Toll Collector

Toll Collector

TollBoothGuy

5 Years Experience

Brooklyn, NY

Male, 33

I spent just short of five years as a toll collector on the western end of New York State. Ask me anything, but please don't pay me in pennies.

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122 Questions

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Last Answer on September 11, 2020

Best Rated

What was your schedule like? Did it ever change up like hours or days?

Asked by Jeff almost 12 years ago

There were three shifts every day:  11p-7a, 7a-3p, and 3p-11p.  Full-timers generally have set schedules and part-timers fill in the gaps.  In my particular situation, part-timers can set their working parameters to fit their preferences, but limiting available hours can severly limit assigned shifts.  In the schedule periods where I made myself completely available my schedule was across the board.  Part-time collectors work both entire 8 hour shifts or relief shifts all the way down to 4 hours.  Sometimes it worked out really well (eg. a bunch of afternoon shifts in a row) and other times it was a little more challenging.  (eg. 7a shift at a station 25 miles away after working at that station until 11p the previous night)

I just got finished my interview with maryland toll collector and I was told that it will take 4 to 8 weeks to hear something from hr department do this mean I didn't get the job or that it take some time for hr to do hiring and they was short on ppl

Asked by Dakid almost 13 years ago

No way for me to say. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt in regards to the 4-8 week estimate.  Government agencies tend to move slower than private entities, particularly when it comes to hiring.  Good luck!

What was the biggest mistake you made on the job and how much trouble did you get for it?

Asked by Jeff almost 12 years ago

As with any other job that deals with money, shortages are a huge deal.  If your drawer does not match the expected total to the negative side(past a certain threshold) the issue is flagged at the time of bank deposit.  A manger meets with a collector to go over the shift in question to try and identify the reason for the shortage.  By this time. the shift in question is months in the past, so it is often hard to recall the day in question.  Reasons for shortages typically include giving out the wrong amount of change, misclassification of vehicles, and unfortunately, theft. 

I went through this once and it is not a pleasant experience.  In my case, a direct cause for the shortage could be not identified but was most likely included giving incorrect change, likely for a large bill. 

I was also put on a re-training track once for deposit slip errors.  You see, when you make a deposit at the end of your shift the paperwork that goes with the money must match the money in the bag exactly, both in total money deposited and exact totals of each denomination.  That's 100s, 50s, 20s, 10s, 5s, 1s, dollar coins, half-dollar coins, quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, Canadian currency.   If there is any discrepency between what is in the bag and the paperwork the deposit is flagged.  This applies even if the amount deposited by the collector is 100% correct.  If a certain percentage of your monthly deposits come back with errors, you are flagged for re-training.  Multiple months of over-the-threshold deposit errors can lead to increased disciplinary action, leading all the way up to termination.  Luckily, I only hit the threshold once.  

Is there any kind of heating in winter and AC/fan in summer? If not, how did you deal with heat and cold?

Asked by Irina almost 12 years ago

Our booths have both heat and air coniditioning.  Due to the fact that we work with a window open for most of the day, it is impossible to regulate the temperature.  Coats, gloves, short sleeves, and tears are the best tools we have some days.  

What do you do if someone short changes you?

Asked by Chris about 12 years ago

If you don't catch it before the car drives away, note it on your log for the day.  Collectors are responsible for all money at the end of the day, and if a discrepancy exists above a certain threshold disciplinary action can ensue. You get pretty quick at counting change so unless it's off by a coin you'll be able to feel that it's not quite right and hopefully stop the car before it takes off.  Some drivers are great about waiting a second and others could care less. 

I have often found myself hanging out of my booth waving my arms wildly trying to flag down a driver as he starts to move away. 

Can anyone park at the lots next to the toll booths?

Asked by Heidi almost 10 years ago

Those lots are reserved for employees and other authorized individuals and are not to be used by the general public. If you have to stop off for a second that's generally okay, but you would not be able to park your vehicle there for any significant length of time.

toll collectors always "go left" leaving them with terrific 1/2 farmers tans on their arms and faces. when you collected, did you lay in the sun in your spare time to de-whitenize your right side?

Asked by bluetiger almost 12 years ago

Nah, sunburn on one side is plenty.