Being on the road without constant supervision, able to control own time (productive) and providing good service to customers is not easy. The use of the van/tools, shopping on the way home etc. is a fair trade and companies know that. 30 min. each way is what many use here. If the customer is 5 minutes away time starts at the customer location, if 1 hour first 30 min. on me. The tech writes the time on the WO and controls fairness to customer/self. We all have taken advantage of the situation at times, being reasonable doing it is important. As long as the billing/productivity/callbacks (lack of) are there no company will complain. When in the van workplace insurance covers the tech. There is always a job down the road and it is a very small world. Alternative: leave a steady job and go on your own, done it 2.5 yrs. ago. I don't regret it but not easy at time. Good workplaces are the ones that support/help their people. If you are questioning your company's commitment to their people start looking.