On January 1, 2021, the Whatcom County Ferry Division increased the maximum gross vehicle weight for personal vehicles on the Whatcom Chief from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs. The increased weight limit applies to all $13 single ride round trips, and all multi-ride punch cards for vehicle and driver (dark blue and medium blue) including needs-based (gold) multi-ride punch cards.
“The same vehicle in a newer model year can have a higher GVW than an older model of the same truck, and under the previous system that newer model would not have qualified for the $13 rate,” said Ferrymaster Rich Hudson. “We’ve fixed this issue by increasing the maximum weight range. This will ensure that our riders who drive larger personal trucks will continue to pay the $13 fare and not be subject to a higher cost meant for very large vehicles.”
When the current stock of pre-printed multi-ride cards are exhausted, the new printing will show the increased vehicle limit of up to 11,000 lbs. Until the new cards are released, punch cards with the old ‘up to 8,000 lbs’ language will be accepted for the increased weight of up to 11,000 lbs.
For questions related to this rate structure change, email Ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us or call 360-778-6200.