Custody Transfer

A contractor award method where clients evaluate price alongside factors like safety record, experience, and equipment quality. Subcontractors are not automatically disqualified for submitting the lowest bid. Demonstrating strong credentials and reliability can outweigh a competitor's cheaper rate.

A major tight-oil producing region spanning North Dakota, Montana, and southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Subcontractors working here should expect high-volume horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracturing scopes. Seasonal road bans and remote logistics significantly impact crew mobilisation and equipment scheduling.

A failure mode where metal components crack under the combined effect of tensile stress and corrosive environments. Subcontractors must inspect susceptible equipment — like pipelines, pressure vessels, and lifting gear — for early signs. Missed SCC (Stress-Corrosion Cracking) damage can trigger costly shutdowns, liability claims, or failed inspections.

A series of vibrating screens used on-site to separate solids by size from drilling fluids or aggregates. Subcontractors operating or maintaining this equipment must track run-hours carefully for service billing. Screen cloth replacement is a common scope item in solids-control contracts.

A major tight gas and liquids-rich formation spanning northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta. It is one of Canada's most active drilling regions, generating sustained demand for well service, completions, and civil contractors. Subcontractors working here should expect multi-well pad programmes and remote site logistics.

Mesh filters mounted on shale shakers that separate drill cuttings from drilling fluid on the rig. Subcontractors handling fluid management or solids control must track screen condition and swap them regularly. Damaged or plugged screens slow operations and can trigger downtime charges against your crew.

How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements

When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.

How Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It

Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.

What Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?

An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.