Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry

American ferry service

The Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry was a ferry service that transported trucks across the Detroit River beginning on April 22, 1990. The ferry shut down on September 30, 2023. The service was split between two companies, Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry, Incorporated of Detroit and CMT Canadian Maritime Transport, Limited of Windsor. It accepted only trucks. The ferry was the primary crossing for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) trucks between Windsor and La Salle in Ontario, and Detroit and the Downriver communities in Michigan, although other transport trucks could have used it as an alternative to the bridges. Hazardous materials have been banned from the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit–Windsor Tunnel. The nearest alternative crossing that allows hazardous or radioactive materials is the Bluewater Bridge, which connects Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario. Similar to all the international crossings in the Detroit–Windsor area, a toll was required, as well as clearance from Canada Border Services Agency and the U. S. Customs and Border Protection at both terminals of the ferry route.

On the Windsor side of the river, the truck ferry entrance was located at 5550 Maplewood Drive, accessed from Ojibway Parkway via Sprucewood Avenue, near the Windsor Salt Mine. On the Detroit side of the river, the truck ferry entrance was at 1475 Springwells Court; that street intersects West Jefferson Avenue between South Schroeder Street and South Post Street. The dock was at the mouth of the River Rouge across from Zug Island. Customs offices were at the entrances, and clearance with Customs was required before embarking onto the truck ferry.

The ferry was a flat open non self propelled barge with a pilot house located on one end. The barge was towed by MV Stormont, a diesel harbor tow tug.

The ferry made five trips from each side of the Detroit River from 7am (Detroit side) and 8am (Windsor side) to 3pm (last departure time). A one way crossing took 20 minutes.