Are you getting charged premium truck toll fees for your box trucks? Too often, toll misclassification on box trucks increases your costs and cuts into the bottom line. If you aren’t proactive about auditing your toll bills and transactions, then there is a possibility that you might be overpaying.
How These Tolling Mistakes Actually Happen
In most cases, toll systems are using camera-based Automatic Vehicle Classification, which is designed to sort the vehicles based on their size and the configuration of their axles. While this classification system can work, there is no human check, and mistakes can happen.
Due to the height and length of box trucks, the camera system can trigger the thresholds for much larger commercial vehicles. Then, the higher toll fees come through because the truck has been miscategorized.
Another common reason why these tolling mistakes happen is because of errors with the axle configuration. If your truck sizing and axle configuration don’t fit into the standard tolling categories, then there’s a high possibility that you are being overcharged.
What Toll Misclassification Actually Costs a Fleet
There are significant rate differences between box truck vs. 18-wheeler tolls, and these higher expenses definitely add up over time (especially if you are running daily routes). Once the vehicle has been assigned to a category, it will stay in that category indefinitely unless you go through the toll class appeal process.
The problem is that when a fleet has automated toll management systems in place and the team isn’t checking the accuracy of the transactions, these higher tolling fees continue coming through over and over again. This type of error could result in a loss of thousands of dollars a year because your fleet is overpaying for the tolling fees. Each toll is slightly higher than it should be, and since there isn’t one big bill, it often goes unnoticed.
Running an audit is the most effective solution to identify the misclassification. These audits should be performed regularly to ensure that the bills you are paying align with your trucks and routes.
How to Check If Your Fleet Is Affected by Toll Misclassification
Every fleet management team should know how to fix toll overcharge costs and avoid these issues in the future. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are performing the audit and correcting your truck classifications:
- Pull the toll records from the relevant tolling authority directly, then compare the charges you paid against the pricing for your vehicle’s correct class.
- If you see a pattern of inconsistent charges for the same vehicle and on the same route, then it’s a red flag that your truck might be misclassified.
- Also, pay attention to differences between how your truck is being classified by different tolling authorities. Most authorities use similar classifications, which means that you should see consistency across the board. Otherwise, your truck might be misclassified somewhere.
How to Dispute Toll Misclassification for Box Trucks
You need solid documentation to dispute the toll charges, including vehicle registration, specifications, and photos that prove the truck’s axle count and dimensions. This information will help you prove the correct classification for the vehicle.
Every toll authority has its own appeal process, so you will need to check the proper way to proceed with the dispute. Make sure that you are filling out the right paperwork and navigating the appropriate channel within the tolling system where you were overcharged.
Instead of filing a general complaint, it’s more effective to send a specific, well-documented appeal letter. In this letter, make sure to reference your vehicle’s correct classification as well as the transactions that were overcharged.
Preventing Box Truck Misclassification in the Future
Once you identify toll misclassification for box trucks, you can take a proactive approach to ensure that your trucks are correctly charged going forward. Make sure to have the vehicle registration on file with the toll authority, which is a simple and effective preventive step.
Also, check to ensure that the transponder is working correctly. One common cause of incorrect tolling categories is a discrepancy between the tag data and the vehicle using that transponder. Regular audits should be done to ensure that the transponder information aligns with each vehicle.
Additionally, stay proactive with real-time monitoring to catch any misclassifications that come through. When you notice an issue, you can file a dispute and follow the necessary steps to avoid overcharges that can compound over the upcoming months.
FAQs
Why is my box truck charged as an 18-wheeler toll?
Automated camera systems sometimes misclassify box trucks, putting them into larger vehicle categories.
How long does it take to get a toll refund for misclassification?
The refund timeline varies depending on the toll authority you are working with. If your appeal is well-documented, then it can speed up the process.
Can I get refunds for tolls charged before I dispute?
Sometimes there are refunds available for tolls before you go through the dispute process. Each toll authority has a specified lookback window, which you will need to confirm on a case-by-case basis.
How do I know if my fleet is being overcharged?
The overcharges can be identified through an audit. Look at your toll records and compare the charges with the correct classification for your vehicle. If you see inconsistent charges for the same vehicle, then there is a good chance that you are dealing with toll misclassification.
What if different toll authorities classify my vehicle differently?
If your trucks are running routes through multiple systems and you see inconsistencies, then it’s a red flag that you need to look at. Keep in mind that you might be able to use one authority’s records to support your appeal with a different authority.
Proven Fleet Management Systems to Avoid Overpaying on Box Truck Tolls
The right fleet management system will take out the guesswork and make it easy to audit your toll charges. Investing in the right software can actually save you money in the long run because you can address potential disputes and mistakes early on.
At Innovative Toll Solution, our team offers streamlined solutions for your fleet’s toll management. Contact us today to learn more about available services.