Ship Your Car
Rather than come all the way to Anchorage to pick up your vehicle, would you prefer to just complete the paperwork over the phone and have your new vehicle delivered right to you?
Here are some frequently asked questions to get you on the right track. Remember, you can always contact us using the form on this page with any questions about the shipping process!
Do I have to arrange my own shipping?
Absolutely not! It can be complicated, so we can arrange shipping for you, just let us know. Shipping charges are in addition to your vehicle cost.
What options do I have in Alaska?
While more options do exist, here are our favorites:
Wrightway Auto Transport
101 West Whitney Road, Anchorage, AK 99501
888-594-4348
www.wrightwayautocarriers.com
Alaska Car Transport
907-331-3100
www.alaskacartransport.com
Alaska Marine Highway
1-800-642-0066
www.ferryalaska.com
Everts Air Cargo
907-243-0009
www.evertsair.com
How does car shipping work?
We always recommend the use of a licensed and insured shipping company. If you prefer, we can arrange shipping & include the expense within the overall cost of your purchase. If you prefer to arrange your own shipping, we can recommend companies that we have previously worked with. The exact shipping process depends on the time of year and your location.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Normal transit time varies depending on the shipping destination and the time of year. Please remember that no company can offer you a guaranteed date, day or time for multiple reasons, including weather conditions, number of deliveries, unforeseen mechanical issues, and even driver illness.
What kind of truck will my vehicle be shipped on?
In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an open 8-10 vehicle hauler; the same type of trucks used to deliver new vehicles from the factory to our dealership. Enclosed carriers are also available. Due to the nautical access of much of Alaska, the ferry and barge system are sometimes the only viable option.
How does Lithia decide which shipping companies to work with?
Alaska is a small place when it comes to specialized services. We do our best to periodically investigate new shipping partners, but we place an absolute premium on proper licensing and insurance, as well as reliability and cost. We constantly check to make sure their insurance is still valid and that they still have a current license. If a new auto shipping company wants to haul vehicles for us we make sure that it is properly licensed with the U.S. Government and insured.How does the insurance work?
ONLY the trucking company (the actual car carrier, auto hauler) provides the insurance. During the pickup and drop-off of the vehicle, the trucking company will complete a detailed physical inspection of the vehicle, on a bill of lading/condition report, which you or your agent and the trucker must sign and acknowledge. Make sure you or your agent gets a copy. This same bill of lading/condition report will be presented again upon delivery, so that you or your agent can re-inspect the vehicle for any discrepancies.
In the highly unlikely event any damage occurs during the auto transporting, please be sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and have the driver sign in agreement immediately while he is there. No claims will be honored if the damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by the auto delivery driver. You still must pay the balance due for the transportation charges. It will not jeopardize any claim you may have for damage. The auto transporting company usually will not take the vehicle off the truck until you pay for the move. You cannot withhold or deduct moneys from the amount to cover any damage that may have occurred while in transit. All claims are handled separately once the actual auto transporter has received the signed bill of lading noting the damages.
Why does it cost more to ship an SUV or a truck than it does for a car?
The cost to ship a car is determined by several factors, including a vehicle's weight and dimensions. Vehicles like trucks and SUV's are larger and heavier than most passenger cars. This limits the number of vehicles that can be legally loaded on an auto transport truck, which in turn, affects the overall economics of the shipment.
What should I expect?
The most important issue for people to understand about the process of car shipping is that this industry is not like UPS, Fed-Ex or even the Postal Service. Pick-up and delivery dates are estimates, not guarantees of pick-up or delivery dates. Unforeseen problems from mechanical break downs, traffic, and weather all contribute to delays in auto transport. Patience is required, and our companies want to get your vehicle shipped to you as soon as you do. Make sure you have realistic expectations about when your auto transport will be picked up and delivered.