A Bear in the Driveway on Move-in Day?

Transporting and delivering household goods in Alaska can present some unique challenges. You expect cold temperatures and icy roads in winter. Did you also know that some roads are closed during hunting season? And in Alaska, bears and other wildlife may show up unexpectedly.

These and other interesting facts about Alaska could put the brakes on your delivery schedule if your moving company is not prepared. We’ve earned our stripes here at Royal Alaskan Movers through years of handling all kinds of deliveries, in every season.

Here are a few more fun facts about Alaska deliveries

Long winters. The season starts in October and runs through April or May. During these months, ice and blowing snow can create treacherous driving conditions. (Sadly, motorists strike hundreds of moose each year on Alaska’s roadways, often as a result of poor winter driving conditions.)

Driveways blocked by snowplowed drifts, a steep and slippery incline and bitterly cold temperatures can create obstacles your moving company needs to overcome.

Busy summers. Summer is the peak season for moving companies, especially in Alaska. The demand for services can be overwhelming, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Tourists are another consideration: an estimated 1,857,500 out-of-state visitors came to Alaska between May and September 2016. Visitors bring extra traffic on air, sea and land, which could mean long transportation delays.

Blocked roads. Getting into and out of some towns and areas in Alaska over roads is difficult, even impossible, at any time of year. Even if you aren’t driving to Alaska yourself, it helps to know what factors may affect your moving crew.

  • The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities maintains an excellent website with current and past information about weather, road closures, and travel tips. However, some local municipalities close roads for holidays, as well as hunting season, without notice.
  • November is Avalanche Education Awareness month, with an emphasis on safe driving in avalanche-prone areas.
  • Domestic air travel continues to increase, especially in cities like Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Anchorage, Alaska. More airlines have opened routes within Alaska to serve specific areas during peak seasons.

 

Alaska’s terrain. Alaska has some of the most varied and beautiful geography in the world. Experienced moving companies like Royal Alaskan Movers know how to plan for and handle even tricky terrain.

  • Mountain deliveries may require the use of helicopters and cranes. Our premier delivery service crews have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done. Royal Alaskan has 40+ years of experience in Alaska.
  • There are 9,241 miles of state and national highways in Alaska. Even under good conditions, transporting your goods can mean long distances and extended travel times.
  • Moving to Alaska and within the state over waterways is common. We manage all the details to deliver reliable marine transportation of your shipment, including your vehicles. This includes planning for strong seasonal spikes and closures in barge services.

If you’re considering a move in state or outside of Alaska, our newsletter is a great place to find information on preparing for your move.

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