The tolling industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by two major trends: expanding interoperability and a clear shift toward 6C sticker technology over traditional hardcase transponders.
Together, these changes are reshaping how tolling systems operate and how fleets need to think about managing them.
6C is Quickly Becoming the Standard
Adoption of 6C (ISO 18000-63) technology is accelerating across North America. Compared to legacy transponders, 6C offers a lower-cost, easier-to-deploy alternative that aligns well with modern infrastructure upgrades.
Recent developments underscore this momentum:
- HCTRA has joined the 6C Toll Operators Coalition (6CTOC) and will soon issue 6C tags exclusively, with Neology as its vendor
- Illinois Tollway now issues only 6C tags
- Maine, MassDOT, and New Jersey are expected to follow shortly
- North Carolina and Kentucky are already using 6C for local programs, with broader adoption likely
- New York Thruway is evaluating a full transition within the next two years
The direction is clear: as agencies modernize infrastructure and back-office systems, 6C is poised to become the dominant protocol.
Interoperability Is Evolving
Interoperability remains a priority across the industry, but the way it’s being implemented is changing.
Traditional systems like E-ZPass enabled multi-state coverage but often introduced added fees and complexity. Today, agencies are exploring more flexible approaches that allow them to maintain local control while expanding compatibility.
- Growth of 6CTOC and similar frameworks
- Increasing number of independent 6C agencies working toward broader readability
- Reduced reliance on centralized interoperability hubs
The result is a more distributed, cost-conscious tolling ecosystem that gives agencies greater control while still expanding coverage.
A Smarter Path: Localized Strategies
As interoperability models evolve, fleets are starting to adjust their approach. For fleets, establishing local companion accounts is emerging as a key strategy.
This approach can:
- Reduce or eliminate interoperability fees
- Unlock local pricing and discounts
- Align with agency preferences to keep high-volume users local
Many agencies are incentivized to support this model, making it a practical path to cost savings.
What It Means for Fleets
For fleets, the shift to 6C and the evolution of interoperability creates both opportunity and complexity.
On one hand, fleets benefit from lower hardware costs, simpler deployment, and improved flexibility. On the other hand, the tolling landscape is becoming more regional and nuanced, requiring a more deliberate strategy.
Success will depend on understanding where 6C is being adopted, how interoperability is changing, and where localized approaches can deliver measurable savings.
How Fleetworthy Is Staying Ahead
Fleetworthy is actively tracking these changes and aligning our solutions to ensure customers are positioned for what’s next.
We’ve maintained our own 6C agency code for several years and continue to expand coverage and acceptance. 6C stickers reduce the risk of theft, prevent device movement between vehicles, and are significantly less expensive than hardcase transponders.
Our approach focuses on three key areas:
- Monitoring agency transitions to 6C and working to get acceptance of our sticker to minimize number of required devices and risk of duplicate toll
- Optimizing transponder strategies for cost and coverage
- Leveraging local account opportunities where beneficial
Our focus is simple: ensure customers have access to the most cost-effective, future-ready tolling solutions.
Looking Ahead
As agencies continue upgrading infrastructure and rethinking interoperability, the pace of 6C adoption will only accelerate.
This is not a gradual shift. It is a structural change in how tolling works across North America.
Fleetworthy is committed to staying ahead of these trends—so our customers can stay ahead of them as well.
About Fleetworthy
Fleetworthy offers the only complete technology suite for fleet readiness, uniting safety and compliance, toll management, and weigh station bypass solutions. We help fleets streamline operations, control costs, and operate with confidence.
Trusted by 75% of the top fleets in North America, Fleetworthy offers the most adopted toll management solution and largest weigh station bypass network. Going beyond regulatory requirements, our safety and compliance capabilities strengthen safety programs and enable proactive audit readiness. We support millions of vehicles and drivers and are recognized across the industry for innovation and leadership.
Fleetworthy is shaping the future of fleet readiness with AI-enabled, connected fleet technology that keeps drivers safe, fleets compliant, and operations running at peak efficiency. Learn more at fleetworthy.com.