Description:
As a freelancer who often drives between multiple client sites in a day, can I charge clients for the time I spend traveling between appointments? What are common ways to structure travel charges (hourly travel rate, flat fee, mileage only), how should I document and invoice travel time, and what legal, insurance, or tax considerations should I be aware of when billing for driving time?
2 Answers
I think it's definitely possible to bill clients for travel time, especially if you're spending a significant part of your day moving between sites. One thing I’ve seen work well is setting a specific travel fee that’s built into your overall project quote, rather than charging separately each time. This can make things simpler and more transparent for clients. Also, be cautious with how you record this time — keeping a detailed log or even using a dedicated app helps prove your hours if needed. Just remember, some clients might see extensive travel charges as a red flag if they’re not clear about it upfront. So, having it clearly explained in the contract is key.
Yes you can charge travel between client sites tbh but put it in the contract and be clear. Many do mileage at IRS rate plus a small flat time block or a reduced travel hourly rate. Log GPS routes and timestamps. Check your auto policy for business use and consider commercial coverage. For taxes use standard mileage vs actual expenses and keep reciepts. 👍🙂
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