Recent Alaska Shipping News

What comes to mind when you think of sweeping roads, one-of-a-kind views, and spectacular landscapes? What about crystalline hues of ice blue glaciers, winding rivers and massive park land?

Do you think of Alaska? If not, maybe it’s time you should. Get to know all that is Alaska and consider taking an awe-inspiring scenic drive through some of its jaw-dropping
landscapes. From majestic mountains to off-the-beaten path side roads, a scenic drive through some of Alaska’s iconic roadways is sure to leave you in awe.

Want to Drive Your Own Car in Alaska? Consider Car Shipping

Perhaps you are planning an extended stay or even relocating to a new city there, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. If that’s the case, why not consider having your car shipped to Alaska? If you haven’t tried car shipping yet, there is no cause for concern.

Auto transport is an effortless and fearless endeavor when you find a company you can trust. You can enjoy the comfort, convenience and the familiarity of your own vehicle as you venture off the beaten path.

If you are planning a scenic road trip in Alaska during the summer months, you are in luck. You can take advantage of all that extra summer sunlight without having to worry about being home before dark, making your drive all the more enjoyable.

Enjoyable Road Trip Options in Alaska

 Turnagain Arm Drive

With the essence of an untouched, pristine combination of beauty and nature, you never truly know what’s just around the bend on this scenic drive. Wildlife, mammoth mountain tops and scenic views that leave you speechless await you here.

Turnagain Arm Drive is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives. This is a well-deserved title. The Seward Highway stretches out for about 50 miles offering you a fountain of waterfalls courtesy of the Chugach Mountains on one side with a possible beluga whale sighting in Cook Inlet on the other. You can start in Anchorage and wind up in Portage Glacier. Make no mistake, you will wind up with a scenic drive you will not be quick to forget.

There are spots to pull over and breathe it all in as you drive along.

• Take awe-inspiring photographs
• View different types of wildlife; moose, sheep, eagles to name a few
• Maybe even spot a beluga whale in the Cook Inlet.
• Start with a visit to Chugach State Park first and go for a hike, fishing, rafting, kayaking and so much more
• Take a hike on the Turnagain Arm Trail

Take a drive on Turnagain Arm Trail and you will get to boast that you too took a ride on one of the world’s most scenic pathways.

Hatcher Pass

When you feel like turning to your partner and saying, “Road Trip,” you may want to consider Hatcher Pass. If you are heading out from Anchorage and seeking to spend a couple of hours on a scenic road trip, then Hatcher’s Pass is perfect for you. It should not take more than three hours for a round trip drive and you will partake in some of the most breathtaking scenery along the way.

Mountains, scenery, hiking and skiing – those are just a few of the exciting amenities you will enjoy when you take a scenic drive through Hatcher Pass. Better yet, whether you are a budding photographer or a seasoned professional with a lens, Hatcher Pass is sure to delight every level of the senses. It is like a photographer’s utopia.

You can choose a variety of things to do and see while taking your scenic drive:

• Hiking
• Picnicking – recommended to bring a picnic lunch as it is a long drive and no place to stop and buy anything.
• Photography
• Camping along the way at various campgrounds

Independence Mine State Historical Park

An old deserted gold mine in one of the most pristine settings there is, Independence Mine State Historical Park is a nice stop along the way. The gold mine and the abandoned town make for a fun tour. Climbing trails, taking photos, exploring the gold mine and its town, are just a few more reasons why Hatcher Pass is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Matanuska Glacier

Imagine the wonderment and delight on your family’s face when you tell them you are taking a drive to see a glacier up front and personal and maybe even walk across its blue ice. Wonderment is what happens when you head about two hours from Anchorage to view a glacier that is just about 27 miles long and four feet wide.

There, you can choose to discover the intricacies of certain parts of the glacier on your own or opt for a guided tour.

• Explore the glacier
• Take a hike
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Picnic and even camp at the recreation site

Perhaps you are seeking to get in your own vehicle and take a day trip from Anchorage Alaska to the Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive. If you have never driven this scenic route with the end goal of viewing a glacier, then having your own car to do so is a wise choice indeed. You will be awe-inspired by the magnificence of the Matanuska Glacier. You can even travel a bit further and spend your time picnicking, hiking, camping and simply walking at the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site.

What better way to enjoy all of these things than in the comfort and familiarity of your own vehicle? If this sounds intriguing, why not consider hiring a specialist for your auto transport needs?

Each road trip has its own journey; each journey creates its own memories. Why not explore all that is Alaska and see for yourself. Take a drive, make a memory, and hit the road in Alaska.

Many restaurants throughout Anchorage are offering special Pre-Fixe menus for New Year’s Eve tonight. There will be firework shows and plenty of spots for dancing down at Town Square or more exclusive parties at the Dena’ina Center. More of a relaxed mood? Join in on “Auld Lang Syne” In local bars. The flame dancers Celeste Kelly with the Church of Flaming Funk will perform in the annual celebration downtown in Town Square, staring at 5 p.m. tonight.

Here’s a list of top spots for New Years Eve 2015!

Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve in Town Square: is classic and family-friendly even with firework displays.

Great Gatsby’ New Year’s Party:  Party like it’s the roaring ’20s at the Dena’ina Center. Full-service beer, wine and liquor. All VIP singles are $80. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Alyeska Torchlight Parade: Skiers and snowboarders will parade down the mountain with torches in hand, creating a beautiful display of lights from top to bottom. The viewing starts at 9 p.m. and the event ends with fireworks.

Rewind 2014: DJ Lefty will play tracks from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and there will be games and a light buffet. Tickets are $65 per person the event starts at 7p.m. at the Hotel Captain Cook’s ballroom.

Crow’s Nest: Prix fixe meal with two seating’s at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. $175 with wine at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Snow Goose: all-inclusive New Year’s special $65. 3-10 p.m.

Alaska Car Transport wishes you a very happy and healthy new year!!

The beauty of Alaska lies in its awe- inspiring natural attractions. Its uninhabited wilderness overwhelms the comparatively small cities in the state. Main cities are Juneau a small city with no road access and Anchorage, the most commercial minded. Alaska is known for its calving glaciers, beautiful mountain ranges, landscapes and the intensity of its northern lights. Its home some of the largest national parks in the United States. Alaska’s wildlife create the ultimate outdoor experience for travelers. Whether you’re moving to Alaska or just visiting take advantage of the nature it has to offer.

Here is a list of Alaska’s top tourist attractions.

 Denali National Park

Located in Northern Alaska, Denali National Park is the one of the largest parks in the United States. Mount McKinley, North America’s highest mountain is located in the park.  There are about 12,206 lakes and ponds in Denali and 18,679 miles of streams. Glaciers cover 17 percent of its land area. A single road leads into the park, and only park-approved buses are permitted to travel beyond Savage River. Take one of Denali National Park’s bus tours and you’re likely to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay, northwest of Juneau is the largest marine sanctuary in the world. During the Ice Age a 5,000 foot layer of ice covered it. It appears blue when the sun light hits its compact crystals. The Park is bigger than the state of Connecticut, however it contains less than one percent of Alaska’s land mass. There are cruise ships, tour vessels and charter boats that are available for visitors.

Kenai Fjords National Park

South of Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park offers some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. It covers over 600,000 acres of the Kenai Peninsula in the southern part of Alaska. The park’s main attraction includes the Harding Ice field which consists of 38 glaciers.  A Day cruise will allow you to see a wide range of marine life. Otters, puffins, harbor seals, bald eagles, sea stars, orcas, Minke whales, and Dall’s porpoises can all be seen throughout the park.

University of Alaska Museum of the North

Located in Fairbanks, in the University of Alaska, is the Museum of the North which offers over one million historical artifacts and natural history pieces. The museum covers each region of the state with history on both humans and natural history. Major highlights include the coverage of mammoths and mastodons and the display of gold.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is t known for its programs, life-sized village displays, craft-making workspaces and friendly staff. The museum presents 11 distinct cultural groups of Alaska within its 26 acres heritage center and is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring Alaska’s history and Native peoples.

 Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum is immense its over 170,000 square feet with a collection of 25,000 objects and 500,000 historic photographs. Its pieces cover Alaska’s art, history, and science. Visitors can view contemporary and traditional art, learn about the state’s history and native peoples, and view presentations at the Thomas Planetarium.

Northern Lights

One of the advantages to Alaska’s long winters are the glowing Northern Lights that appear on nights from September to April. Some of the best viewing happens in the Fairbanks area. The peak time to watch is after midnight.

 Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is located just outside of Juneau. The Mendenhall Visitor Center overlooks the glacier and provides a warm and sheltered viewing space. The center offers exhibits on the science and history of glaciation in general. Trails are available that allow you to view the glaciers, landscape, and wildlife.

Air pollution has become a clear problem in Anchorage it has led to a demand for a reduction in air pollution. The Anchorage market is seeking the use of alternative fuel vehicles.  There are various vehicle options depending on what fuels are available in the Eagle River area.

These vehicles have both advantages and disadvantages. Anchorage car owners should research and have more knowledge about them before purchasing a vehicle that uses alternative fuel.

Flex Fuel Vehicles

Flex fuel vehicles can run on gasoline or on a combination of both ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is made from corn, so flex fuel vehicles lessen our dependency on fossil fuels. These vehicles have lower exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles which is less harmful. In Eagle River E85 is less expensive than regular gasoline.

Diesel

Diesel engines are common in Alaska and the great fuel economy is beneficial. Diesel fuel can be made from vegetable oil and other renewable sources. A diesel fuel made from algae will soon be on the market in Eagle River.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is less expensive than gasoline in Anchorage and burns more cleanly. There are special pumps that can be installed in a home gas line that can be used to fuel your vehicle. The disadvantage is the lower fuel efficiency and lack of refueling stating in Alaska.

 Hydrogen

The appeal in using Hydrogen is that its exhaust is composed of water vapor. Hydrogen represents a clean-burning fuel. However hydrogen vehicles won’t come into widespread use until refueling stations become available here in Anchorage and throughout Alaska.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are great for the environment. However the wont be widely used until research is done to improve battery life. They are easy to recharge, since they can be plugged in at home, but there are many researchers working on improving the battery technology in these vehicles.

 Hybrids

Hybrids uses both gas and diesel engine and has an electric motor. They have become one of the most successful alternative fuel vehicles in Alaska. Full-hybrid vehicles rely on the electric motor for power, but the gas or diesel engine generates power for the battery.  While it still consumes fossil fuels, it uses less of them than a standard automobile, and also reduces harmful pollutants. It also avoids the common issues all electric vehicles face.

There are numerous alternative fuel vehicles throughout the Eagle River area today, and more are now being developed.

Kelley Blue Book recently listed the ten most affordable cars. Although many have low sticker prices, their considered most affordable because of their resale values, fuel economy and costs to insure.

2014 Hyundai Accent
Price: $14,645 – $16,395
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway

The Hyundai Accent is a practical buy because it combines a low starting price with great fuel economy and a comfortable interior. The Accent is available in several trims: GS or SE on the hatchback and GLS on the four-door sedan. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

2014 Toyota Prius c
Price: $19,080 – $23,360
Fuel Economy: 53 mpg City, 46 mpg Highway

The Toyota Prius c has a higher price than most of the other cars on this list, but it makes up for it with fuel savings and reliability.The Prius c is available in four trim levels: Prius c One, Prius c Two, Prius c Three and Prius c Four. All trim levels employ Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid technology that unites a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 99 combined horsepower.

2014 Toyota Corolla
Price: $16,800 – $21,300
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular small sedans on the market. People love it for its reliability, fuel economy and low starting price. The Corolla is available in four trims: L, LE, S, and new LE ECO. The powertrain for the L, LE, and S trims is a 132 horsepower, 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine, matched with a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or new continuously variable transmission (CVTi-S). The LE ECO includes a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic, combined with the CVTi-S transmission.

2014 Scion xD
Price: $15,920
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway

The boxy Scion xD boasts a big cargo area, funky looks and good fuel economy for under $15,000.The xD is powered by a 128-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with either a standard five-speed manual or an available four-speed automatic transmission. Every xD is equipped with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning and cruise control, as well as power windows, exterior mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry. The rear seats are split 60/40, and can be folded down flat for increased cargo carrying capacity; they can also be reclined up to ten degrees, as well as moved fore or aft up to six inches for increased leg room.

2014 Ford Fiesta
Price: $14,100 – $21,400
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway

The Ford Fiesta is an attractive, economical and fun to drive little sedan or hatchback.The Fiesta is offered in three trims, S, SE, and a Titanium model. For 2014 there is the addition of the new ST trim to the hatchback lineup. Power comes from a 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. An advanced six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is optional. The ST gets a turbocharged, direct-injected version of the 1.6-liter that offers nearly 200-hp, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

2014 Nissan Versa
Price: $11,990 – $16,890
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway

The Nissan Versa is among the lowest-priced cars on the market right now. The Versa sedan is powered by a 109-hp 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that can be equipped with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

2014 Toyota Yaris
Price: $14,430 – $16,540
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

The Yaris is yet another car from Toyota that made the Kelly blue book list. It’s not the most engaging thing to drive, but it’s spacious and reliable. The subcompact front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a three-door or five-door hatchback. The Yaris is powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission, or a four-speed automatic.

2014 Scion iQ
Price: $15,665 – $17,850
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

The Scion iQ is a great car if you live in an urban area, as it can park almost anywhere, zip in and out of traffic and gets great fuel economy.
The iQ is powered by an efficient 94-hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Every iQ is equipped with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, a leather shift knob and steering wheel and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as power windows, exterior mirrors and door locks with keyless entry. The standard Pioneer sound system features HD Radio technology, 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming, MP3 capability and a USB port, along with a regular auxiliary jack for various types of portable music devices.

2014 Chevrolet Spark
Sticker Price: $12,170 – $16,385
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg City, 39 mpg Highway

The Chevrolet Spark is a cute, capable and practical small hatchback. The front-wheel drive Spark is offered in LS, 1LT, and 2LT trim levels. Power comes from an 85-hp 1.2-liter engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Notable features offered include: MyLink infotainment system, heated front seats, air conditioning, power windows, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, OnStar, cruise control, and leather wrapped steering wheel.

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV
Price: $26,685 – $27,010
Fuel Economy: NA

The Chevrolet Spark EV is the only electric car offered by General Motors. It can travel about 82 miles on a full charge.The front-wheel drive Spark EV is offered in 1LT, and 2LT trim levels. The power comes from a 100kW electric motor and 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Standard features include: MyLink infotainment system, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, power windows, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, OnStar and cruise control.

Federal safety regulators are working on technology that can be used in cars to detect alcohol by touch and breath, in order to reduce alcohol related accidents.

Nat Beuse an associate administrator for vehicle safety research at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the alcohol detection technology is one of several systems his agency is studying.

Little is known on how it would work or which suppliers are involved, but Beuse believes an alcohol detection system integrated into vehicles would reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by drivers under the influence.

Throughout the last couple of years NHTSA has been making efforts to advocate technology solutions in response to the numerous accidents caused by drinking and driving. The agency states they were awarded a $2.2 million contract from safety products supplier Takata Corp. to develop a device that can measure a driver’s sobriety.

The technology is still being developed and hopes to be available for implementation by 2018.Federal officials are unaware as to how the device will work. If Alcohol is detected, the vehicle could possibly be disabled or an alert will be issued, the decision is still undetermined.

Recently automakers have been integrating touchscreens into vehicles for safety reasons. Tech companies have been designing safer ways for customers to stay connected to their favorite apps behind the wheel. Google’s Android is working on a platform called Android Auto that allows maps, music, and personal phone functions to be accessed through a larger screen in the car which is their response to safety precautions.

Patrick Brady, Google’s director for engineering of Android, says, “You get the best of both worlds. You get the connected apps and services on your smartphone, with the physical controls that were optimized for driving in your car.”

Many drivers struggle with their phones while driving since the screens are too small and the interface and menus are complicated. “We had to take an experience that was designed for a smartphone and break it down to its bare essentials,” Brady says.

Android Auto will encourage a more convenient driving experience. The system allows quick voice based access to Google maps, text messaging, and apps like Google Play Music. It will be fully compatible with the dials, knobs, and buttons on your dashboard and steering wheel. Since everything you see on screen is actually directed from your smartphone, Google says the in car experience will be even better.

Nissan has debuted a new kind of paint that repels dirt, dust, and even mud, keeping cars bright and shiny.

Nissan is looking to offer this paint as an aftermarket application so that practically any car can have the capability.

The paint is called Ultra-Ever Dry, it was created by UltraTech International Inc. According to Nissan, the paint is both hydrophobic and oleophobic meaning resistant to water and oils. This is achieved by creating a protective layer of air between the paint and the environment.

So Far Nissan Europe is the only company to explore Ultra-Ever Dry’s automotive applications. There’s no word on if or when it will be offered elsewhere.

Ford is recalling 100,610 vehicles in North America for safety defects.The company announced the six different recalls today.

• Their largest recall of 92,022 vehicles, involves the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Police Interceptor sedans. The improper seating of the right-hand halfshaft could disengage over time, making the vehicle inoperable. The vehicles also have potential to roll unexpectedly if they are parked without the parking brake on.
• 2,124 2014 Ford Escape SUVs. Their glass roofs have an improperly cured bond that could cause the roofs to leak or separate.
• 5,264 commercial stripped chassis. Corrosion in the electrical junction block could cause the vehicles to short circuit, and start a fire.
• 197 2014 Ford Fiesta subcompacts. Their fuel tanks could be missing an adhesive layer, which could cause a fuel leakage and can lead to a fire.
• 635 2014 F53 motor home stripped chassis. The brake calipers may be made incorrectly which could hinder braking performance.

Ford will notify owners affected by these recalls this month.

This week the federal government will start delaying payments for projects that are currently underway to fix the nation’s roads and bridges.

The federal Highway Trust Fund that finances transportation projects are running low on funds.If Congress doesn’t act soon the Department of Transportation may postpone payments to states. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, this could cause interruptions on highway construction this summer.

The delay on highway projects will cause traffic and conditions of roads throughout the U.S. The highway fund receives its revenue mainly from federal gas tax, however the fund spends more then it gains. Congress has contributed money from general U.S. tax revenue to the fund which is about $54 billion.

The federal agency will have less than $4 billion in its trust fund and will postpone same day reimbursements to states that have ongoing construction on highways. Instead states will now be receiving money in two installments one in early August and then again two weeks later when gas tax revenue comes in, according to the letters.

By the end of August the fund will diminish immensely and could be empty by early September if there is no bill.This will halt many projects and improvements of roads and highways. State governors and local transportation agencies must decide on the bill.

If projects and construction are postponed traffic and congestion will occur along major highways along with United States.