What Affects the Cost of a Process Service?
After a particularly high-mileage week for myself and a couple of servers, I began thinking about the factors that influence a quote for a “standard” process service.
First, to set the scene—most of Iowa is very rural. Now, you may think you understand rural, but places like Winneshiek County or Lucas County, Iowa (and many others) can redefine that perspective. This past weekend, I had to hike a half-mile up what felt like a mountain, in below-zero temperatures, to a remote cabin in the dark just to get a serve done properly. The only thing missing from this story is that it was uphill both ways—or someone chasing me with an axe.
Do you know what a Level B road is? Neither did I until I moved here over 20 years ago. And imagine my surprise when I encountered my first Level C road and a Missouri Crossing (Google it!). A full 60% of Iowa’s roadways are gravel, which adds an extra layer of difficulty when serving legal papers.
While the scenery is breathtaking, especially along the Mississippi River, it can create challenges in process service. We cover a large area, even crossing into Wisconsin and Minnesota when needed. But some of my servers are not good swimmers and understandably prefer using bridges. Imagine the frustration when a small town is only 10 miles away "as the crow flies," but the nearest bridge is 40 miles north—turning that 10-mile trip into a 160-mile roundabout journey. While a scenic drive is nice on vacation, it's less enjoyable when serving a rush paper with tight deadlines.
As you can see, the geographical realities on the ground can significantly impact the cost of a process service. What seems easy on Google Maps in the office, often becomes much more complicated when dealing with real-world terrain.
Here are some other factors that can affect your quote:
1. Distance & Travel Time
The farther the serve location is, the higher the cost. Some rural addresses may require multiple hours of driving, not to mention the possibility of rough roads, detours, or GPS inaccuracies in remote areas.
2. Rush or Expedited Service
If you need papers served the same day or within a short window, there is usually an extra fee. Given the distances involved, coordinating a rush serve in a remote area can require significant logistical effort.
3. Multiple Attempts
Most process servers include a certain number of attempts in their standard pricing. If the recipient isn’t home, avoiding service, or requires creative serving strategies, additional attempts may increase costs.
4. Difficult or Restricted Locations
Some addresses aren’t easily accessible. Gated communities, secured buildings, businesses with restricted hours, or rural properties that require off-road travel or long hikes can add complexity—and cost.
5. Document Size & Printing Needs
If a service involves large case files, multiple affidavits, or excessive printing, there may be extra charges for document preparation. Some clients assume everything is digital, but many courts and jurisdictions still require hard copies of documents to be served.
Final Thoughts
Every process service is unique. While we do our best to keep pricing competitive, the reality of travel, geography, and logistical hurdles means that quotes can vary. If you're ever wondering why a service quote is higher than expected, just remember—sometimes, it’s because we’re hiking up an icy hill in the dark to serve legal documents.
And no, we don’t charge extra if someone chases us with an axe—though maybe we should!
Need service? Contact us today to get started.
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