Who Pays for Accommodation and Transport in a Manpower Contract?
Accommodation and daily transport are often the lines that make two manpower quotations impossible to compare. The usual arrangements in Saudi Arabia, what changes the cost, and what to state in the RFQ.
It depends on what the contract says, so it has to be agreed in writing. On many projects the client already has accommodation and site transport and the supplier provides workers only; on others the supplier arranges them as separate, priced lines. At Gulf Orbit, accommodation and transport are quoted on request, so state in the RFQ which you need.
Key takeaways
- There is no default: accommodation and transport are whatever the quotation and contract say.
- Ask for them as separate lines, so worker rates can be compared across suppliers.
- Distance, shift pattern, crew size and site rules are what change the transport cost.
- State in the RFQ what your project already provides: beds, buses, gate parking, meal arrangements.
- At Gulf Orbit both are quoted on request; ask for them as separate lines.
Why this line causes most quotation disputes
Two quotations for the same crew can differ by a large margin simply because one includes accommodation and transport and the other does not, or because one assumes the client's camp and buses. If the RFQ is silent, each supplier fills the gap with its own assumption, and the cheapest-looking quotation may be the one that left them out. The fix is simple: say what your project provides, and ask for anything else as a separate line. For how the rest of a quotation is built, see how manpower supply is priced in Saudi Arabia.
The usual arrangements
Most Saudi projects use one of three arrangements, or a mix of them by crew.
| Arrangement | Who provides it | Typical on | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client-provided | The client or main contractor: existing camp beds and site buses | Large plant sites and projects with their own camp | Bed availability on the start date, bus schedule, any per-head charge back |
| Supplier-arranged, quoted separately | The supplier, as separate priced lines | Projects without a camp, or crews away from their base | Location and standard of housing, transport schedule, what happens if the shift changes |
| Workers commute | Neither, beyond the worker's own arrangements | Small local crews near their base | Who covers travel time to the gate, and parking or pick-up rules at the site |
What changes the cost
When accommodation and transport are quoted, these are the factors that move the number.
- Distance between housing and the site gate, and the travel time inside the plant.
- Shift pattern: two shifts usually mean two bus runs at each shift change.
- Crew size and how it changes: a crew that ramps up and down needs flexible beds and seats.
- Site rules: some plants only allow approved vehicles, drivers or pick-up points.
- Remote or cross-country sites, where housing near the site may be limited.
- Duration: a short outage and a long maintenance contract are priced differently.
What to put in the RFQ
A few lines in the RFQ remove most of the guesswork.
- Whether your project provides accommodation, and from what date.
- Whether site transport is provided, and the pick-up point and times.
- The shift pattern and shift-change times.
- Any site rules on vehicles, drivers or gate parking.
- Who arranges meals, if your project has a canteen or meal arrangement.
- Whether you want accommodation and transport quoted, and as separate lines.
How Gulf Orbit quotes it
Accommodation and transport are quoted on request, and you can ask for them as separate lines so the worker rates stay comparable. Complete RFQs get a response within 24 hours: a priced quotation, or an acknowledgement with any questions needed to price it. In-Kingdom personnel mobilize 48–72 hours from purchase order, subject to worker documents and site approvals; settling accommodation and transport before the PO keeps them out of that window. For the overall process, see the manpower supply buyer's guide, or send your RFQ with these details included.
Frequently asked questions
Is accommodation included in a manpower supply rate?
Not by default. It depends on the quotation and contract. At Gulf Orbit, accommodation and transport are quoted on request; you can ask for them as separate lines.
Who usually provides transport to site?
On large plant sites the client or main contractor often runs its own buses. Elsewhere the supplier may arrange transport as a separate quoted line. State which applies in the RFQ.
Why do two manpower quotations differ so much for the same crew?
Often because one includes accommodation and transport and the other does not, or assumes the client provides them. Asking for these as separate lines makes quotations comparable.
Does a night shift change the transport cost?
Usually yes. Two shifts normally mean transport at each shift change, so share the shift pattern and change times in the RFQ.