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Cash Flow Glossary Term

Breakeven Cost

The minimum amount a subcontractor must charge to cover all project expenses without making a loss. It includes labour, equipment, fuel, insurance, and overhead. Pricing below breakeven erodes margins and can threaten business viability.

Related Terms

Unit Rate

Cash Flow

A pricing model where work is billed per unit completed (per meter drilled, per cubic meter hauled, per joint welded, etc.).

Wholesale Cost

Cash Flow

The base price a subcontractor pays to source materials, equipment, or supplies before adding markup. Understanding wholesale cost helps field service companies price jobs accurately and protect margins. It is the starting point for calculating billable rates to clients.

Progress Billing

Cash Flow

Invoicing for work completed to date on a longer project, rather than waiting until project completion. Helps subcontractors maintain cash flow on extended jobs.

Brent Futures

Cash Flow

Contracts that lock in a future price for North Sea crude oil, used as a global benchmark. When Brent prices drop, operators often cut budgets and delay projects, directly reducing subcontractor workloads. Tracking Brent futures helps field service companies anticipate slowdowns and plan their crews and bids accordingly.

Escalation Clause

Cash Flow

A contract provision that allows your rates or pricing to increase if specific costs rise, such as fuel, labour, or materials. It protects subcontractors from absorbing unexpected cost spikes during long-term projects. Always verify trigger conditions and notice requirements before signing.

Price Book

Cash Flow

A document listing agreed-upon rates for various services, equipment, and materials between an operator and contractor. Field tickets are validated against the price book before approval.

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