Wrangell Sentinel -

The results of a $7,300 study the borough commissioned in October to take a closer look at the cost of shipping goods by barge to Wrangell shows the average annual increase in marine freight costs from Seattle to Southeast Alaska from 2006 to 2021 was 4.5%, based on published rate tariffs.

The global cost of marine freight has increased at an average rate of 5.7% annually, excluding 2021, while the Consumer Price Index has increased at 2.3% annually.

The 12 Wrangell businesses Rain Coast Data surveyed for the report, representing some of Wrangell’s largest freight customers, said freight accou...