Our nationwide tolling landscape makes it easier than ever for drivers to get from one place to the next. These roads require a fee for passing – which is often worth the expense because of the opportunity to reduce drive times and save money on fuel costs. These toll roads can be useful for both individual drivers as well as fleet toll management.
The reality is that a tolling system can be a great investment when you need to move cargo. These checkpoints enable seamless, cost-effective travel throughout the United States. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at toll roads and how these toll points work across the country.
How Tolls Work
The concept of a toll booth is simple: a special road is available, with a checkpoint where drivers need to stop and pay a fee in order access this road. Toll payment methods have changed over the years as more technology is being integrated into these systems.
For example, in the beginning, cash was the only option for payment. Drivers would stop at a toll booth and provide a cash payment; then the attendant would allow the drivers to pass through.
The next step was to integrate credit card payments into these checkpoints. Now, digital technology allows for card payments and electronic toll collection. The easiest solution is to have a transponder in the vehicle with a prepaid amount for toll payments. Then, the driver can simply go through the express lane without stopping – RFID technology scans the transponder, and the payment is recorded. This method reduces traffic congestion at the toll booths and minimizes delays when the drivers are passing through.
Types of Tolls: What You Need to Know
Keep in mind that toll booths are managed by different tolling authorities. So, the type of toll and the method for passing varies depending on where the driver is going. The two types of tolls include:
- Open Tolling System: This type of toll is a more modern solution. It is cashless, which means that drivers don’t need to be fumbling with bills and coins at the toll checkpoints. Instead, transponders and cameras are used, then bills are sent to the vehicle registration information on file. This cashless system is preferred since it is easy to pass through.
- Closed Tolling System: Another type of toll is the older closed system. These are traditional toll booths. Payment is made on the spot. Now, there are often attendants who can collect either cash or card payments. Or, sometimes there is an automated payment machine where the driver submits the payment and the gate opens (without any interaction with an attendant).
When a driver is going on longer routes and to different parts of the country, then it’s likely that they will be passing through both open and closed tolling systems. So, fleet toll management needs to be ready to handle payments for both types of systems.
Toll Variations Across the Country
Keep in mind that there is not a single national toll system. So, the methods of payment and ease of access vary from one tollbooth to the next. For example, in the Northeast, E-ZPass manages many of the toll roads. In California, FasTrak is the most common toll company. Other tolling authorities exist throughout the country.
Even though there isn’t a national toll system, many of the key players are starting to work together through fleet toll management systems. For example, our technology allows you to use one transponder or technology that records the payments through different authorities. The benefit is that customers can see all of their payments in one centralized system, helping to reduce the administrative headache of dealing with multiple tolling authorities.
While some responders work across regions, there are limitations. So, fleet toll managers need to research specific tolling facilities along their planned routes to ensure that the drivers are equipped and ready to handle the payments.
How Toll Payments are Made
Various methods can be used for toll payments, depending on the tolling authority and your individual preferences:
- Transponders: This method for fleet toll management is the simplest and most affordable. It’s easy to sign up, and automatic payments are made every time a driver passes through a toll booth. Contact us to learn more about how simple it is to use this technology for your fleet.
- On the Spot Payments: At some tolling locations, a manual method is used to collect payments. Drivers must provide cash or card before they can access the toll road.
- Tolling Apps: Some tolling authorities are starting to use apps that enable digital payments. This method is only available in certain areas of the country.
How Unpaid Tolls Are Handled
When it comes to fleet toll management, you need to evaluate the cost of the tolls AND the potential financial penalties of unpaid tolls. While the goal is to ensure that toll payments are made immediately, it’s quite common for these payments to slip through the cracks.
If a vehicle passes through the toll booth without payment, then there are usually consequences that increase the overall payments: fines and fees. Your office might receive a bill in the mail for the toll fee, as well as additional costs due to the late payment. Unfortunately, these expenses can definitely add up over time – which is why many fleet managers see the benefits of automated fleet toll management systems.
FAQ
What happens if I miss a toll payment?
Just because you can pass through a toll road without payment, doesn’t mean that there won’t be consequences. Toll authorities usually add administrative fees and late fines onto the unpaid tolls, which can add up fast.
How do I find toll road discounts?
One of the best methods to access discounts is by using a transponder through a fleet toll management system. The per-toll costs are often lower, and it’s easier to avoid unnecessary late fees and administrative costs.
Talk to the Fleet Toll Management Experts
What questions do you have about toll management for your fleet? If you would like to learn more, we invite you to reach out to our team at Innovative Toll Solutions. Contact us to learn more about the ways your fleet will benefit from our systems.