What You Need to Know About Shipping to Alaska

Alaska is unlike any other state in the U.S. when it comes to freight transportation. Separated from the contiguous United States by over 500 miles of Canadian territory, the Last Frontier presents a unique set of logistics challenges that many shippers don’t anticipate until they’re already in the planning stages.

If you’re moving construction materials to Anchorage, delivering heavy equipment to a remote town, or managing ongoing supply chain operations for an Alaskan business, understanding how freight moves to this northern destination will save you time, money, and frustration.

Why Shipping to Alaska Is Different

Shipping freight within the lower 48 states is relatively straightforward. Trucks pick up cargo, drive to the destination, and deliver. Alaska doesn’t work that way.

Geographic and Logistical Considerations

The most immediate challenge is geography. Alaska is not connected by road to the rest of the United States. The only ground route requires traveling through western Canada via the Alaska Highway, which stretches over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska.

This means that ground freight shipments must cross an international border, twice. The route passes through rugged terrain, remote areas with limited services, and regions subject to extreme weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The Alaska Department of Transportation provides updates on road conditions and seasonal restrictions.

Beyond the main highway corridor, many Alaskan communities are only accessible by air or water. Delivering to a remote town off the road system requires additional coordination and often a combination of transportation modes.

Transit time to Alaska is significantly longer than shipments of similar distances within the United States. Weather delays, border processing, and the sheer distance involved all add to delivery windows.

Regulatory Requirements

Crossing the Canadian border with commercial freight requires proper documentation and customs clearance. Shippers must provide accurate commercial invoices, bills of lading, and any permits required for the specific type of cargo.

Certain goods face additional scrutiny. Shipments containing hazardous materials require special handling, documentation, and compliance with both U.S. and Canadian regulations. Oversized loads need permits from multiple jurisdictions along the route.

You can review current guidelines through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Working with a transportation provider experienced in cross-border logistics helps avoid delays and compliance issues at the Canadian border.

Main Shipping Methods to Alaska

Three primary methods exist for moving freight to Alaska: ground transportation through Canada, ocean freight via cargo ships, and air freight. Each has advantages depending on your cargo type, budget, and timeline.

Ground Freight Through Canada

For most commercial freight, ground transportation through Canada is the go-to shipping method. This is particularly true for full truckload shipments, heavy equipment, oversized cargo, and anything that requires flatbed or specialized trailer transport.

The route follows major highways through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory before entering Alaska. Experienced carriers know the route, understand the border crossing procedures, and can navigate the logistical challenges that come with this corridor.

Ground freight offers a good balance between cost and transit time. It’s more affordable than air freight and faster than ocean shipping for most destinations along the road system.

Ocean Freight via Cargo Ships

Cargo ships provide an alternative for shippers moving high volume freight or heavy cargo that isn’t time-sensitive. Major shipping lines operate regular service from Tacoma and Seattle to Alaskan ports, with Anchorage being the primary destination.

Ocean freight works well for:

• Large quantities of goods moving on a predictable schedule
• Heavy machinery and equipment
• Vehicles and rolling stock
• Freight where cost savings outweigh the need for speed

The trade-off is transit time. Ocean shipments typically take two to three weeks or longer, depending on the port of origin and final destination.

Air Freight

When speed matters most, air freight is the best option. Anchorage International Airport is one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the world, serving as a refueling stop for flights between North America and Asia.

Air freight makes sense for:

• Time-sensitive shipments with tight deadlines
• Smaller, high-value cargo
• Emergency parts or supplies
• Perishable goods

The downside is cost. Air freight rates are significantly higher than ground or ocean shipping, making it impractical for large or heavy shipments.

Shipping Method Comparison

Shipping Method	Best For	Typical Transit Time	Cost Level
Ground (via Canada)	Full truckload, heavy equipment, oversized cargo	7–14 business days	Moderate
Ocean Freight	High volume, heavy cargo, vehicles	14–21+ business days	Lower
Air Freight	Time-sensitive, smaller shipments, emergencies	2–5 business days	Highest

Costs and Pricing Factors

Shipping charges to Alaska run higher than comparable distances within the lower 48. Several factors influence what you’ll pay.

Distance and Destination

Distance and destination play the biggest role. Freight heading to Anchorage or Fairbanks along the main highway corridor costs less than shipments to remote destinations off the road system.

Freight Characteristics

Weight, dimensions, and commodity type all affect pricing. Carriers may calculate rates based on actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. Oversized or overweight loads requiring special permits and equipment will cost more than standard shipments.

Equipment Requirements

A standard dry van shipment costs less than one requiring a flatbed, step deck, or specialized trailer. If your cargo needs specific handling, factor that into your budget.

Seasonal Factors

Winter weather increases operational challenges and costs. Fuel prices fluctuate throughout the year. Demand for Alaska shipping capacity varies seasonally as well.

Border Crossing Fees

Customs brokerage, documentation processing, and any required permits contribute to the final shipping charge.

Getting Accurate Quotes

The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate your quote will be. A reliable transportation provider will want to know:

• Exact pickup and delivery locations
• Cargo weight and dimensions
• Commodity description
• Required equipment type
• Desired pickup and delivery dates
• Any special handling requirements

What Types of Freight Can Be Shipped to Alaska?

Nearly any type of freight that moves within the continental U.S. can be shipped to Alaska with the right carrier and equipment. Common shipment types include:

• Construction Materials: Lumber, steel, concrete products, and building supplies move north regularly to support Alaska’s construction industry.
• Heavy Equipment: Excavators, bulldozers, generators, and industrial machinery require experienced carriers with the right trailers and permits.
• Military Cargo: Alaska hosts several major military installations. Mercer Transportation is a Top-Five carrier for government traffic, with extensive experience handling military shipments.
• Commercial Goods: Retail inventory, food products, and consumer goods keep Alaskan businesses stocked.
• Vehicles: Cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles can be transported via ground, ocean, or a combination of both.
• Industrial Equipment: Manufacturing equipment, mining machinery, and oil field supplies support Alaska’s resource industries.

Mercer Transportation operates a diverse fleet capable of handling virtually any freight type. Our equipment includes flatbeds, drop decks, dry vans,  and conestoga trailers. Whatever your cargo requires, we have the right truck and trailer to deliver it safely.

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Tips for a Successful Alaska Shipment

Shipping to Alaska takes more coordination than a standard domestic shipment, but with the right preparation, the process can run smoothly.

Plan Ahead for Longer Transit Times

Alaska shipments take longer than you might expect. Build extra time into your schedule, especially if you’re shipping during winter months when weather can cause delays. Communicate realistic delivery windows to your customers or project managers.

For time-sensitive freight, discuss expedited options with your carrier. Sometimes paying a bit more for faster transit time is worth it to meet a deadline.

Prepare Proper Documentation

Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork is one of the most common causes of border delays. Before your shipment moves, verify that you have:

• Accurate commercial invoices with complete product descriptions
• Correct bills of lading matching the actual freight
• Any required permits for oversized loads or regulated commodities
• Proper shipping labels with complete origin and destination information

If you’re shipping hazardous materials, work with your carrier to confirm all regulatory requirements are met before pickup.

Choose the Right Partner

Not every trucking company has experience with Alaska shipping. The cross-border element, long distances, and unique challenges require a carrier that knows the route and has the infrastructure to support it.

Look for a transportation provider with:

• Proven cross-border shipping experience
• A strong customer service team you can reach when questions arise
• Flexible equipment options to match your cargo needs
• A track record of safe, on-time delivery

Choose Mercer Transportation for Shipping to Alaska

Since 1977, Mercer Transportation has built a reputation for reliability, safety, and customer service. What started as a single truck has grown into one of the most recognized fleets in North America, with over 4 billion miles driven and 4 million loads delivered.

Our experience with cross-border shipments through Canada makes us a strong partner for Alaska freight. We understand the documentation requirements, the route challenges, and the importance of clear communication throughout the shipping process.

Mercer Transportation delivers freight to Alaska for commercial customers, government agencies, and military operations. Here’s what sets us apart:

• A diverse fleet of over 1,600 trucks and access to 30,000 approved carriers
• Top-Five carrier status for government and military traffic
• Nearly 50 years of service to commercial customers and government agencies
• A dedicated customer service team ready to support your shipment from pickup to delivery

We take pride in building long-term relationships with our customers. Many have trusted us with their freight for decades because we deliver on our promises, and we’re ready to do the same for you. 

Contact our team today to discuss your Alaska shipping needs, get a quote, or learn more about how we can support your supply chain.