Toll Passes - How to Prepare

6/27/2024

When transporting a car via auto transport service, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary preparations are made to avoid any unnecessary complications or costs. One often overlooked but significant step is removing toll passes from your vehicle before it is transported.

How to prepare car before transport if there is a toll pass.

Toll passes, such as EZ Pass [1], SunPass [2], or FasTrak [3], can accumulate unnecessary charges during the transport process if not properly removed or deactivated.

Removing All Toll Passes

The Importance of Removing Toll Passes

Here are reasons why removing toll passes [4][5] before auto transport is strongly advised.

Avoiding Unnecessary Charges

Automatic Toll Detection:
Toll passes are designed to automatically detect and process toll payments as the vehicle passes through toll booths. When your car is transported on an open or enclosed carrier, it may still pass through toll roads. If the toll pass is active, it will continue to register tolls, leading to unexpected charges on your account. Removing the toll pass ensures that no tolls are mistakenly charged while your vehicle is in transit.
Route Variability:
Auto transport carriers may use various routes to reach the destination, some of which might include toll roads. Since the specific route taken by the transport service is beyond your control, it’s difficult to predict or manage potential toll charges. Removing the toll pass eliminates this unpredictability and prevents unwarranted expenses.

Preventing Billing Issues

Duplicate Charges:
In some cases, both the transport truck and your vehicle's toll pass might be charged for the same toll. This can occur if the toll system registers both the vehicle on the transport truck and the truck itself. Removing the toll pass from your vehicle prevents such duplicate charges and ensures you are not paying more than necessary.
Account Management:
Keeping track of toll charges that occur while your vehicle is being transported can be challenging. Unexpected toll fees can complicate your billing and account management. By removing the toll pass, you can maintain better control over your toll expenses and avoid any confusion or disputes over charges.

Enhancing Security and Safety

Preventing Theft or Loss:
Toll passes are valuable items that can be targeted for theft if left in an unattended vehicle. Removing the toll pass and storing it securely reduces the risk of it being stolen or lost during the transport process.
Ensuring Compliance with Transport Company Policies:
Many auto transport companies recommend or even require the removal of toll passes and other electronic devices before transport. Complying with these recommendations ensures that your vehicle is transported according to the company's best practices and policies.

Practical Steps to Take

Remove the Toll Pass:
Physically remove the toll pass from your vehicle before handing it over to the auto transport service. This can typically be done easily by detaching it from its mount on the windshield or dashboard.
Deactivate the Account Temporarily:
If removing the toll pass is not feasible, consider temporarily deactivating the account or placing it on hold. [6] Contact the toll pass provider to learn about options for suspending the service during the transport period.
Store the Toll Pass Securely:
Once removed, store the toll pass in a safe and secure location until your vehicle reaches its destination. This ensures that it is readily available for reinstallation and use once your car is delivered.

Remove All Toll Passes when shipping your vehicle.

Removing toll passes before transporting your car via auto transport service is a simple yet crucial step to avoid unnecessary charges, prevent billing issues, and enhance security. By taking this precaution, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective transport experience without the hassle of unexpected toll fees. Properly preparing your vehicle for transport, including the removal of toll passes, contributes to a more efficient and stress-free relocation process.