Boats are used to a considerable extent in the transportation of vegetables. At Norfolk, Va., many truckers own gasolene boats, which are used in carrying produce to the large steamers. Loading proceeds all day, and in the evening the steamer departs for a northern market with its thousands of barrels or other packages. Refrigeration is also used if necessary on the steamers, and is accomplished by placing the ice over the packages, or at the sides of the ship if the produce must be protected from the melting ice. Water transportation is regarded as highly satisfactory and the freight rates are usually lower than by rail.

An extensive market gardener at Orient, Long Island, uses several boats in delivering vegetables. Figure 57 shows one of the smaller sizes. A large dock house has been built on this farm, and it is also used in storing supplies, such as fertilizers and packages brought in by boat.