Winter travel (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan: homes, employment, income)

[corel]

Does anyone know of a ferry that runs from WA to Whittier during January? Our family was planning on moving up to Anchorage in Spring/Summer but lay-offs at my husbands company may force us to move up our time table. We would rather not drive the Alcan for our first time in January while hauling a trailer. Any and all ideas are welcome and much appreciated.

[ASpilot2be]

It does not appear the Kennicott is doing cross gulf trips this winter, so unfortunately you are out of luck. You could always put your stuff on a ship that goes into Anchorage. There are quite a few sailings in both directions. If it is a big trailer another worry is the tunnel going into Whittier. An easy option is to drive to Valdez or Seward and catch the ferry over to Whittier.

[DannyL]

Call them and ask. They're very helpful over the phone.
Juneau central reservations office:
Local (907) 465-3941
Toll-free 1-800-642-0066

And yes, it looks like it's over for the season. the ferry's are not built to handle the open gulf winter weather. Also winter is always the scheduled "down time" for some of the boats (maintanance, etc).

[Marty Van Diest]

Ship your stuff and fly. It's easier that way.

Either that or ship your trailer and drive. You should be able to make it OK without a trailer.

[RAMFEB31]

Corel, good luck on your move North. But, unless you or hubby have means of support to survive the winter like a job waiting, do you think it wise to do the move in winter even if his head rolls? Cost of living, especially the heating, is rather steep. Personally, being in familiar territory is a distinct advantage. And it is especially comforting to have some local relatives or friends to be nearby. I am not trying to be that well known newspaper advisor. I was thinking of my own situation years back when aerospace went to pot along w/my position. Needless to say, I was glad I did not move. And, yes, I think Alaska is a great place to live and I plan a permanent move coming Summer.

[corel]

RAMFEB31,
Of course I totally agree, there is no way we would move anywhere at any time with out already having employment or another source of income in place. We will have that in place before I even start packing boxes.

Marty,
Off hand do you know a company that could ship my car?

[warptman]

ALASKA shippers in alphabetical order (as well as more below)

Alaska Cargo Transport - (206) 762-5955, 800-327-7739. Seward, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer, Kenai, etc etc
Alaska Marine State Ferry System - 800-642-0066
Alaska Marine Lines also see Alaska Auto Transport below, (206) 763-4244, 800-950-4265. Bi-weekly service to Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau. Weekly service to Haines, Skagway, Wrangell, Kake, Hollis. Direct seasonal service to Excursion Inlet, False Is, Hawk Inlet, Kensington, Yakutat.
Alaska Auto Transport 888 328-8649 Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Soldotna, Wasilla, Palmer, Delta, Tote, Valdez
Alaska Outport Transportation - 206-789-8700, 800-682-2682. Pelican, Excursion Inlet, Hoonah, Hydaburg, Cariag/Kowack, Anggon, Tenakee Springs, Kake, Gustavus.
Alaska Vehicle Transport 253 874-9919, 800 422-7925 all cities: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Soldatna, Kenai, plus all other states. A division of United Road.
Automoving Online (907) 561-2899, (206) 874-9919, 800-345-6007, 800-422-7925. Offices in Seattle and Alaska.
Northland Services - Boyer Marine (206) 763-8575, (907) 225-2093, 800 426-3113. Weekly service to Anchorage, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales, Thorne Bay, Juneau, Petersburg, Sitka, Bethel, Nome, Bristol Bay, Dillingham.
Coastal Transportation (206) 282-9979, 800- 544-2580. Chinix, Sandpoint, Dutch Harbor, Captains Bay, King Cove, False Pass.
Coleman's Custom Hauling: 509 684-4248 cell 509 680-4412 coleman@theofficenet.com: "3 car" trailer and we haul cars, motor homes, boats, Rv's and all types of trailers around the mid-west and west coast, including Alaska. Lic and insured.
Lynden Transport (206) 926-7200, 800-326-5702. Anchorage and SE Alaska (no cars).
Northern Air Cargo 907 243-3331, Lower 48 800-727-2141 Takes a car or truck from Anch. to any place with 3,500' airstrip.
Northern Consolidators (206) 872-0527, 800-444-8221. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Barrow, SE Alaska.
Pacific Alaska Forwarders - (206) 624-0650, 800-426-9940. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak, Yukon River, SE Alaska.
Samson Tug and Barge - (206) 767-7820, 800-331-3522. Cordova, Kodiak, Valdez, Sitka, Adak, Dutch Harbor, Sandpoint, King Cove. http://www.samsontug.com
Totem Ocean Trailer Express - (206) 628-9281, 800-426-0074. Anchorage (express service twice weekly).
Western Pioneer - (206) 789-1930, 800-426-5783. Kodiak Is., Aleutian Chain, Bristol Bay, Pribilof Is., Dutch Harbor.
Whitehorse - (206) 763-1517. Colsolidated Frieghtways.

[corel]

Wow Warptman! You're just a wealth of information. Thank you.

[warptman]

You are welcome, take your pick.

[corel]

Incase any one else is interested I found that ABF at upack.com is pretty reasonable for shipping household items. I'm still waiting for a quote on shipping our car.