash your vehicle thoroughly to ensure it's clean enough for a suitable inspection to determine any pre-existing damage.
Disconnecting sensitive car alarms prior to arrival at the terminal is also a must. This will prevent any unnecessary stress or delays during the shipping process.
Winterizing your vehicle is a must, as vehicles received for shipment must have radiators and batteries adequately protected from freezing temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees.
Make sure your vehicle has no more than one quarter (1/4) tank of fuel to avoid any potential issues during transport. This will also help reduce the overall cost of shipping.
Ports and Logistics
The Port of Tacoma is a crucial transportation hub for Alaska car transport, with over 20 million tons of cargo passing through its gates each year.
Located about 30 miles southwest of Seattle, the port offers direct access to the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal location for shipping cars to Alaska.
The port's proximity to the Tacoma Dome, a major rail hub, also allows for efficient rail transport of cars to the port for loading onto ships.
Car Shipping Costs
Shipping a car from Alaska to Washington can be a costly endeavor. As of February 2023, it costs $1637 to ship a car or standard truck from Anchorage, AK to Tacoma, WA.
You can get an instant quote on our website or by calling us at (800) 656-7638 to find out the current cost.
Port-to-Port Vehicle Shipping
Port-to-Port Vehicle Shipping is a convenient option for those moving vehicles to or from Alaska. We ship cars from Alaska to Washington all year round, using the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, AK and the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA.
The ships leave the Port of Alaska every Monday and Friday, and it takes approximately 6-7 days to ship a car or truck from Alaska to Washington. Two ships transport vehicles weekly from Alaska to Washington, making it a reliable and efficient option.
If you're moving to Alaska, you can have your vehicle shipped to the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, where it will be stored until you're ready to pick it up. Alternatively, you can have your vehicle shipped from the Port of Alaska to the Port of Tacoma, where it will be delivered to you.
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The cheapest way to ship a car from Alaska to Washington is our standard "open deck" option, which is included in our instant quote. If you need to ship your vehicle enclosed in a climate-controlled area, we offer "below deck" (enclosed) shipping for an additional charge.
If you can't pick up your vehicle once it's delivered to the port in Tacoma, WA, we can have your car picked up at the port and trucked to any location in Washington or in any of the lower 48 states.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alaska to Washington?
As of February 2023, shipping a car from Alaska to Washington costs approximately $1637. The cost may vary depending on the specific route and shipping method.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Alaska?
The cheapest way to ship a car to Alaska is open transport, but it's not recommended due to harsh weather conditions. Consider getting quotes from Alaska auto transport companies for a safer and more reliable option.
Who ships cars to Alaska?
Matson offers car shipping services to and from Alaska. Contact them at 1-877-678-7447 for a quote or more information.
How long does it take to ship a car from Seattle to Anchorage?
Shipping a car from Seattle to Anchorage typically takes 10-14 days, depending on the route and transportation method. Check with a reliable auto transport company for a more accurate estimate and to plan your vehicle's delivery.
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