FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

Cash FlowGlossary Term

Fuel Cost Escalation Clause

A contract provision allowing subcontractors to adjust their billing rates when fuel prices rise beyond an agreed threshold. It protects field service companies from absorbing significant fuel cost spikes on long-term jobs. Without this clause, subcontractors carry the full financial risk of volatile diesel and equipment fuel costs.

Related Terms

Lump Sum

Cash Flow

A pricing model where the contractor agrees to complete a defined scope of work for a fixed total price, regardless of actual costs incurred.

Change Order

Cash Flow

A formal written amendment to an existing contract that modifies scope, cost, or schedule. Subcontractors should never perform out-of-scope work without a signed change order. Undocumented changes are a leading cause of unpaid invoices and disputes.

Estimating Backlog

Cash Flow

The queue of pending bids and quotes a subcontractor has not yet completed or submitted to clients. A large estimating backlog can delay securing new work and strain small estimating teams. Tracking it helps prioritise high-value opportunities and allocate quoting resources effectively.

Early Payment Discount

Cash Flow

A reduced invoice amount offered to prime contractors or clients who pay before the standard due date. Common terms like 2/10 Net 30 mean a 2% discount if paid within 10 days. Subcontractors must weigh the cash-flow benefit against the revenue they give up.

Revenue Leakage

Cash Flow

Revenue that is earned but never collected due to operational inefficiencies. Common causes include lost field tickets, unbilled equipment hours, forgotten third-party charges, and documentation errors. Industry estimates suggest 1-5% of revenue is lost to leakage in paper-based operations.

Settling System

Cash Flow

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.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio