Boston Truck Tolls Complete Guide: Harbor Tunnels, Tobin Bridge & Commercial Rates 2025
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Boston Truck Tolls Complete Guide
Coverage: Harbor tunnels (Ted Williams, Sumner, Callahan), Tobin Memorial Bridge
System: All-Electronic Tolling (E-ZPass MA + Pay by Plate MA)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Commercial Requirement: E-ZPass MA mandatory for trucks using harbor tunnels
Operator: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Do Trucks Need E-ZPass MA for Boston Tolls? 2025 Update
Yes, commercial vehicles are required to have E-ZPass MA transponders when using Boston Harbor tunnels (Ted Williams, Sumner, and Callahan). This is a mandatory requirement for all trucks and commercial vehicles accessing these critical routes.
Key Reality: Without E-ZPass MA, commercial vehicles cannot legally use the harbor tunnels. This affects Logan Airport access, downtown delivery routes, and East Boston freight movements.
2025 Update: Enhanced enforcement continues for commercial vehicles, with automated detection systems monitoring compliance. Out-of-state E-ZPass transponders are accepted but charged higher rates.
Boston Truck Toll Costs: Current Rates
Boston truck tolls vary by facility and are based on axle count. All facilities operate with 100% electronic tolling - no cash payments accepted anywhere in the system.
Harbor Tunnel Truck Tolls (2025)
| Tunnel | E-ZPass MA Rate | Out-of-State E-ZPass | Commercial Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Williams Tunnel | $8.36 (2-axle truck base) | Higher rates apply | E-ZPass MA mandatory |
| Sumner Tunnel | $8.36 (2-axle truck base) | Higher rates apply | E-ZPass MA mandatory |
| Callahan Tunnel | $8.36 (2-axle truck base) | Higher rates apply | E-ZPass MA mandatory |
Truck Tolls by Axle Count (All Boston Facilities)
| Vehicle Type | Axles | Harbor Tunnels | Tobin Bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Commercial Truck | 2 axles | $8.36 | $2.50 (E-ZPass MA) |
| Medium Truck | 3 axles | $12.54 | $3.75 |
| Large Truck/Tractor-Trailer | 4 axles | $16.72 | $5.00 |
| Heavy Commercial | 5 axles | $20.90 | $6.25 |
| Extra Heavy | 6+ axles | $25.08+ | $7.50+ |
Boston Toll Facilities Overview
Harbor Tunnel System
Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90 Extension):
- Connects South Boston to Logan International Airport
- Final segment of Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)
- Bidirectional tolling - charged in both directions
- Maximum height clearance: 13'6" (4.1 meters)
- Critical for airport freight and cargo operations
Sumner Tunnel (Route 1A Southbound):
- One-way traffic from Logan Airport/East Boston to downtown Boston
- Opened 1934, fully modernized with electronic tolling
- Connects to I-93 North and Storrow Drive
- Recent restoration project completed (2022-2024)
- Weekend closures for maintenance periodically scheduled
Callahan Tunnel (Route 1A Northbound):
- One-way traffic from North End to Logan Airport/East Boston
- Complements Sumner Tunnel as directional pair
- No toll collection point (charged via Sumner Tunnel exit)
- Height restrictions same as other harbor tunnels
Tobin Memorial Bridge
Bridge Characteristics:
- Spans 2+ miles from Boston to Chelsea over Mystic River
- Carries US Route 1 - major freight corridor
- Two-level bridge: Northbound (lower), Southbound (upper)
- All-electronic tolling since 2014 (first Boston facility converted)
- Bidirectional tolling at reduced rates compared to tunnels
To calculate toll costs for trucks across all Boston toll facilities, use TollGuru Boston toll calculator
Payment Methods for Commercial Vehicles
E-ZPass MA (Required for Harbor Tunnels)
Commercial Vehicle Requirements:
- Mandatory for all commercial vehicles using Ted Williams, Sumner, and Callahan tunnels
- Discounted toll rates compared to Pay by Plate
- Automatic account replenishment available for fleet operations
- Online account management at EZDriveMA.com
- Compatible nationwide on all E-ZPass facilities
Account Setup Process:
- Apply online at EZDriveMA.com or in person at customer service centers
- Free transponder provided (replacement fees apply for lost/damaged units)
- Minimum account balance required based on vehicle usage patterns
- Commercial account features available for fleet management
Alternative Payment Options
Out-of-State E-ZPass:
- Accepted on all Boston toll facilities
- Charged at higher Pay by Plate rates (no Massachusetts discounts)
- Billing processed through home state E-ZPass agency
- Meets harbor tunnel requirement for commercial vehicles
Pay by Plate MA (Limited for Commercial):
- Available for Tobin Bridge only (not accepted in harbor tunnels for commercial vehicles)
- License plate recognition and mail billing
- Higher rates than E-ZPass MA
- $0.60 administrative fee per invoice
- 7-10 business day billing cycle
Height and Weight Restrictions
Critical Height Limits
| Facility | Maximum Height | Enforcement | Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Williams Tunnel | 13'6" (4.1m) | Automated detection | Traffic stoppage, fines |
| Sumner Tunnel | 13'6" (4.1m) | Physical barriers | Vehicle damage, closure |
| Callahan Tunnel | 13'6" (4.1m) | Pre-entry screening | Rerouting required |
| Tobin Bridge | No height restrictions | Open clearance | Truck-friendly alternative |
Weight and Dimension Guidelines
Standard Limits:
- Maximum width: 8'6" (102 inches) on all facilities
- Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs federal limit applies
- Length restrictions: 53' trailers, 65' total combination
- Special permits required for oversize/overweight loads
Recent Changes (2025)
Sumner Tunnel Modernization:
- Completed major restoration project (2022-2024) improving safety and capacity
- Enhanced electronic tolling systems with improved truck detection
- Updated emergency response protocols for commercial vehicles
- Periodic weekend closures for ongoing maintenance
Enhanced Commercial Vehicle Enforcement:
- Automated E-ZPass MA compliance monitoring for commercial vehicles
- Improved license plate recognition technology
- Streamlined violation resolution process for fleet operators
- Real-time height detection systems at tunnel entrances
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced mobile account management features for commercial customers
- Improved customer service chat and email response systems
- Integration with fleet management software platforms
Route Planning for Commercial Vehicles
Logan Airport Access
Primary Airport Routes:
- From South/West: Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) - direct airport access, E-ZPass MA required
- From North: Tobin Bridge to Route 1A - alternative with lower tolls
- From Downtown: Callahan Tunnel - E-ZPass MA required, one-way only
- Return Routes: Sumner Tunnel (from airport) - E-ZPass MA required
Cost-Effective Routing
Route Comparison (5-axle truck):
- Ted Williams Tunnel round trip: $41.80 (with E-ZPass MA)
- Tobin Bridge alternative: $12.50 round trip (longer distance, no height restrictions)
- Surface routes: Free but significantly longer travel time
Alternative Routes for Oversized Loads
Height-Restricted Vehicles:
- Tobin Bridge: No height restrictions, truck-friendly alternative
- Route 1A surface roads: Around harbor via Chelsea/Revere
- I-95 bypass: Avoid Boston entirely for through traffic
- Massachusetts Turnpike to I-495: Outer beltway routing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
E-ZPass Compliance Issues:
- Attempting to use harbor tunnels without E-ZPass MA (commercial vehicles blocked)
- Assuming out-of-state E-ZPass provides Massachusetts discount rates
- Not registering all fleet vehicles on commercial E-ZPass MA accounts
- Failing to maintain adequate account balances for automated replenishment
Height and Routing Errors:
- Ignoring 13'6" height limits in harbor tunnels
- Not planning alternate routes for oversized equipment
- Relying on GPS systems that don't account for commercial vehicle restrictions
- Underestimating travel time increases when using toll-free alternatives
Regional Toll Facility Information
Boston Harbor Crossings - Essential Urban Freight Routes:
- Ted Williams Tunnel - I-90 extension to Logan Airport, commercial E-ZPass MA required
- Sumner Tunnel - Airport to downtown, one-way southbound, recently modernized
- Callahan Tunnel - Downtown to airport, one-way northbound
- Tobin Memorial Bridge - Boston to Chelsea, truck-friendly alternative
Related Massachusetts Truck Information:
- Massachusetts Truck Tolls - Statewide commercial vehicle toll information
- Massachusetts Truck Routes - Highway network and restrictions
- Massachusetts Turnpike - I-90 toll system details
- Boston Truck Routes - Urban freight corridor routing
Payment and Account Management:
- E-ZPass Massachusetts - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll Massachusetts - Payment options and procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can trucks use Boston tunnels without E-ZPass?
No, commercial vehicles are required to have E-ZPass MA transponders to use the Ted Williams, Sumner, and Callahan tunnels. Out-of-state E-ZPass is acceptable but charged at higher rates. The Tobin Bridge allows Pay by Plate for commercial vehicles.
What happens if my truck is too tall for the tunnels?
Vehicles over 13'6" cannot use any Boston Harbor tunnel. Use the Tobin Bridge (no height restrictions) or surface routes via Route 1A. Attempting to enter with an oversized vehicle can result in traffic blockages, fines, and potential vehicle damage.
Are there discounts for frequent commercial users?
E-ZPass MA provides the lowest available rates for commercial vehicles. There are no additional volume discounts, but fleet accounts can be set up for easier management of multiple vehicles and consolidated billing.
Can I avoid Boston tolls completely with my truck?
Yes, but with significant time penalties. Use I-95 to bypass Boston entirely, or surface roads like Route 1A around the harbor. For Logan Airport access, tolls are essentially unavoidable, though the Tobin Bridge offers lower rates than harbor tunnels.
What are the penalties for toll violations?
Unpaid tolls result in Pay by Plate invoices with $0.60 administrative fees. Continued non-payment leads to additional penalties, potential registration holds, and referral to collections. Commercial vehicles may face enhanced enforcement actions.
Boston vs. Regional Toll Systems
| Metro Area | System Type | Truck Rates | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | All-electronic tunnels/bridge | $8.36-$25.08+ by axles | E-ZPass MA required for tunnels |
| New York City | Bridges & tunnels | $15.00-$75.00+ | Peak/off-peak pricing |
| Philadelphia | Bridge tolls | $5.00-$40.00 | E-ZPass accepted |
| Hartford | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Toll-free highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Massachusetts Truck Tolls - Statewide commercial vehicle rates
- Boston Truck Routes - Metropolitan area freight routing
- Massachusetts Truck Routes - Highway network and restrictions
- E-ZPass Massachusetts - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll Massachusetts - Payment options and procedures
Official Resources:
- EZDriveMA Customer Service: 1-877-MASSPAY (1-877-627-7729)
- E-ZPass MA Customer Service: customer.service@ezdrivema.com
- MassDOT 511 Travel Information: 511 or mass511.com
- Commercial Vehicle Support: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Customer Service Centers:
- Tunnel Administration Building: 145 Havre Street, East Boston, MA 02128
- Square One Mall: 1201 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906
- Auburn Service Center: 27 Midstate Drive, Auburn, MA 01501
