How Far Should You Travel for a Job?
Set your working patch by journey time and the jobs you can complete profitably. A larger circle on a map can mean fewer paid hours in the day.
Use three areas
- Core: routine repairs and diagnostics, including jobs likely to need a return.
- Extended: work worth the extra travel after checking the scope and timing.
- Exception: places you accept only after checking access, parts and the whole day's route.
A motorway town can be quicker to reach than a nearby city centre. Check normal traffic, crossings, parking and the journey home.
Count all the time the job uses
Example: a 45-minute repair with 40 minutes' travel each way uses at least 125 minutes, before loading or a merchant run. Price and schedule the whole commitment.
Compare what remains after materials, travel costs and other job costs with a similar repair in your core area. A larger invoice does not automatically mean a better job.
Check outer-edge jobs before leaving
- Get the exact address and a useful fault description.
- Confirm access and who can approve the work.
- Check likely parts availability.
- Agree the attendance charge and arrival window.
Stop repeating the awkward journey
If a town regularly means traffic, difficult parking or a long drive home, stop treating it like a local callout. Quote for the extra travel, offer a different day or leave it outside your normal patch.
Updated 27 October 2026 · Report a factual error