A single toll can cost your average driver a few dollars, but for truckers tolls are a much bigger problem. For truck drivers that get paid by the mile, a lot of tolls along a route can increase congestion and reduce the time spent accruing miles.
Each precious minute wasted waiting in line can prevent you from completing the haul on time. And sure, you can avoid tolls in some areas but then you have to go a longer route and spend more on fuel.
Yet despite all of the negative aspects of tolling, truckers are still expected to just deal with it. Here’s why tolls maybe around for a while.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Makes a Ruling
Last week, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a verdict regarding tolls, and according to the ruling, higher tolling is perfectly acceptable in Pennsylvania.
Third Circuit Judge Patty Shwartz ruled that these tolls do not violate the Commerce Clause in the Constitution, despite a 200% increase in the tolls.
Toll roads, of course, impede the movement of goods because truck drivers deliver practically everything to Americans around the country. While the judge acknowledged that drivers will likely use other (non-toll) roads, she ultimately decided that this does not infringe the right of travel.
Truckers Shouldn’t Pay
Charles Stinson, lawyer handling the lawsuit, is adamant about pursuing the case further. Stinson represents the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and his concerns are echoed by truck drivers everywhere.
In the meantime, truckers travelling between Ohio and New Jersey are paying dearly for trip. Heavy vehicles are required to pay a total amount in excess of $1,800 for a mere 359 miles on the Turnpike.
Although this case is specific to Pennsylvania, the ruling could provide a precedent to allow more expensive tolling around the country.
Infrastructure is vital for the trucking industry, but that costs houldn’t be put on the truck drivers who make sure that the average citizen gets their food, their clothes, and everything else.