When most people think about trucking expenses, they picture fuel, maintenance, or insurance. But ask any independent contractor who runs across the Northeast, Chicago, or Florida Turnpike, and they’ll tell you: toll roads are one of the biggest drains on the budget. For me personally, tolls were my second largest business expense after fuel.
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10.1 Why tolls hit independent contractors harder?
Company drivers often don’t see the toll bill — the carrier covers it. But as an independent contractor, every swipe at a toll booth comes straight out of your pocket. And unlike fuel, there’s no IFTA credit or tax break to soften the blow.
The problem is compounded when brokers or shippers don’t pay extra for toll routes. Many loads are booked at a flat rate, which means you eat the tolls whether you like it or not. Unless you factor them into your rate negotiations, tolls will quietly eat away at your profit.
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How tolls stack up
Here’s how fast tolls can become a nightmare:
The Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike can easily run $75–$100 one way for a semi.
Run that lane three times in a week, and you’ve lost $300 before fuel or food.
Add in the Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts) and you’re easily talking $500+ in tolls some weeks.
Over a year, tolls can add up to tens of thousands of dollars — money that could have gone to maintenance, savings, or your family.
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10.2 What can drivers do about it?
You can’t eliminate tolls, but you can manage them.
Plan your route: Sometimes toll-free routes only add an hour or two, which may be worth the savings. Other times, toll roads are the only efficient option.
Use toll passes (EZ-Pass, PrePass): Electronic passes often come with discounted rates versus paying cash. They also save time at the booth.
Negotiate rates smarter: When booking loads in heavy toll areas, make sure toll costs are factored into your rate. If a broker says “that’s the rate,” don’t be afraid to walk away.
Track tolls separately: Don’t lump them in with fuel or other expenses. Seeing them as their own line item in your budget will help you realize just how much they’re draining you.
And remember: tolls, like fuel, should always be checked during your pre-trip planning. Knowing what roads you’ll be on helps you plan costs before you ever roll out.
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> “Tolls are silent profit killers — second only to fuel on most independent contractor budgets.”
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Closing Thoughts
Toll roads aren’t going away, and in some regions, avoiding them is nearly impossible. But by planning smarter, using toll passes, and negotiating fair rates, independent contractors can prevent tolls from becoming the hidden tax that bankrupts their business.
Trucking isn’t just about running miles — it’s about knowing where your money is really going. And if you don’t account for tolls, you’ll find out the hard way.
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