Driving Profits as a Travel PA or HT/HTL: Bring Your Own Car to Pave the Way to Success on the Road

At Nicklas Medical Staffing, we strive to help our pathologists’ assistants and histotechs save money while on the road for a lab contract. As the only lab staffing agency founded by a pathologists’ assistant, we understand firsthand how important it is to go into every contract prepared to save wherever possible.  

In recent blogs, we’ve talked about ways that travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs can manage accommodations and personal items to optimize profits and savings while on assignment — but did you know that saving money while on the road can actually start while literally on the road?

One key way to make your travel lab assignment even more financially advantageous is to bring your own vehicle on assignment. Knowing the advantages of using your own vehicle can help ensure a successful and profitable experience on your next lab contract. Some benefits of using your own car instead of opting for a rental or even public transportation on your next PA or HT/HTL lab contract include:

• Daily Car Allowance

  When you bring your own car to a travel assignment, you can take advantage of a daily car allowance. At Nicklas Medical Staffing, we pay a daily rate on work days that can be used for gas, wear, and tear — and there’s no need to keep track of mileage, to make it as easy as possible for our travel PAs and HTs/HTLs. Over time, this can add up to a significant amount, boosting your overall income during the contract.

• Greater Freedom and Flexibility

  Having your own vehicle, as opposed to relying solely on public transportation, or even a rental with limited mileage, grants you the freedom to explore the area during your downtime. You can visit local attractions, enjoy nearby recreational activities, or simply run errands without the restrictions of a rental car or public transportation.

• Vehicle Confidence

  Being familiar with your own car means you're comfortable and confident in its performance and handling. You know how to operate it efficiently, troubleshoot minor issues, and handle routine maintenance. This confidence can provide peace of mind during your travels, reducing the stress of unexpected vehicle-related problems and ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.

What Travel PAs and HTs/HTLS Should Know Before Bringing Their Vehicle On Assignment

A few tips to know when traveling with your own vehicle include:

• Plan Ahead

  Before embarking on your travel assignment, thoroughly research the area you'll be working in. Taking your car for a tune-up, oil change, and any other potential maintenance services can ensure it’s up to the task of taking you on your next adventure.

• Understand Your Contract

  Read and understand the terms of your contract, especially the mileage reimbursement rate and car allowance details. At Nicklas, in addition to a car allowance, we offer up to a set amount of miles in reimbursement when driving to the job and then at the end of the job in lieu of airfare. Ask your Nicklas recruiter for details.

Of course, at Nicklas, we understand that bringing a personal vehicle may not work for everyone. Not a problem. You can always elect to have Nicklas book and pay for your rental while on contract to exercise whichever transportation option works for you while on the road.

Schedule an Appointment With a Nicklas Medical Staffing Recruiter

At Nicklas Medical Staffing, our team of experienced recruiters work with our pathologists’ assistant and histotech to ensure every candidate understands the best way to optimize finances based on their specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. By helping our lab professionals plan carefully and stay informed, we help candidates can make the most of travel assignments; our contracts aren’t just professional growth experiences — they are also financially rewarding ventures. Schedule an appointment with our team today to learn more.