Ferry Loading Guidelines

Updated: July 1, 2019

• Loading lanes fill left to right. Loading will take place in the same order.
• Do not leave gaps. Pull as close as you can to the vehicle in front of you.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended in the lanes, except to purchase tickets.
• Be in your vehicle with the appropriate tickets at least 20 minutes before boarding.
• Gates close two minutes prior to departure.
• Please show ID for seniors or people with disabilities when purchasing and loading.
• Traffic cones are used to block closed lanes. If lane is blocked, move to next lane or overflow parking along Martin Street. 
• Vehicles may only load from the ferry lanes. 
• Do not park behind a full lane or drive up behind the end of a lane that is loading—that’s cutting in line and we may deny you passage on that run. 
• Line cutting violations may result in a $48 ticket.
• Oversize vehicles will be loaded to best balance the ferry.
• Be respectful to staff and other ferry users. Hostile or abusive behavior may result in denied passage on that run. 
• Please do not block private driveways or public streets within the loading lanes.
• Motorcycles arriving before boarding begins may park in designated areas below loading lanes. Motorcycles arriving during boarding must get behind vehicles already in lanes and may not pull to the front.

Download Ferry Loading Guidelines poster file.

Line cutting may result in $48 fine

As of July 1, 2019, cutting in the ferry loading lanes may be subject to $48 fine. Line cutting is defined as a vehicle pulling into a gap when the ferry has begun loading, or pulling into the end of a lane that is loading when there are additional lanes that need to be loaded. If the ferry has not begun loading and there is a gap, a vehicle can pull into the gap. For this reason, we encourage all passengers to park directly behind the vehicle ahead of them without leaving a gap, and staying with your vehicle. Matching codes were enacted by Pierce County and the Town of Steilacoom to manage all loading lanes on the route.

Using the Ferry

Walk-On Passengers

• Must be aboard five minutes prior to departure time.
• While disembarking, wait in the designated area until directed.