New toll charges in Maryland effect truckers

Fleet management owners must pay road tolls like all other motorists while hauling freight across the country. However, some regions are making their fees slightly higher, which are impacting how trucking companies are dealing with their drivers, reports WBOC 16 in Maryland.

Specifically, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge may experience higher tolls if the bill is passed, which will affect local trucking companies on the east coast of Maryland, as well as any truckers headed to that area. The current cost for a five axel truck to pass the bridge is $15. The new law will hike prices up to $30 per truck.

Jared Collier, vice president of Aim Transport, says this change may halt growth in his trucking business due to the additional expenses.

"When you run the numbers it could add up to $100,000 a year in additional tolls just on the Bay Bridge alone," he told the news source.

However, county officials are working towards keeping toll fees reasonable and preventing bills from being passed that would increase costs, reports The Baltimore Sun. Members of the Harford County Council have advocated against the proposed plan by the Maryland Transportation Authority, citing it would cause harm to local businesses.
 

New toll charges in Maryland effect truckers

Friday, July 15th, 2011