George Washington Bridge Truck & Commercial Toll Rates 2026

How Axle-Based Toll Pricing Works

The George Washington Bridge uses an axle-based toll system for commercial vehicles. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher the toll. This pricing structure reflects the greater road wear, bridge stress, and space requirements of larger vehicles.

As your truck passes through the toll gantry, sensors embedded in the roadway (known as treadles) count the number of axles that roll over them. Overhead laser arrays and cameras provide additional classification data. The system automatically categorizes your vehicle and charges the appropriate toll based on the axle count detected.

If you are pulling a trailer with additional axles, those axles are counted toward your total. For example, a standard tractor with 2 axles pulling a trailer with 3 axles is classified as a 5-axle vehicle. If you are running without a trailer (bobtailing), only the tractor's axles are counted, resulting in a lower toll.

Lifted axles on a trailer do count if they are in the down position when you cross. To ensure you are charged correctly, keep any retractable axles in the raised position if the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. This can save a significant amount per crossing; the difference between a 4-axle and 5-axle toll is $9.75 during peak hours.

Commercial E-ZPass Programs

The Port Authority and E-ZPass agencies offer commercial accounts designed specifically for fleet operators and trucking companies. These accounts provide several advantages beyond the basic E-ZPass toll discount.

Fleet E-ZPass

Fleet accounts allow businesses to manage multiple transponders under a single billing account. Each transponder is linked to a specific vehicle in the fleet, and all toll charges are consolidated into a single monthly invoice. This simplifies accounting and makes it easier to track toll expenses across an entire fleet. Fleet accounts also support pre-classification, where each transponder is configured with the correct axle count so the toll is calculated accurately every time.

Port Authority Commercial Account

Commercial operators who frequently use Port Authority crossings (the GWB, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, or Outerbridge Crossing) can apply for a Port Authority commercial account. These accounts may offer volume-based benefits and priority customer support for toll disputes and billing inquiries.

Pre-Classification

When you set up a commercial E-ZPass account, you can pre-classify each transponder with the vehicle's axle count. This ensures that the toll system charges the correct rate even if the automated sensors have difficulty counting axles in heavy traffic or adverse weather. Pre-classification is especially valuable for trailers with variable axle configurations, such as those with lift axles.

Annual Toll Costs for Commercial Vehicles

For fleet operators and independent truckers, understanding your annual toll burden is critical for pricing, route planning, and profitability. The following table shows estimated annual GWB toll costs for common commercial vehicle types based on 5 eastbound crossings per week (one round trip per business day).

Oversize and Special Permit Vehicles

Vehicles that exceed standard size or weight limits may require a special permit from the Port Authority before crossing the George Washington Bridge. This applies to wide loads, overheight vehicles, and exceptionally heavy equipment. Permits are typically arranged in advance through the Port Authority's permit office and may require a police escort for the crossing.

The permit process involves submitting vehicle dimensions and weight information, specifying the planned crossing date and time, and receiving approval for a designated lane or travel window. Permit fees vary based on vehicle size and the complexity of the crossing. Contact the Port Authority directly for current permit requirements and fees.

Height Restrictions

The George Washington Bridge has different clearance heights on its two levels. The upper level provides approximately 14 feet of clearance, while the lower level has approximately 13 feet. Standard commercial trucks (13 feet 6 inches or less) can use either level without issue.

Trucks exceeding the lower level clearance may be directed to use the upper level only. If your vehicle is close to the clearance limit, approach slowly near the toll gantry where height detectors may be in place. Overheight vehicles that attempt to enter a level with insufficient clearance risk damage to the vehicle, the bridge structure, and may face fines.

Hazardous Materials Prohibition

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are strictly prohibited from using the George Washington Bridge. This ban applies to all HAZMAT placarded vehicles, regardless of the type or quantity of hazardous materials being transported. The restriction is in place due to the bridge's high traffic volume and the potential consequences of a hazmat incident on a major suspension bridge.

HAZMAT carriers traveling between New Jersey and New York must use alternative routes. The most common alternatives include the New Jersey Turnpike to the Lincoln Tunnel (which has its own HAZMAT restrictions and hours) or routing through Staten Island via the Goethals Bridge or Outerbridge Crossing to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Route planning for HAZMAT loads should account for individual facility restrictions, time-of-day limitations, and any required permits.

Route Planning for Commercial Vehicles

The George Washington Bridge is a critical link for commercial traffic on the I-95 corridor. Trucks traveling between New England and the mid-Atlantic states frequently use the GWB as part of their route through the New York metropolitan area. Here are key considerations for route planning.

• I-95 connection: The GWB connects I-95 in New Jersey (also known as the approach lanes from I-80 and Route 46) directly to I-95 in New York (the Cross Bronx Expressway and Trans-Manhattan Expressway).
• Congestion patterns: The GWB and Cross Bronx Expressway are among the most congested roadways in the nation. Eastbound traffic is heaviest on weekday mornings (7:00 AM to 9:30 AM) and westbound traffic peaks in the late afternoon (4:30 PM to 7:00 PM). Commercial drivers should plan crossings during off-peak hours when possible to save both time and money.
• Weight restrictions: The GWB has posted weight limits that apply to all vehicles. Standard 5-axle tractor-trailers within federal weight limits (80,000 lbs gross) are permitted without special authorization.
• Alternative crossings: For trucks that cannot use the GWB (HAZMAT, oversize, or by choice), the Tappan Zee Bridge (Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) on I-287 is the nearest Hudson River crossing to the north. To the south, the Lincoln Tunnel and Holland Tunnel serve passenger vehicles but have size and HAZMAT restrictions. Compare all alternative Hudson River crossings.

Explore More

• Current GWB toll rates for all vehicle types
• E-ZPass rates and enrollment options
• Calculate your annual toll cost
• Alternative Hudson River crossings
• GWB directions, lanes, and approach routes