When you travel to a location to conduct training, do you normally charge your customer for the time you spend traveling? If so, do you charge out at an hourly rate, or a flat rate? Is your rate the same as what you would charge for a full day of training?

We are currently working with a vendor who charges us $100/hour for training delivery. He is going to deliver training at an off-site location which will require 14 hours of travel time. He has suggested that we pay him $1400 for that time. We are already paying for his travel/lodging expenses.

Question:
Does this seem reasonable to anyone?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

I usually build the travel costs into the fixed price of the engagement. I try to avoid giving a daily rate but rather talk about what my clients want and then give a fixed price that includes everything including travel costs such as airfare, hotel, etc. Then I don't have to contend with the client's expense reporting requirements. The fixed price is why it is better for the buyer to go with a fixed price so you don't get hit with these kind of charges. Much cleaner on both sides.

Counter with half-rate reimbursement.
If the guy is flying, heck, he could be working on someone else's project while being paid by you!
Or just taking a nap...
Sure, travel is often required and a valid reimbursable, but to charge full rate for it may be unreasonable.
Offer half-rate and if he wants the job bad enough, he'll take it. If he doesn't, I bet someone else will.
CM

I have a few consultants who normally work for a daily rate. We have established a lower rate for travel days: 1/2 the normal rate for travel of over 4 hours in a day; 1/4 the normal rate for travel of less than 4 hours in a day.

Most trips are by plane, and end up with 4 hours or less about half the time. All depends on flight schedule and distance from airports.

The clients I have had who pay by daily rate do not pay a consulting fee for travel days. One pays a larger per diem on travel-only days. The gigs are generally 4-5 days, though. For 1 or 2 day gigs, I would expect some compensation for the travel time, especially if it takes more than half a day each way.