Surface Miner

A heavy, telescoping steel rod that transmits rotary torque from a drill rig to the auger or cutting tool. Subcontractors operating foundation or piling rigs must inspect kelly bars regularly for wear and cracking. Damage affects drilling performance and can cause costly downtime on tight project schedules.

A company hired by a general contractor or directly by an operator to perform a specific portion of work. Subcontractors often specialize in particular services or trades.

A network of pipelines, compressors, and facilities that collect hydrocarbons from wellheads and move them to processing points. Subcontractors frequently support construction, inspection, and maintenance work across these systems. Scopes can span remote multi-well pads, requiring strong logistics and crew coordination.

A delivery model where a construction manager guarantees a maximum project cost and takes on financial risk if it's exceeded. Subcontractors are hired by the CM, not the owner, making the CM your direct client and contract holder. Your scope, payments, and change orders all flow through the CM.

A prefabricated, relocatable accommodation facility used to house workers on remote oil & gas or construction sites. Units are shipped and assembled on-site, then dismantled when the project ends. Subcontractors may bill camp costs separately or include them in their overall project pricing.

A document created in the field that records work performed, equipment used, materials consumed, and time spent. Field tickets are the basis for invoicing and must typically be approved by the customer before payment.

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.