Pad construction is a foundational service in the Permian Basin, as the region’s unique geology and high-intensity drilling pace require durable, well-engineered sites to support heavy equipment. Reliable site preparation ensures that operators can maintain continuous production schedules while navigating the logistical challenges of West Texas and New Mexico terrain.
Here are our top picks for pad construction vendors in the Permian Basin:
1. PLC Construction, Inc.
A full-service EPC firm providing integrated civil site preparation, foundations, and structural steel erection for multi-well pads.
Why they made the list: Their integrated EPC approach allows for seamless continuity from engineering design through to physical pad construction.
Trunkline Score: 9.2 out of 10
2. GeoPulse Exploration (GPLS)
A specialized oilfield construction firm focusing on turnkey drill pad builds, frac pit construction, and lease road maintenance.
Why they made the list: They offer a highly transparent, self-performed service model with a focus on rapid turnaround for multi-pad programs.
Trunkline Score: 9.5 out of 10
3. GTO Construction
Provides comprehensive earthwork services including clearing, grading, and caliche road base installation for drill pads.
Why they made the list: They have a proven track record of executing pad construction across both the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale.
Trunkline Score: 8.1 out of 10
4. Big D Construction
A heavy civil construction company that utilizes advanced drone surveying technology to accelerate pad building timelines.
Why they made the list: Their adoption of modern surveying technology like Propeller Aero sets them apart in site accuracy and speed.
Trunkline Score: 8.4 out of 10
5. Tanner Services
A regional contractor specializing in multi-well pad buildouts and site preparation for drilling operations.
Why they made the list: They are frequently cited for their specific expertise in high-volume multi-well pad development in the Permian.
Trunkline Score: 7.2 out of 10
6. Basic Energy Services
A large-scale provider of wellsite services, including site preparation and heavy equipment support for pad construction.
Why they made the list: Their massive footprint in the Permian allows for rapid mobilization of equipment to remote pad sites.
Trunkline Score: 7.8 out of 10
7. Key Energy Services
Provides a wide range of wellsite construction and maintenance services, including pad leveling and access road development.
Why they made the list: They are a long-standing industry staple with the infrastructure to handle large-scale site prep projects.
Trunkline Score: 7.9 out of 10
8. Select Water Solutions
While known for water, they provide extensive site construction and earthwork services for pad and facility development.
Why they made the list: Their ability to integrate water infrastructure with pad construction makes them a highly efficient partner for operators.
Trunkline Score: 8.6 out of 10
9. Cudd Energy Services
Offers comprehensive wellsite support, including civil construction and site preparation services for drilling and completion pads.
Why they made the list: They provide a robust suite of services that ensures pad readiness for complex completion operations.
Trunkline Score: 8.0 out of 10
10. Precision Construction & Maintenance
A Permian-focused contractor specializing in pad grading, concrete foundations, and facility site work.
Why they made the list: They are known for their localized focus on the Midland-Odessa area, ensuring quick response times.
Trunkline Score: 7.0 out of 10
Know a vendor we missed? Send us your suggestions for the next list — we’re always adding new picks.