How Saltwater Haulers Can Win More Contracts With Oil & Gas Operators
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Saltwater (produced‑water) hauling companies are in high demand, especially in basins like the Permian where operators generate four to six barrels of produced water for every barrel of oil. But high demand does not guarantee contracts, especially with major operators who enforce strict compliance, safety, and insurance requirements before on boarding new haulers.
Here’s how saltwater trucking companies can stand out and win more operator contracts in 2026.
1. Understand the Commodity You're Hauling
Produced water is chemically complex, containing salts, hydrocarbons, metals, and treatment chemicals. Spills create immediate environmental exposure and long‑term groundwater risks.
Operators prefer haulers who demonstrate deep knowledge of produced‑water hazards and proactive spill‑prevention strategies.
2. Maintain Operator‑Ready Insurance Coverage
Most operators, including majors, require:
Pollution Liability for produced‑water spills
Umbrella/Excess Liability ($5M+ for some operators)
Recent tanker incidents show how spills can kill wildlife, shut down water systems, and trigger massive remediation costs. Operators will not approve a hauler without documented pollution and auto coverage.
Wexford Insurance specialises in oilfield policies that meet MSA requirements for major operators.
3. Strengthen Safety & OSHA Alignment
Saltwater hauling falls under OSHA’s oil and gas extraction standards (29 CFR 1910). Operators require:
Documented safety programs
Driver training
Incident reporting logs
Drug & alcohol compliance
Companies with strong safety records consistently win more bids and access higher‑value contracts.
4. Improve Spill Prevention & Equipment Maintenance
Many operator disqualifications occur due to poor rig‑up, hose failures, and SWD‑site spill history.
Improve your approval odds by:
Conducting daily hose/valve inspections
Maintaining vacuum tank integrity
Logging preventive maintenance
Providing spill‑response kits in every truck
Underwriters and operators both reward fleets with documented maintenance practices.
5. Keep Compliance Platforms Up to Date
Operators frequently use:
ISNetworld
Veriforce
Avetta
Your profile must show current insurance, safety data, EMR, OSHA logs, training records, and signed MSAs. Incomplete profiles are one of the most common reasons haulers lose contract opportunities.
Win More Operator Contracts With Wexford Insurance
Wexford Insurance works exclusively with oil & gas insurance markets and understands the exact requirements saltwater haulers must meet to win contracts with major operators.
👉 Request your saltwater hauling insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and become operator‑ready.
