Deployed Army 88M (Truck Driver) seeking advice to ship vehicle to Alaska

[AIRBORNEARMYTRUCKER]

First all I would like to extend my appreciation for everything you guys do. My father is a owner operator and has around 11 trucks in his fleet (hauls for landstar). You guys bust your ##### and it is appreciated and that is coming from a US Army Motor Transport Operator (Truck Driver)currently sitting in Afghanistan. I am on my 2nd tour over the past 3.5 years (Iraq was my last go-round). I have plenty of experience ranging from the M915/M916 Freight Shakers with our frag 5 uparmor all the way up to the HETT's (which I hate with a passion) as well as many types of Maxx Pro (M-ATV / MRAP Gun trucks which I currently run). I love my job even though it constantly has me away from home and away from my wife and kids.

But now to the meat and potatos. I am trying to ship my 2003 Ford F250 crew cab from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK as I am due to return from this lovely ##### hole in about 3 weeks. But the big problem I am having is dealing with brokers who have no clue how to talk to a customer, disrespectful with bully tactics and I just cant seem to get a honest shake (I read through 19 emails already to day and most are charging a obserd amount to ship or giving me false quotes).

So does anyone on here have a idea what I should pay from Tacoma WA to Anchorage AK and have some advice on quality companies to contact with out dealing directly with a broker. I have contacted my father to see what he can come up with as he used to strictly haul vehicles (Pro Player Transport) but since has moved on to running over sized and heavy haul.

If you could give me a fair shake and guide me it would be greatly appreciated as I am at wits end with these brokers who dont give two sh*ts about the customer and just about making a buck and all I want is to come home from Afghanistan to sit in my truck with out the worries of getting the shaft.

Feel free to email me xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx if you are able to assist or shoot me a PM

Thanks again and god bless

[fortycalglock]

You're going to pay out your nose inbound to Alaska. Average truckload pays $4.00+ per mile. It'll most likely have to go up on flat or stepdeck with either ramps or roll back tow trucks on both ends. Since your Dad has access to the LS system, have him do a lane match or call the Alaska agents and see what they can do for price.

There are also several trucking companies that deal with Alaska primarily in the WA area that have space on ferries. Lynden comes to mind and there are others. have you looked into RO/RO ships? (roll on/roll off) I'm pretty certain you should be able to get a deal on that. A quick search brought up TOTE.
Good luck.

[AIRBORNEARMYTRUCKER]

I have looked into Ro/Ro as well as even sticking the thing in a Connex and shipping via barge up to Anchorage but for me they all want to talk during times I am unable to (due to missions or when I am not out providing convoy security missions I am stuck working 6pm-7am shifts so its impossible to call). I looked up Lynden as well as a few strictly AK-WA companies but most are so slow with responses I have a feeling I will end up waiting a few weeks before they even decide to reply. I was hoping to just drive the truck up as its a 1.5 day drive and I have made the ALCAN run countless times but my unit is more concerned with keeping 100% accountability of everyone for the first month or so we are back that it will push me into the winter timeframe and I really hate that drive in the winter.

[Cat sdp]

Can't help with the broker thing but driving would probably be cheaper . Thank you for your service and be safe out there.

[AIRBORNEARMYTRUCKER]

and a few photos for everyone to enjoy... its a job thats for sure but there are absolutely ZERO creature comforts involved

[fortycalglock]

Ok so your not posting blindly here then. Have your dad get with one of his good agents and post your truck on the LS board for what you want to pay. Having completely open shipping times might get you a bite from someone that has room on their trailer. You might just have to wait until you have the time to call the AK shippers directly though. I would think RO/RO would be the cheapest route though.

[AIRBORNEARMYTRUCKER]

Yup thats what we are working I just really could use my truck when I get back (my wife is also military and she just returned home less than a week ago from Afghanistan as well) having a family of 3 kids and 2 adults and 1 vehicle usually ends up with me sleeping on the couch. But maybe I will get a lead from someone on here while I continue to email companies for assistance. Thank you all for the support as well it is appreciated

-SGT Ryan Libby
725 BSB (ABN)
88M2P

[CondoCruiser]

I thought the military took care of the shipping? At least they did when I was in 30 years ago.

Throw that baby on a C130 and chute drag it out, lol.

[skateboardman]

they pay the shipping if its a move to a new unit station, he is deployd and going back to same unit. not a change of station

[Ex88m/Het]

dude put it on U-ship and let folks bid on it..