Using the Barge

Replacing large moving trucks as the common ground carrier, the ocean-going barge is able to go places that are not commonly accessible by land. Because of Alaska's great amount of shoreline, many communities can be reached by water easier then by land. A number of barge companies including Alaska Marine Lines, Glacier Marine Transport and Lynden Transport help to move goods throughout Alaska.

As an example, Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is land-locked. It is not on an island but there are no roads into Juneau because it is surrounded by many glaciers, an ice field, high mountain peaks and waterways. All freight (including groceries, building supplies and autos) must come in by barge or airplane.

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