Great Lakes Seaway Tolls Updated to Match Canada's 2026 Rates
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 17, 2026, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway is updating its toll fees to match new charges set by Canada’s side for the 2026 navigation season. This change affects all ships and cargo passing through the Seaway, making sure fees are fair and up-to-date on both sides of the border. If you’re moving goods through these waters, expect the new tolls to kick in this season!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Seaway tolls updated to Canadian 2026 rates
Starting March 17, 2026, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway updated its toll schedule to reflect the fees and charges levied by the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation for the 2026 navigation season. The change applies to all ships and cargo transiting the Seaway and makes U.S. regulations mirror the Canadian side's charges.
New per-ton and per-GRT toll rates
The rule sets specific toll rates: per gross registered ton for non-passenger vessels 0.1344 (Montreal–Lake Ontario, 5 locks) and 0.2150 (Welland Canal/Lake Erie, 8 locks); for passenger vessels 0.4032 and 0.6450. Cargo charges per metric ton include bulk 1.3933 and 0.9510, general cargo 3.3572 and 1.5220, containerized cargo 1.3933 and 0.9510, steel slab 3.0384 and 1.0896, grain 0.8560 and 0.9510, and coal 0.8560 and 0.9510 (two-column rates shown in the table).
Lock charges, minimums, and Welland Canal caps
The rule sets a minimum charge per vessel per lock of $34.78. For transit of the Welland Canal, a lockage charge per Gross Registered Ton of 0.3582 applies and there is an up to maximum charge per vessel of $5,011.00. These charges apply as shown in the published table.
U.S. commercial share of tolls waived by law
The rule notes that the U.S. portion of tolls for commercial vessels is waived by law (33 U.S.C. 988a(a)); the other charges listed are the Canadian share and are in Canadian dollars. The U.S. portion at GLS locks will be collected in U.S. dollars but is waived for commercial vessels by statute.
Pleasure craft per-lock fees and online discount
Pleasure craft pay a charge per lock transited of $25.00 per lock (and at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation's locks the applicable charge is $30 USD or $30 CAD per lock). There is also a $5.00 discount per lock when using the online reservation and payment system for Canadian locks.
Rebates and incentive programs for cargo tolls
The tariff includes incentive programs: a New Business Initiative Program rebate of 20% on applicable cargo charges for approved new business; a Volume Rebate Incentive program giving a 10% retroactive rebate on incremental volumes; and a New Service Incentive Program providing a 20% additional refund on applicable cargo tolls above the New Business rebate for approved new services.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05161 — Seaway Regulations and Rules: Periodic Update, Various Categories
Starting March 17, 2026, new updates to the Seaway rules will make things clearer for ships and companies using the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. These changes affect vessel conditions, navigation, dangerous cargo, tolls, and reporting, helping everyone follow the rules better. If you operate or work with ships in this area, expect smoother sailing with no surprise costs or delays.
2026-07975 — Advisory Board; Notice of Public Meeting
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is hosting a virtual public meeting on June 3, 2026, to discuss important updates and plans. Anyone interested can join, speak, or send in materials by mid-May, making it a great chance to have your voice heard. This meeting affects businesses and communities connected to the Seaway and helps guide future decisions—no money changes announced, just open conversation and planning.
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Previous: 2026-05161 — Seaway Regulations and Rules: Periodic Update, Various Categories
Starting March 17, 2026, new updates to the Seaway rules will make things clearer for ships and companies using the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. These changes affect vessel conditions, navigation, dangerous cargo, tolls, and reporting, helping everyone follow the rules better. If you operate or work with ships in this area, expect smoother sailing with no surprise costs or delays.
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