Backcharge

A breakdown of costs on a field ticket or invoice, separating charges into labor hours, equipment usage, and materials consumed.

A measure of how long a company takes to pay its invoices after receiving them. For subcontractors, a high DPO from your client means slower payment and tighter cash flow. Tracking client DPO helps you anticipate payment delays and manage operating costs.

A fee billed to clients to reserve your crew, equipment, or services during a set period — whether fully utilised or not. It protects subcontractors from revenue loss during standby or low-demand phases. Common in long-term service agreements for drilling, frac, or maintenance contracts.

The final phase of a contract where all work is confirmed complete, documentation is submitted, and outstanding invoices are settled. For subcontractors, delays in close-out often mean delayed final payment. Completing punch lists, timesheets, and lien waivers promptly helps accelerate the process.

A centralised system used by operators to consolidate and process contractor timesheets, work records, and billing entries. Subcontractors submit field data through CAPE to trigger payment and compliance verification. Accurate, timely entries are critical to avoiding payment delays.

The process a prime contractor or operator uses to review, approve, and finalise invoices before releasing payment to subcontractors. Understanding the settling system helps subs forecast cash flow and avoid payment delays. Timelines vary widely between clients, so confirm the cycle before mobilising.

What Happens to Subcontractor Billing When a Project Stalls, Goes Over Budget, or Never Gets Commissioned

You did the work. The project was cancelled, shelved, or never activated. Here is what subcontractors need to know about billing rights, legal remedies, and how to get paid when no one wants to discuss the invoice.

Mechanic's Lien Rights for Subcontractors: What to Do When You're Not Getting Paid

A practical guide to mechanic's lien and materialman's lien rights for oilfield and construction subcontractors in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alberta — deadlines, filing steps, and leverage tactics.

Job Costing for Field Service Companies: How to Know If You're Actually Making Money

A practical job costing guide for oilfield and construction subcontractors. Track labor, equipment, and materials per job to find profit leaks and bid smarter.