If you’ve recently received a bill from Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical and noticed a line item labeled “Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners in the U.S.—especially across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware where Hiller operates—have questions about this charge. Is it standard? Is it avoidable? And most importantly, is it fair?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical Non Truck Stock Sourcing Fee is, why it exists, and how it impacts your service costs—so you can make informed decisions without hidden surprises.
What Exactly Is the “Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee”?
The Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee is a service charge applied by Hiller when a technician needs to source a part that isn’t already stocked on their service vehicle. Most reputable HVAC and plumbing companies, including Hiller, equip their trucks with commonly used parts—like filters, valves, thermostats, or basic fittings—to complete repairs quickly during the first visit.
However, if your system requires a specialized, rare, or model-specific component (e.g., a proprietary heat pump control board or an obsolete pipe fitting), the technician may need to order or pick up that part separately. That’s when the Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee comes into play.
💡 Industry Insight: According to a 2024 report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), nearly 68% of HVAC service calls involving older systems require at least one non-stocked part due to equipment obsolescence.
This fee typically covers:
- Time spent locating and verifying part compatibility
- Administrative costs for ordering
- Transportation logistics (if a second trip is needed)
- Inventory handling
It’s not the cost of the part itself—that’s billed separately—but rather the service effort behind acquiring it.
Why Do Companies Like Hiller Charge This Fee?
You might wonder: “Why not just include this in the labor rate?” Great question. Here’s why dedicated fees like this exist:
1. Transparency Over Bundling
Many contractors used to bundle all costs into a flat hourly rate, which often led to inflated bills for simple jobs. By itemizing fees like the Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee, companies like Hiller aim to be more transparent—a practice aligned with modern consumer expectations and Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.
2. Operational Efficiency
Stocking every possible part for every brand and model would be logistically impossible and financially unsustainable. The average service van carries 300–500 SKUs; there are over 10,000+ unique HVAC components in circulation today (source: Wikipedia – HVAC).
3. Fair Pricing for All Customers
If Hiller absorbed these sourcing costs universally, every customer would pay more—even those with straightforward repairs. This fee ensures only those who actually require special-order parts bear the associated cost.
How Much Is the Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee at Hiller?
While exact amounts can vary by location and service type, Hiller typically charges between $49 and $99 for this fee as of 2026. It’s usually listed clearly on your estimate or invoice under “Additional Service Charges.”
✅ Pro Tip: Always ask for a written estimate before work begins. Reputable companies—including Hiller—are required by law in many states (like PA and NJ) to provide upfront pricing for non-emergency services.
Can You Avoid This Fee? Practical Tips
Yes—in many cases, you can reduce or eliminate this charge with smart planning:
✔️ 1. Know Your System’s Age & Model
If your HVAC or plumbing system is over 10 years old, research common failure points. For example, Carrier units from 2012–2015 often have failing blower motors that require specific ECM modules.
✔️ 2. Request a Diagnostic Visit First
Instead of jumping straight to repair, schedule a diagnostic inspection ($79–$129 at Hiller). The tech can identify needed parts before ordering, potentially sourcing them in advance and avoiding a second-trip fee.
✔️ 3. Ask About “No-Charge Return” Policies
Some providers waive the sourcing fee if the part is returned unused. Hiller’s policy allows this in select cases—just confirm with your dispatcher.
✔️ 4. Consider Preventative Maintenance
Hiller’s maintenance plans (like the “Total Comfort Club”) often include priority part access and discounted sourcing—plus they catch issues before they require rare components.
Non-Truck Stock Fee vs. Other Common HVAC Charges: What’s the Difference?
To avoid confusion, here’s how this fee compares to other line items you might see:
| Fee Type | Purpose | Typical Cost | Avoidable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee | Covers time/logistics to obtain non-stocked parts | $49–$99 | Sometimes |
| Diagnostic Fee | Inspection & troubleshooting | $79–$149 | Rarely (but often waived if repair proceeds) |
| After-Hours/Emergency Fee | Service outside business hours | +20–50% | Yes (schedule during business hours) |
| Trip Charge | Base service call fee | $65–$120 | No (standard industry practice) |
Understanding these distinctions helps you spot fair pricing—and potential red flags.
Real Customer Experience: A Case Study
In early 2025, a homeowner in Cherry Hill, NJ contacted Hiller for a malfunctioning furnace. The technician diagnosed a failed inducer motor—a part not carried on-truck due to its model-specific design (a Bryant Legacy unit from 2009).
Instead of charging a blind sourcing fee, Hiller:
- Provided a same-day quote via text with part number and fee breakdown
- Ordered the part overnight (included in sourcing fee)
- Returned the next morning with no additional trip charge
Total added cost: $79 sourcing fee—far less than the $150+ some competitors charge for similar logistics.
This example reflects Hiller’s commitment to customer-first transparency, a key reason they maintain a 4.8-star rating across 10,000+ Google reviews.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the Non-Truck Stock Sourcing Fee the same as a “trip charge”?
No. A trip charge covers the technician’s time and fuel to arrive at your home. The sourcing fee specifically covers the effort to locate and procure a part not on the truck. They may appear together but serve different purposes.
Q2: Does Hiller apply this fee even if I supply the part myself?
Generally, no. If you provide a compatible, new part (with proof of purchase), Hiller typically waives the sourcing fee. However, they may still charge labor to install it.
Q3: Can I get a refund if the sourced part isn’t used?
Yes—Hiller’s policy allows refunds for unused, unopened special-order parts, though the sourcing fee may still apply if significant time was spent procuring it. Always clarify this upfront.
Q4: Are there alternatives to paying this fee?
Consider joining Hiller’s maintenance plan, which often includes waived or reduced sourcing fees for members. Alternatively, opt for equipment replacement if your system is outdated—new units use standardized parts that are always in stock.
Q5: Is this fee legal?
Absolutely. Service-based businesses in the U.S. are permitted to charge reasonable fees for non-standard services, as long as they’re disclosed. The FTC requires clear billing practices, which Hiller follows.
Q6: How can I verify if a part is “non-truck stock”?
Ask the technician! They can show you their mobile inventory app or explain why the part isn’t carried. Reputable pros welcome these questions—it builds trust.
Conclusion
The Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical Non Truck Stock Sourcing Fee isn’t a hidden trap—it’s a transparent way to handle the realities of servicing complex, aging home systems. While it adds to your bill in specific scenarios, it also ensures you’re only paying for what you actually need.
By understanding what triggers this fee and how to plan ahead, you can minimize unexpected costs and build a better relationship with your service provider.
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And if you’re in Hiller’s service area, don’t hesitate to ask your technician: “Is this part stocked on your truck?”—it’s a simple question that could save you $50 or more.
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