Shipping Car vs Driving to Alaska
If you’re taking your car along on your move to Alaska, you will need to decide if you are going to be driving or shipping your car to Alaska. There are pros and cons to both options which you will need to consider very carefully in order to make the right choice. Factors affecting your decision include:
- Driving time
- Road conditions
- Roadside accommodations
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- The cost of fuel
When moving to Alaska one of the benefits of driving your car is that you can load it with some essentials you’ll need immediately upon arriving and keep your valuables with you rather than ship them. However, you need to also keep in mind that you and the rest of your household goods may not arrive at your destination at the same time, it is a very long drive, you will need to arrange accommodations along the way, and if you have pets with you those pets will need accommodations as well. If you decide to ship your car, that will be an extra expense but the cost of shipping may be equal to the cost of driving when you add in gasoline costs, food and housing along the way.
Driving Distance
This could be a deciding factor in the shipping a car vs driving debate. Depending on which part of the country you’re starting your journey to Alaska from, it could be a deal breaker. A drive to Alaska from the northeast part of the country is considerably shorter than a drive from a southern state, for instance. You will have to decide just how much time spent in the car is too much time. Children and pets will have a big impact on this decision as well. Then there’s the mileage factor; if you have an older vehicle, especially, you may want to consider whether you really want to put a cross country trip on your odometer, or spend the money to ship it and save the wear and tear.
Weather Conditions
The time of year and possible weather conditions you may face on the road to Alaska can also have a big impact on the decision of shipping a car vs driving. Hiring a professional mover to transport all your worldly goods to Alaska is a wise move, as they have experience moving household goods – including vehicles – in in all sorts of conditions. If you are moving in the late fall, winter, or early spring, the roads up to Alaska could be covered in snow, adding a whole new dimension of difficulty when it comes to driving. It might be wise to let the moving company transport your car and book a flight instead.
Safety & Convenience
If you decide to place your vehicle in the hands of professional movers, you won’t have to deal with the time, effort, and cost of driving, and you won’t expose yourself and your car to possibly dangerous road conditions. It may be safer and easier to trust your car to the professionals and ship it to your Alaskan destination.
If you’re planning a move to Alaska, Golden North Van Lines can take the worry out of your transition and transport your personal goods safely to their destination. We have decades of experience moving homes and businesses to Alaska, making us the best choice to tackle your relocation. When you put your trust in Golden North Van Lines, we’ll treat your household goods as if they were our very own. We offer you a cost effective moving option that gives you peace of mind, saves time, helps you stay organized, avoid injury, and arrive at your destination ready to begin your exciting Alaskan adventure. Golden North Van Lines is the moving company you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you prepare for a smooth, successful move.