ShipToAlaska: FAQs

All Members | Anchorage Members | Non-Anchorage Members

What is ShipToAlaska?
ShipToAlaska is a members only shipping service that provides a secure way to save up to 30%-70% on airfreight shipping from the lower 48 to Alaska. By tapping into a distribution network generally inaccessible to the average consumer and small business, we provide an affordable alternative to express and air mail shipping.

Where are you located?
The company was founded and currently resides in the state of Hawaii, under the name ShipToHawaii LLC. We utilize a network of local and national partners to provide Alaska residents and businesses with alternatives to express package delivery services and ease the burden of shipping and shopping over the Internet.

How does ShipToAlaska work?
Many large retailers offer free shipping when shopping on the Internet. But that usually only applies if you live in one of the 48 contiguous states. ShipToAlaska finally allows Alaska businesses and residents to take advantage of those "free shipping" offers in the lower 48 by providing members with access to a warehouse facility in Washington that you can use as your shipping address, instead of your own Alaska address. We sign for your packages in Washington and send them on to you at a bulk rate.

Is the service the same for the entire state of Alaska?
No. All freight is consolidated in Seattle, Washington and sent to Anchorage, Alaska. ShipToAlaska members who reside in Anchorage must pick their freight up at a will call counter located next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. For members that reside outside the city of Anchorage your packages will be sent to you Priority Mail via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Please see the section labeled Non-Anchorage Members for further information.

What happens after I ship my package to your Seattle facility?
Upon arrival at our partnering facility we consolidate your shipment with other Alaska bound packages. ShipToAlaska packages are flown directly to Alaska at a minimum of two times per week creating only a short delay as we process and consolidate your packages with other Alaska bound packages.

How much can I save?
Cost savings varies from package to package but by having one central location for all packages destined for Alaska we are able to leverage the purchasing power of our members and negotiate deeply discounted shipping rates with our airfreight provider. Please feel free to use our ShipToAlaska shipping calculator to better understand the substantial savings you can enjoy by becoming a member.

What is the zip code of your Seattle consolidation point?
98168

How often do you ship packages?
Packages are shipped at a minimum of two times per week from our Seattle warehouse. ShipToAlaska is committed limiting the amount of time our members have to wait for their packages. As volume increases we will be able to ship on multiple days throughout the week.

Will ShipToAlaska save me money in every shipping situation?
No. Some websites offer free shipping directly to Alaska or a standard shipping rate. These are examples in which we may not be the best alternative. Use the shipping calculator provided on our web site to determine how much money you can save by using us. ShipToAlaska's purpose is to provide you an additional option when shipping items to Alaska.

Can your service be used for purchases other than those made on the Internet?
Yes. If you shop for your home or business using a catalog or by phone you can send the packages you ordered directly to our warehouse in Seattle.

How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping costs can be calculated by the customer using our on-line shipping calculator if you know the following information about your package:

Weight (pounds)
Length (inches)
Width (inches)
Height (inches)

Our warehouse staff in Seattle determines shipping charges by calculating the dimensional weight of the package, and then comparing it to the actual weight. Whichever is greater will determine your shipping costs.

Will I receive an invoice?
Shipping costs are calculated and charged automatically to the credit card that you registered on your account. Invoices are available on our website. Simply log in to your account to view and print invoices.

How safe is it to use the ShipToAlaska web site?
All transactions are encrypted on our website. The protection of our member's account information is our primary concern. Our credit card merchant is a nationally recognized bank with over a decade of Internet transaction processing experience. By using established international freight carriers we can depend on a level of quality and safety when delivering your packages to Alaska.

Does ShipToAlaska provide insurance?
ShipToAlaska does not automatically insure your packages. It is the members responsibility to insure their own packages. However, for an extra fee ShipToAlaska can provide insurance. Simply log in to your account, declare the value and contents of your package, and your package will be insured. If you do not purchase insurance, ShipToAlaska will not be responsible for any damage or loss.

What is the maximum dollar amount that can be declared for insurance purposes?
ShipToAlaska can insure packages up to $5000 in declared value.

How do I file an insurance claim?
There are several things that must be done in order to have a claim accepted by the insurance company.

All packaging must be kept from damaged item.
Take photos of the damaged item and packaging.
Must call ShipToAlaska within 48 hours and notify us of the damage.
Will need a copy of the invoice for the item with purchase price.
The completed claim must be submitted within 10 days.

Are there certain items that cannot be shipped using your service?
Like all airfreight services we have limitations on what can and cannot be sent. To ensure the safety of your packages, the following items cannot be shipped using our service:

Perishable goods
Goods requiring protection from heat or cold
Goods worth more than the maximum allowed declared value ($5000)
Artwork
Antiques or museum articles
Fragile items such as glassware or ostrich eggs
Jewelry, furs, precious metals
Stocks, bonds, cash, cash equivalents
Coins
Stamps
Hazardous or dangerous materials (including anything flammable, corrosive, explosive, infectious, or radioactive, and all batteries)
Firearms or fireworks, and ammunition
Tobacco
Liquids in quantities greater than 1 gallon or that are not packaged properly to prevent leakage
Live animals or plants
Cars
Boats
Motorcycles
Golf Carts
Tractors
Electronics

I'm convinced, what do I need to sign up?
Simply sign up for the service under the New Member section of our website and ShipToAlaska will provide you with our mainland shipping address in Seattle, Washington and a unique Member ID. When you purchase items on-line, include your Member ID in the address, have your packages sent directly to our mainland warehouse and we will handle the rest.

Why do I need to register my credit card?
In order for us to process your packages promptly we require all customers to register a valid credit card.

What is the benefit of being a member?
Only members can use the ShipToAlaska facility as a mailing address. Members can use the web site to securely access their personalized account and generate reports, access account information and track their shipping history.

Frequently Asked Questions