Why shops charge it
Work at night or on a weekend costs more to deliver. Technicians may earn overtime or a shift premium, someone must be on call, parts stores may be closed, and darkness and weather slow the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that some diesel technicians work more than 40 hours a week and that some shops offer 24-hour service with evening, weekend and overnight shifts.
Labor law context
The U.S. Department of Labor explains that, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, covered nonexempt employees must receive overtime pay of at least time and one-half their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. The federal law does not require extra pay for night, weekend or holiday work unless the hours are overtime. Some states have more rules. An after-hours rate should cover whatever the shop actually pays.
Common forms
- A higher hourly rate during defined windows.
- A flat call-out fee added to the normal rate.
- A minimum charge, such as a minimum number of hours.
- Separate tiers for evenings, overnight and holidays.
Scheduled versus emergency work
Many shops price planned night or weekend PMs at a yard differently from emergency roadside calls, because planned work is easier to staff and stock. State the difference in fleet agreements.
Good practice
Define regular hours in writing, list the after-hours windows and holidays, put the rates on your rate sheet and fleet agreements, confirm the rate when the call comes in, and show call times, the rate applied and the approval on the invoice. See after-hours rates for mobile mechanics.
MetaFleet supports after-hours billing rules and shift scheduling. Get a walkthrough.