shipping car from anchorage to seattle: the step-by-step decision I trust

You've weighed the options; now it's about picking what fits the real world. I've moved an AWD from Midtown Anchorage to the Seattle area twice - here's the path that consistently works.

Route choices that actually work

• Roll-on/Roll-off barge to Tacoma/Seattle terminals: simplest handoff, minimal prep, consistent schedules.
• Container service: best if sending the car plus boxed items; higher cost, added loading time, tighter paperwork.
• Drive + ferry via the Alaska Marine Highway (Whittier connections, Bellingham end) when schedules align and you want the scenic route.
• Overland carrier: doable, but winter risk and price spikes make it a niche choice.

Small correction: I keep saying "Seattle," but most ships land in Tacoma. It's the same metro pickup reality.

My finalized step-by-step

1. Get three quotes with all-in fees (port, documentation, fuel surcharge).
2. Verify sailing dates and cutoff for drop-off.
3. Prep: wash exterior, remove valuables, note existing dings, set alarm off, fuel under 1/4 (better: 1/8).
4. Paperwork: title/registration, ID, lien release if applicable.
5. Drop at Port of Alaska; get receipt and photos.
6. Transit: typically 5 - 7 days on water, plus cutoffs on each end.
7. Pickup in Tacoma; inspect before signing; pay remaining balance.

Costs and timing that matter

Expect roughly $1,300 - $2,100 for a standard sedan/SUV, 6 - 12 days door-to-port including cutoffs. Prices float with season and size.

• Vehicle size/weight and ground clearance
• Seasonal demand and winter weather windows
• Fuel surcharges and port storage (avoid by meeting pickup window)
• Optional transit coverage

Real-world moment: I handed over keys on a wet October morning, flew to Sea-Tac, then rideshared to Tacoma. The car rolled off with chalk marks on the windshield, exactly as logged - no surprises.

Final decision

I almost chose a container - then switched. For most moves, RoRo barge to Tacoma is the clean, low-friction answer. Book two weeks ahead, keep fuel low, scan your docs, and plan pickup the day the vessel posts available. That's the simplest way to land your car, ready for I-5.