- What We Do
- Continental Shipping Options
- Alaska Moving Tips
- Living in Alaska
- Bear Jokes
- Alaska Slang
- Alaska Friends
-
Moose Droppings
- Anchorage Mover
- Dity Move Alaska
- Moving Automobiles
Choose a link below to receive a downloadable packet of tips:
Winter Shipping Tips
Winter Shipping to Alaska
Continental Van Lines has been moving household good shipments to and from Alaska for 6 decades. Some of the things we have learned through experience will be of interest and, we hope, will contribute towards a safe, problem free move to our 49th state.
Continental Van Lines has been moving household good shipments to and from Alaska for 6 decades. Some of the things we have learned through experience will be of interest and, we hope, will contribute towards a safe, problem free move to our 49th state.
Shipping household goods to Alaska in the wintertime involves special precautions varying considerably throughout the geographic expanse of this huge state.
Winter Climate
Winter temperatures in Anchorage and throughout the Kenai Peninsula are moderated by water and generally average higher temperatures than such states as Montana and North Dakota. Interior Alaska has more severe winters: Fairbanks, Tok, and Delta Junction dip deeply into the sub-zeros -50 to 60 below zero. Throughout the interior Alaska winter temperatures graduate downward as you travel north and east (away from the water). Of course, the North Slope and those areas in the adjacent to the Arctic Circle experience drops of 70 below zero and sometimes colder. Humidity throughout the Alaska interior is extremely low creating very dry atmospheric conditions.
Winter temperatures in Anchorage and throughout the Kenai Peninsula are moderated by water and generally average higher temperatures than such states as Montana and North Dakota. Interior Alaska has more severe winters: Fairbanks, Tok, and Delta Junction dip deeply into the sub-zeros -50 to 60 below zero. Throughout the interior Alaska winter temperatures graduate downward as you travel north and east (away from the water). Of course, the North Slope and those areas in the adjacent to the Arctic Circle experience drops of 70 below zero and sometimes colder. Humidity throughout the Alaska interior is extremely low creating very dry atmospheric conditions.
Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka, experiences heavy snowfall but moderate temperatures hovering in the 20’s and 30’s most of the season.
Winter Shipping Considerations
Through our many years of experience in moving families to and from our 49th state, Continental Van Lines has identified the key problem areas typically associated with a winter move to Alaska. It is our objective to provide shipping and handling suggestions which will enable you to move with confidence knowing that you have taken necessary precautions.
Through our many years of experience in moving families to and from our 49th state, Continental Van Lines has identified the key problem areas typically associated with a winter move to Alaska. It is our objective to provide shipping and handling suggestions which will enable you to move with confidence knowing that you have taken necessary precautions.
Carrier Liability
Movers are exempt from liability from damage resulting from inherent vice including susceptibility to damage because of atmospheric conditions such as temperature or humidity.
Movers are exempt from liability from damage resulting from inherent vice including susceptibility to damage because of atmospheric conditions such as temperature or humidity.
Simply stated, the mover is not responsible for the damage to an item, which is apt to react to extreme cold. Additionally, the mover is not responsible for any damage caused by the freezing of one item, which may damage other items in the shipment.
Canned, Bottled- goods, Wine, and Perishables.
Please DO NOT include the above goods in an Alaska shipment. These items are highly susceptible of freezing which usually renders them unpalatable. Bursting of such items is another probable occurrence which can be highly destructive to other items included in the shipment.
Antique and Specialty Goods
Exposure to extreme cold or extreme changes in temperatures and/or humidity adversely affects antique furniture and items made of specialty woods (especially if made in humid climates) often causing loosening, warping, cracking and splitting. Many who have introduced such items to Alaska have experienced deterioration until they installed effective temperature and humidity controls in their homes.
Exposure to extreme cold or extreme changes in temperatures and/or humidity adversely affects antique furniture and items made of specialty woods (especially if made in humid climates) often causing loosening, warping, cracking and splitting. Many who have introduced such items to Alaska have experienced deterioration until they installed effective temperature and humidity controls in their homes.
These items should be loaded in the middle of the load away from the van sides and roof, and should be double padded for maximum protection during transit. Special attention to temperature and humidity control should be given immediately upon arrival.
Pianos
Low temperatures and/or changes in humidity often affect pianos. It is good idea to call a piano dealership at point of origin for specific information. Upon arrival in Alaska, especially if the temperatures are very cold, tuning is normally required to assure optimum performance.
Low temperatures and/or changes in humidity often affect pianos. It is good idea to call a piano dealership at point of origin for specific information. Upon arrival in Alaska, especially if the temperatures are very cold, tuning is normally required to assure optimum performance.
Home Appliances and Electronic Items
Items such as television sets, home computers, stereos, organs and electrical appliances do not normally suffer damage from low temperatures. HOWEVER, it is imperative to ALLOW SUCH ITEMS TO WARM UP TO ROOM TEMPERATURE AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE PLUGGING IN OR TURNING ON. Watch carefully and assure that children or other family members do not forget this requirement. If the item is old it may suffer damage through the inherent vice of brittle wiring or crystallized parts breaking in the cold. Make sure old appliances are worth moving. In all cases assure that all appliances and electronics are thoroughly dry at the time of shipment. Note: Plasma TVs cannot be shipped during the winter as freezing will damage its components.
Items such as television sets, home computers, stereos, organs and electrical appliances do not normally suffer damage from low temperatures. HOWEVER, it is imperative to ALLOW SUCH ITEMS TO WARM UP TO ROOM TEMPERATURE AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE PLUGGING IN OR TURNING ON. Watch carefully and assure that children or other family members do not forget this requirement. If the item is old it may suffer damage through the inherent vice of brittle wiring or crystallized parts breaking in the cold. Make sure old appliances are worth moving. In all cases assure that all appliances and electronics are thoroughly dry at the time of shipment. Note: Plasma TVs cannot be shipped during the winter as freezing will damage its components.
Automobiles
Before releasing a vehicle for shipment, the owner should have the radiator coolant certified for 40 below zero, put “freeze proof” solution in the windshield washer bottle, have the battery checked (and, if old, consider replacing it) and mount studs or snow tires. It is advisable to have vehicles checked for cold weather operation--oil, electrical systems, belts, thermostat, etc. Once in Alaska, a block heater is desirable for overnight plug-in. It may be advisable to install a block heater before shipping if the installer is acquainted with the proper installation procedure. Coast Guard regulations require that the fuel tank be less than 1/4 full at the time of loading and that the battery cables are disconnected during shipment. All personal effects must be removed from the vehicle or truck prior to shipment.
Before releasing a vehicle for shipment, the owner should have the radiator coolant certified for 40 below zero, put “freeze proof” solution in the windshield washer bottle, have the battery checked (and, if old, consider replacing it) and mount studs or snow tires. It is advisable to have vehicles checked for cold weather operation--oil, electrical systems, belts, thermostat, etc. Once in Alaska, a block heater is desirable for overnight plug-in. It may be advisable to install a block heater before shipping if the installer is acquainted with the proper installation procedure. Coast Guard regulations require that the fuel tank be less than 1/4 full at the time of loading and that the battery cables are disconnected during shipment. All personal effects must be removed from the vehicle or truck prior to shipment.
Clothing
Be sure to pack and carry with you sufficient warm clothing including lined boots, gloves and hats.
Be sure to pack and carry with you sufficient warm clothing including lined boots, gloves and hats.
Next: Helpful Alaska Links
