Why is that Customer Allowed to Jump the Line?

Revised and Reposted from June 16, 2016

Open Letter to all Customers

We apologize for any inconvenience you have/had experienced in your attempt to catch a car ferry between St. Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands, wherein Love City Car Ferries, Inc via the M/V Capt Vic was your service provider. We are doing our utmost to accommodate everyone. However, currently we are the only car ferry service in operation and at such times the lines are long which results in frustration, especially when someone was allowed to jump the line.
     Before delving into the issue of jumping the line, please keep the following in mind when catching a car ferry during times of high congestion:

1. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the departure time for M/V Capt Vic’s scheduled departures;
2. First come first served has its limitations (explanation below;)
3. Vessel stability is the a priori factor that governs loading;
4. The United States Coast Guard certified Captain on duty has the final say regarding the loading of the vessel.

     Generally the vessel is loaded first come, first served.  However this manner of loading has its limitations and at times other factors take precedent. This is not an issue when there are several car ferries in operation.  But when the number of ferries constricts, then customers get frustrated when they see others taking priority in the line. This frustration is understandable. Customers may then think that Love City Car Ferries is being unfair. But things aren’t always as they appear at face value.
     While we are here to accommodate everyone, please keep the following in mind:

1. food via trailers has to come to St. John, 
2. gas has to come to St. John, 
3. the mail has to come to St. John, 
4. the garbage has to leave St. John, 
5. customers on dialysis have to leave St. John to get treatment,
6. cancer patients have to leave St. John for treatment etc.
7. reservations have been prepaid and some are catching flights,
8. another car further back in the line may be a better fit for stability reasons. 

Without food and gas none of us can have a sustainable existence on St. John. Also, health care for critically ill patients is a matter of life and death. Finally, as a tourist destination, it is quite unsightly for the garbage to be piled up on the island. Or, there may be a concrete pour on St. John and the concrete can not sit on the docks. As a result of all of these factors and a myriad of others that may occur, we have to make decisions on a case by case basis, that may result in a particular customer taking priority in the line.
     Hence, if you are in the line and someone jumps the line in front of you, please know that we do not value them more than you. Instead there are other factors that demand us to allow said customer to take priority.
     During this time of increase congestion on the dock, we are continually reminded of our motto “A Heart for the People.” As it guides us, we hope it will guide our customers, as well, in knowing that we appreciate each and every one of you and that we will do our utmost to ensure that we serve everyone to the best of our ability.