Boarding Commercial Trucks on the Cape May

Your Route to Efficiency: Commercial Trucks Ride the Cape May–Lewes Ferry

Looking for a faster, stress-free way to move freight along the East Coast? The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is the smart choice for commercial trucks and fleet vehicles traveling between New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond. By bypassing miles of congested highways around Philadelphia and Baltimore, commercial drivers save valuable time, fuel, and wear-and-tear on their rigs—all while enjoying a direct, scenic shortcut across Delaware Bay.

We regularly accommodate everything from delivery vans and moving trucks to 18-wheeler tractor-trailers, flatbeds, oversized loads, and specialized vehicles. Whether you’re hauling freight, transporting equipment, or running regional routes, our experienced crew and spacious decks make boarding easy.

For logistics managers, carriers, and independent operators, the Ferry isn’t just a convenient crossing—it’s an operational advantage. Reduced drive times mean lower costs per trip, more efficient scheduling, and less driver fatigue. As we like to say: “If you can carry it, odds are, we can too.”

As we like to say: “If you can carry it, odds are, we can too.”

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers a convenient and scenic alternative for commercial drivers transporting goods across Delaware Bay. We regularly welcome a wide array of vehicles, from package trucks and 18-wheeler tractor-trailers to flatbeds and oversized loads carrying mobile homes or multiple vehicles.

Rates & Vehicle Requirements

Rates vary by vehicle length and season. Please note our key dimensional requirements:

Maximum Height: Trucks must be under 13’6″ to clear our car deck overhang.
Maximum Width: The maximum width allowance is 11’3″.
Oversized Loads: Vehicles with loads wider than 8’6″ at any point (including mirrors) are charged double for two lanes of space on the car deck.

Hazardous Materials & Prohibited Items

For the safety of all passengers and crew, restrictions apply to carrying hazardous materials. All vehicles, including trucks, are subject to inspection by our security officers.
Loads that may require Port Captain approval (e.g., paint, adhesives) should be discussed with customer service prior to booking.

Prohibited Items Include:

Hazardous Materials (Title 49 CFR Parts 170-180)
Explosives or Incendiary Devices (Title 33 CFR, Part 6)
Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Agents or Devices (Title 33 CFR, Part 6)
Unlawful or Illegally Possessed Firearms (9.41 RCW)
Illegal Fireworks (70.77 RCW)
Acetylene Tanks

Crossing Information

Commercial vehicles can travel on any scheduled crossing, as long as space permits. Many drivers prefer our early morning crossings from Cape May or Lewes. We recommend making reservations to ensure we can provide the exact space you need for your load. Consider traveling in the spring, fall, or winter to take advantage of discounted rates.

Important Information for Vehicles with Low Clearance

If your vehicle, trailer, or any item you are towing has low ground clearance, please call us at 800-643-3779 or consult a tide chart before booking. For vehicles and trailers with low clearance, it’s best to schedule your crossing two hours before or after the time of high tide. This timing will provide sufficient clearance under your vehicle’s chassis for boarding.

Attempting to board at other times may lead to your vehicle getting stuck on the boarding ramp, as illustrated above.

Commercial Accounts & Benefits

For businesses with regular crossings, a commercial account offers significant advantages:

Convenient Invoicing: Let your home office manage the paperwork, freeing up your drivers.
Multi-Trip Discounts: Discuss special packages, especially for package trucks, by calling Customer Service at 1-800-643-3779

Drivers tell us they value the ferry for several reasons:

A Welcome Break: Escape the stress of I-95, breathe fresh air, and take a much-needed rest without stopping forward progress.
Time & Cost Savings: Depending on your route, the ferry can be a surprisingly affordable and efficient way to save both time and money compared to driving around the bay.