Commercial Traffic
Find information on all commercial shipping options below, including freight, overwide and overlong units, premium bookings, livestock, and more.
All commercial drivers are required to provide Marine Atlantic with a copy of their manifest at check-in.
Seafood
If you intend to transport seafood, we ask that you:
- Ensure trailer unit doors are closed tightly.
- Ensure trailer unit is properly equipped with a tank to catch any leaking water and spillage during the voyage.
- Check in at the terminal a minimum of two hours prior to scheduled departure.
- Check with the on-duty Assistant Terminal Manager for details pertaining to the draining of any water collection unit.
Freight
We offer transport services for everything from envelopes to large pallets. Find our freight service options and procedures below.
Any freight must be both dropped off and picked up at one of our terminals. We do not pick up or deliver freight outside of our terminals. Motorized vehicles (motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.) are not accepted as freight, and must be shipped on a trailer. Passengers may ship bicycles in bicycle boxes (not provided by Marine Atlantic) to be weighed and shipped as freight.
If you have any questions, or need more information on transporting freight, please call Marine Atlantic Reservations toll-free at 1-800-341-7981.
Important Notes
- The shipper will be required to provide information on the contents of the package, which will be screened by security, assigned a booking number and placed on board.
- We suggest you arrive with additional tape to re-secure your package in the event it is opened for screening purposes.
- Larger packages must be on a pallet and are subject to inspection by the Traffic Director before being assigned a booking number.
- Marine Atlantic does not provide pallets or packing materials.
Shipping Livestock
Livestock are any animals which are not domesticated household pets, including cattle, horse, sheep, swine, goats, mules, poultry, etc. Marine Atlantic considers any passenger-related vehicle, truck, or trailer carrying livestock of any quantity to be a commercial vehicle.
We strongly recommend both passenger and commercial units carrying livestock make an advance reservation , which can be done at no additional charge.
Effective April 1, 2021, all units travelling with animals that include any hay or straw, must travel as dangerous goods. All amounts of hay and straw are regulated under UN 1327, Class 4.1.
Customers without their own documentation should download and complete the dangerous goods declaration form in advance of arrival at our terminals.
- A driver must accompany any unit carrying livestock throughout the journey. They are responsible for the care of the animals and must comply with all applicable regulations.
- Access to potable water can be provided at all our terminals. Please check with terminal staff for further information.
- Special arrangements can be made to allow drivers of livestock units an escorted visit the vehicle deck during the crossing to check on their animals. Please check with a member of our vessel crew once onboard.
- Livestock will not be transported when, at Marine Atlantic’s discretion, there is a possibility that the ship may be delayed in crossing due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
- Livestock are not accepted for transport on the Argentia - North Sydney service.
Overwide and Overlong Units
Overwide units are considered to be any units measuring 9'6" inches (2.86 metres) wide or greater. All overwide units are accepted as open bookings; however, reservations are strongly recommended for units wider than 11'4" as sailing dates and times may be limited. Overlong units are considered to be any units greater than 90 feet (27.43 metres) in length.
Reservations for overwide and overlong units are available at no additional cost. To make a reservation for an overwide or overlong unit, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-341-7981, and we’ll book you on an appropriate crossing.
Please note:
Overwide and overlong units must be checked in six hours before the scheduled departure time.
MV Atlantic Vision
Maximum Width and Height Measurements
| Location | Maximum Width | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Bow |
14'2" |
14'1" |
| Stern* | 25'2" | 14'2" |
*Requires vessel to turn to accommodate stern-in loading/un-loading. Designated sailings only.
MV Blue Puttees
Maximum Width and Height Measurements
| Location | Maximum Width | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Bow* | 11'4" - 12'2" | 15' |
| Stern** | 23' | 15' |
*Loads in this range are subject to vessel approval based on specific unit configuration and loading conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended.
**Requires vessel to turn to accommodate stern-in loading/un-loading. Designated sailings only.
MV Highlanders
Maximum Width and Height Measurements
| Location | Maximum Width | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Bow* | 11'4" - 12'2" | 15' |
| Stern** | 23' | 15' |
*Loads in this range are subject to vessel approval based on specific unit configuration and loading conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended.
**Requires vessel to turn to accommodate stern-in loading/un-loading. Designated sailings only.
MV Leif Ericson
Maximum Width and Height Measurements
| Location | Maximum Width | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Bow |
20'5" |
14'3" |
| Stern* | 22'0" | 14'7" |
*Requires vessel to turn to accommodate stern-in loading/un-loading. Designated sailings only.
