Here's the general policy at integrators, structured cablers, and electrical service guys near me:
1) Is travel to and from each job location? (Assuming multiple jobs per day)
Yes. This is paid time, but is 'unproductive' in that it doesn't directly bill to a job. Usually each job includes a 'travel fee' or 'truck fee' that is a flat fee.
If a job involves multiple days or a per-diem, it may be adjusted specifically as a negotiated fee.
However, this time is always tracked. The tech calls when he hops into his truck and checks in when he arrives.
2) Is travel from home (if they take home vehicle) to job site in the morning and then back home from their last job in the evening paid?
Usually not, if they take the vehicle home. Techs 'punch in' when they start work on the site, 'punch out' when they leave the site. Gas may be a job expense, but labor is not.
Traveling from job to job is paid time.
3) How are lunch breaks compensated/tracked if they are paid hourly?
Honor system or job supervisor/PM keeps lunch breaks honest. Usually 30 minutes for lunch, plus two 15 minute breaks in morning/afternoon. Or one hour-lunch break. Total paid break time: one hour.
4) Any systems/software/apps used to track this? Other than GPS units in vehicles…..
The integrator I last worked for used GPS in smartphones, ie: ClickSmart/Xora.
I'll dig in to other options and circle back here.