Best Way to Ship (Anchorage, Bethel: relocate, for sale, house)

[spleenificus]

Hello all,

Looking at shipping some household items up to Bethel.
I was told that LTL (less than truckload) delivery would be the least expensive and safest manner, but I have no experience with such things.
Figure about one room of basics, some odds and ends and my kegerator.
(Gots to have the kegerator...)
I plan on buying a few things up there, like a mattress, sofa and dining room table/chairs when I get there to cut down on bulk, unless this is not advisable.
I am not bringing a vehicle- will get one there as well.
Anyone know a reputable company for this or have an alternative to LTL?
Also, how long should I expect as far as a resonable amount of time for it all to get there?
I am not bringing a car so when I arrive I will only have two suitcases and a dog kennel.
(Gots to have the German Shepherd too...)
Should be there about mid-March, just trying to plan ahead.
Any thoughts are appreciated.

[karlsch]

Do you know that once your goods get to Anchorage they will have to be flown to Bethel?

Most people who move to Bethel send their stuff via Parcel Post. This means you either sell or store most of it before you move.

[warptman]

I've never heard of LTL. There are a few places in the Seattle area that do service with Alaska. Lynden shipping does business here. You can get a hold of them at: http://www.lynden.com/

[karlsch]

LTL = Less Than Truckload.

In other words, spleenificus thinks he can hire a trucking company in his hometown to ship his goods to Bethel. Just like the taxis in Bethel, he would have to share the truck with somebody else.

[spleenificus]

Actually, LTL will get it close and arrange seafreight to a terminal near Bethel, but it is quite spendy.
Flying it in is insanely costly, thus I am looking for any suggestions.

[Marty Van Diest]

If you are sending it by sea to Bethel I don't think it can be done until summer. You need to check with someone in Bethel on how to get freight there other than by air.

If I were moving to Bethel, I would try to get there with only the luggage I could carry.

[warptman]

If you get it barged in, your things won't get here until mid-May or late May. The river ice goes out by mid May and the barge service doesn't start until later in the month. You can also check Everts, they're normally the cheapest for shipping from Anchorage to Bethel. http://www.evertsair.com/

[spleenificus]

Thanks guys.
That's the kind of information I need to know.
I have already planned on living out of a suitcase initially, not certain for how long though.
I have $20,000 to relocate with and want to make the best use of it that I can.
Perhaps I'll just scrap the idea of shipping much of anything at all and just wing it when I get there.
Hrmmm...

[stiffnecked]

When we moved to Barrow, where the logistics are the same, we bought everything there. Seemed to be a big turn among the non-native population so there was always plenty of junk for sale.

[DannyL]

Originally Posted by spleenificus

I have $20,000 to relocate with and want to make the best use of it that I can.

you're gonna need that 20 grand more than a truckload of "stuff".

When I moved I sold, gave away everything and came with 2 duffle bags and what was in my vehicle. Plus 2 very loaded up debit cards.
Even then over my first year I threw away stuff that was useless up here.

If you want to keep your stuff, try this. Get a storage room before you leave (what are they..35 bucks a month?), put your stuff in manageble boxes, make a good inventory of what is in each box, and number the boxes 1,2,3,4,5, etc.
Bring the inventory list with you, leave a copy with a family member. If you really want it, call or write, send the $$$$ to ship it, and tell them "Please send me box #4, etc."

You'll dislcover, like some of us, that some of your former necessities are not only not needed, but were in the way to start with.