The Source for Trucking News, Opinions and Trucking Jobs | To Toll or Not To Toll

It’s not that I enjoy toll roads, but if I have to use one, I hate stopping if I don’t have to. There’s a Norpass on the way so I’ll be able to bypass any electronic weigh station too.

I almost prefer some toll roads over some of the interstates. Ohio for instance lowered their rate for trucks and increased the speed limit on the turnpike and the Ohio service plazas have plenty of parking with pretty nice showers inside. And stopping in Illinois every four miles to pay a toll drove me up a wall! Now it’s hit the I-Pass lane and keep driving. Besides, it’s too cool when I pass everyone else waiting to pay a toll.

I know how to avoid most of the turnpikes, but usually it’s just easier to stay on the interstate and avoid the small towns and traffic lights. My time is worth something too! Except for the Northeast and Chicago where I usually get extra money for tolls, one toll road in Oklahoma or Florida isn’t going to matter over the course of 2800 miles. Plus it saves me from carrying a a lot of cash with me and now I get monthly statements instead trying to keep track of a bunch of tiny receipts.

And if you’re wondering, from left to right - Colorado (Okay, I’ve never been on E470 yet!, But just in case!), Oklahoma, Prepass, E-Z Pass, Florida, Kansas and California (for the Bay Bridges).