Freight in Wrangell Analysis
In the fall of 2021, the Borough Assembly authorized a Freight Study analysis for Wrangell. Barge freight is the primary mode for receiving goods into the community. Concern regarding increased transportation costs and the dissolution of the Consent Decree to avoid a monopoly in barge services spurred the study to understand how increases are established and affect Wrangell businesses and economic growth. The analysis was to track freight costs between Wrangell and Seattle between 2012 through 2021 to understand cost changes that have taken place following the merger between Alaska Marine Lines and Northland Services in 2013. Other operational issues that could affect cost structure were also explored, including, but are not limited to change in perks, fuel surcharges, full container versus partial load options, preferred customer benefits, pallet requirements, etc.
