DIRECT LABOR:

Note: (Rate Change to $95.00 Per Hour effective June 01, 2005) this is due to the Increase in fuel costs.

@   $95.00 Per Hour.....................................   Senior Investigator
@ $190.00 Per Hour.....................................   Deposition and Trial

FUEL SURCHARGE:

A fuel surcharge will apply whenever fuel has exceeded $3.00 USD per gallon to assignments requiring land travel outside the Denver-Metro area.  The surcharge will be based on the actual price over $3.00 USD per gallon.

ASSIGNABLE EXPENSES:

•     Photographic charges, processing prints, and the generation of photographic computer media, and photocopies.
•     Airline fares
•     Meals while away from place of business.
•     Lodging while away from place of business.
•     Car rental, taxi, local transportation, tolls, and parking.
•     Long distance telephone/cell phone calls.
•     Shipping charges.
•     Equipment rental or purchase required for case assignment.
•     Evidence storage.
•     Temporary labor.
•     Tanks, weights and air fill fees for diving services.

Direct labor rates will be charged during actual travel time. Travel time spent from Hodge Services Office/Laboratory to a case assignment location or place of lodging, with return, outside of normal business hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, will be billed at the standard direct labor rates.

AIRLINE TRAVEL:

When case assignment requires travel beyond a reasonable radius of Hodge Services Office/Laboratory, commercial airlines will be utilized.  All airline tickets purchased will be fully refundable, unless requested by client. Should the client request restricted or non-refundable ticketing; the client will be responsible for all additional charges incurred.

Due to the amount of travel required, most air travel over two hours will be flown first class. 

All frequent flyer miles, or other credit points, awards, and similar benefits will remain the property of Hodge Services.

WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS:

The client is responsible for all assignable expenses created by weather delays, cancellations, and changes in routing. This may include lodging, changes in airfare, meals, and alternate transportation. Clients requiring travel during high risk periods, such as before or during major storms should be aware that there may be considerable extra costs and charges involved.

SUBCONTRACTOR EXPENSES:

Consultants engaged by Hodge Services to assist in execution of assignments on behalf of Hodge Services clients, will be passed through to the client with a 10% surcharge to compensation for planning, administration, and interpretation of their work.

OPPOSING PARTY REQUEST FOR EXPENDITURES:

When opposing party requests services such as closed file search, record search, photographic reproduction, video graphic copy, and computer media, the costs of these services will be billed to the Hodge Services client rather than to the opposing party. A separate billing will be tendered to the Hodge Services client so that they may collect from the appropriate party or parties.

Should Hodge Services be required to bill another party, particularly an opposing party, Hodge Services will bill for a period of 45 calendar days.  Should there remain an unpaid balance at the end of the 45 calendar days; Hodge Services will bill the outstanding balance to the Hodge Services client requesting the case assignment. The Hodge Services client is to guarantee payment on these balances.

BILLING:

Billing will be monthly on a calendar basis with the following exceptions:

o       When the case assignment is closed, billing will be immediate.

o       When the amount of service and expense incurred by Hodge Services equals or exceeds $1000.00, a statement will be issued at the end of the workweek that the expense was incurred.

Billing, unless otherwise requested in advance, will include a daily listing of billable time, rate, and services performed. Copies of receipts will be included for all direct charges above $25.00.

PAYMENT:

Payment of a statement is expected promptly (Net 30 days) and is not to exceed 45 calendar days from the date of issuance. Hodge Services may terminate all efforts towards a case assignment if payment falls behind 45 calendar days from the date of issuance.  The amount must be paid in full and be up to date before work on the case assignment will resume.  Should a delinquent payment pattern continue, a prepayment (retainer) for services may be required.

See our Storage Rates Document, or visit our FAQ page for more information on our storage facility.