With a population of around 700,000+ people and the last frontier, sometimes shipping to Alaska can be difficult due to many things, such as during winters almost half the year. People regularly need items and other amenities, mainly shipped to Anchorage because of a good network of roads in the eastern part.
But the same cannot be said for the north or western part of the state. So if you are getting something delivered there, here are all you need to know about what you need to consider, such as shipping to Alaska cost, etc.
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Part 1. Shipping to Alaska: Key Factors to Consider
Let’s start with some critical elements to Shipping to Alaska, especially if you are an e-commerce store and want to expand your business to Alaska.
1. Geography and Logistics of Shipping to Alaska
Alaska resides on the top of most regions of the United States at the border with Canada. Even though there is a regular influx of people and goods from the US to Canada, it isn’t as easy to do the same for Alaska due to the difficult terrain.
With over 50% of the population based in Anchorage, it is a lot easier to deliver there than to other regions. Do your research when considering welcoming customers because some regions are accessible by boat or air, which can increase the cost.
2. Modes of Transportation to Alaska
When you deliver any item to Alaska and its cities, you must consider travel and transportation modes to different parts to calculate shipping to Alaska cost. The state’s region is so huge that you must take at least 18 hours of drive to reach the closest border, such as from the Canada-Alaska to the Canada-Alaska.
In winter, which is half of the year, your vehicle must have chains around tires or special equipment as it is snowy mainly then.
When accessing the Southeastern Alaskan region, you can only do it via boats to towns such as Juneau, Skagway, etc., through the extensive channel routes called Alaska Marine Highway. Two of the major ports are Prince Rupert connecting to Canada, and Bellingham Port in Washington, connecting to the US.
Regarding air travel or transportation of goods, only Juneau and Fairbanks have airports other than Anchorage.
3. Distance and Transit Times
The typical time to cover border-to-border distance will take at least 18 hours, while going from Anchorage to Juneau may take up to 25 hours. So don’t expect a speedy delivery when considering these areas.
4. Seasonal Considerations and Weather Impacts
It isn’t easy to ship to Alaska because of the weather for more than six months, which causes most of the courier services to opt-out. The better option during these times is either shipping or by air.
Part 2. How Much is Shipping to Alaska?
In the previous section, we have discussed factors you need to consider when shipping to Alaska and its different regions. In this section, let’s discuss how much it costs and other factors.
1. Overview of Cost Factors Involved in Shipping to Alaska
Here are some key factors that can change the cost of delivering your product in major Alaskan regions or cities.
- Geography –The minimum time from a city like Seattle to Anchorage is about 17 hours. The cost can increase based on distance if the receiver is in remote locations.
- Surcharges –The shipping to Alaska cost varies based on zip code with additional charges if accessibility is possible only through air or boat.
2. Freight Rates and Pricing Structures
The minimum rates for shipping to Alaska starts from $9 based on what different aspect of handling charges your carrier can process. Furthermore, some key categories are considered when shipping your package to Alaskan cities.
- The size and shape of your package.
- Zone the package is being delivered.
- What are the additional charges incurred based on additional service charges?
- Whether you are considering normal, next day, regular, or air delivery.
- Prices can vary due to different packages such as saver, morning times, same but delivered the second day.
3. Additional Charges and Surcharges
Certain services and options will charge you additional and constitute surcharges when shipping to Alaska. These are some but not limited to:
- Additional handling
- Dangerous goods or not
- Does any area surcharge due to customs?
- Out of regular service region?
- Providing on-call pickup service etc.
4. Comparison of Shipping to Alaska Cost Factors
The following tables represent the basic price comparison of different shipping companies.
| Service Provider | Service Category | Cost is $ | Time Taken in Days |
| UPS | Next Day by Air | 58 | 1 |
| Delivery by Air on 2nd Day | 123 | 2 | |
| Regular | 58 | 3 | |
| FedEx | Overnight Priority Delivery | 149 | 1 |
| Early Morning Next Day | 79 | 2 | |
| USPS | Priority | 9 | 3 |
| Regular Select | 23 | up to 8 | |
| Priority Express | 70 | 1-2 |
Tip: If you want to save on shipping costs to Alaska, you can rely on 3pl services like NextSmartShip.
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Part 3. Finding the Cheapest Way to Ship to Alaska
When choosing the perfect service for your business or customer, here are typical scenarios to consider when considering shipping to Alaska cost.
1. Researching Different Shipping Providers and Carriers
In the previous sections, we have discussed what different factors come into play when considering what services different providers can or cannot offer. Due to insufficient road infrastructure, some may not be willing to go to remote regions. So research well when choosing your favorite service provider.
Comparing Rates and Services Offered by Multiple Providers
Other than the overview provided in the previous section, consider different rates and services from providers and what they cover. Some might not cover a re-delivery in case recipients are not there or what are the local regulations on your package content. Always consider these factors when choosing a service and the provider.
2. Considering Alternative Shipping Methods and Modes of Transportation
Sometimes, air delivery is the same price as ground transportation but may take longer. Consider some of the additional costs in these cases and then make your choice. Furthermore, it may be cheaper by a lot if considering by boats.
3. Exploring Freight Consolidation Options for Cost Savings
When shipping during the early days of the week or arrival time being later at night, many shipping companies save from off-peak hours. Other consolidation options are hiring a service provider or increasing the delivery volume.
4. Seeking recommendations from local businesses or online communities
When researching the best option, you can discuss with companies offering these services for a long time, such as Alaska Marine Lines, or go to the different forums for more information.
Bottom Line
Even though one of the most remote regions in the US, Alaskan inhabitants have similar needs. Sometimes the only option is to get goods and items delivered to them from mainland US states. Many businesses don’t consider shipping to Alaska due to distance, time, and regulatory restrictions, but nonetheless, it holds potential. So read through the essential key factors you need to consider if you are trying to increase your footprint in Alaska.
If you are looking for the cheapest yet secure way to ship to Alaska, we suggest checking out NextSmartShip. This logistics company is bound to offer you exceptionally swift and reliable shipping services along with eco-friendly packaging, and more. It’s indeed great choice for order fulfilment.
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