From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Traffic -a wooden-hulled, derrick-rigged, freight steamer constructed in 1891 by D. McCarty at South Brooklyn, N.Y.-was apparently placed in commission at New York sometime in 1894. She spent her entire 30-year Navy career at the New York Navy Yard transporting passengers and freight between ships and shore. On occasion, she also doubled as a tug.

On 9 May 1922, Traffic was placed out of commission. However, it would appear that she continued to serve at the New York Navy Yard until 1924, because her replacement, Transfer , was not activated until then. Traffic 's name was struck from the Navy list on 29 January 1924. On 15 April 1924, she was sold to Joseph F. O'Boyle of New York City.