We all know that the purpose of road tolls is to collect funds for road construction and infrastructure maintenance and, in some cases, they serve the purpose of exercising a bit of control on metropolis chaotic traffic during rush hours as well. What not everybody knows is the incidence of this collection mechanism in the logistics industry operations:

THE IMPACT OF ROAD TOLLS ON OPERATIONAL COST

To begin with, toll rates for trucks can be up to six times higher than for passenger vehicles. Among the factors affecting the shipping price, road tolls impact expenses, route profitability, and shipping rates, thus increasing the operational cost.  

HOW ROAD TOLLS INFLUENCE TIMEFRAMES

Tollbooth congestion is a synonym for delays, meaning extended transit times and therefore, affected tight schedules and meticulous planning. The strategy of diverting from tolled highways or turnpikes and taking regional variations or arterial roads, is not always an option, as they might present other kinds of issues, extended transit times, and in the end, it will depend on traffic conditions and delivery schedule.

Although electronic payment systems have eased truck drivers’ torture by allowing them to cross directly, it could be different in the multiple next-road tolls along the way they are transiting when engaged in long-haul journeys.

ROAD TOLLS IMPACT ON RATES

It is usual that a carrier crosses many toll facilities, a fact that represents a significant amount of money; this expense is closely related to the toll road network along the shipping route. Electronic toll-collecting methods involve monthly billing, sometimes per-use and per-miles charges. 

THE MOST EXPENSIVE ROUTES

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the leading federal agency for monitoring tollways, these are America’s five most expensive toll roads:

• Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway in New York
• 17-Mile Drive in California
• Chicago Skyway in Illinois
• Fort Bend Parkway in Texas
• Delaware Turnpike in Delaware

HOW M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT HANDLES TOLLS

The cost of tolls is included in the free shipping quote, according to the customers’ information provided to our logistics agent.

M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Remove your toll device prior to pickup to prevent double billing.
• Coordinate with your designated agent the best route and road toll to be taken by the carrier to exactly know what the extra fees will be.
• We will always seek the best shipping solution and provide multiple options for our customers’ peace of mind. That is what makes us different from other car shipping companies.