A court order declaring a prime contractor in default on financial obligations, often freezing payments to subcontractors. It signals serious insolvency risk and can delay or eliminate outstanding invoices. Subcontractors should file liens immediately upon receiving notice.
Master Default Order
Related Terms
SRF (State Revolving Fund)
Cash FlowA government-backed loan programme that funds municipal water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects. These funds often finance large construction contracts, creating steady work for subcontractors and field service crews. Knowing a project is SRF-funded signals stable, government-secured payment on long-term builds.
Settling System
Cash FlowThe 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.
Heating Oil Futures
Cash FlowContracts locking in future heating oil prices, traded on commodity markets. Subcontractors use these trends to forecast fuel-related operating costs on remote or winter job sites. Rising futures signal higher equipment heating and site fuel expenses ahead.
Day Rate
Cash FlowA pricing model where contractors are paid a fixed daily rate for equipment and/or personnel, regardless of the amount of work completed that day.
Capital Budget
Cash FlowA client's approved spending plan for major projects, equipment, and infrastructure in a given year. When capital budgets are set or revised, subcontractors see direct impacts on contract awards and work volumes. Monitoring clients' capital budget cycles helps you time bids and resource planning effectively.
Dayrate
Cash FlowA fixed daily fee charged by a subcontractor or equipment provider, regardless of hours worked or output produced. It covers labour, equipment, and overhead for that calendar day. Dayrates are common in drilling, rental, and specialised field service contracts.
Latest Cash Flow News
Gordie Howe Bridge to Open July 27, Adding Second Detroit-Windsor Span
U.S. and Canadian officials set a July 27 opening for the Gordie Howe International Bridge after a six-week delay tied to toll governance talks, adding a second commercial crossing between Detroit and Windsor.
yesterday Cash FlowKiewit's Weeks Marine Gets $88M Hudson Tunnel Change Order
The Gateway Development Commission approved an $88 million change order for Weeks Marine to clear submerged piles from the Hudson River, clearing the path for tunnel boring machines set to start in 2028.
3 days ago Cash FlowCourt Ruling Clears Funding Freeze on $16B Hudson Tunnel Project
A federal judge permanently blocked the U.S. Department of Transportation from withholding funds on the Hudson Tunnel Project, ruling the September freeze flagrantly violated federal law.
15 days ago Cash FlowAecon and Arctic Gateway Sign MOU for Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway Development
Aecon Group has signed a collaboration agreement with Arctic Gateway Group to support infrastructure development in northern Manitoba, targeting the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway. Subcontractors with remote construction experience should take note of upcoming opportunities in the region.
1 month agoRelated Guides
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.
Cash Flow GuidePost-Completion Warranty and Punch Work: Protecting Your Margins After the Job Ends
Warranty walks, punch lists, and post-completion callbacks eat into subcontractor margins. Learn how MSA warranty clauses work, when you can push back on mobilization costs, and how to document your way out of disputes.
Cash Flow GuideMechanic'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.
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