Looking for a career that’s always in demand, offers daily home time, and a great work/life balance?
For CDL drivers who want to stay close to home and take advantage of steady pay and benefits, driving a ready mix truck can be the perfect solution.
Keep reading to find out what every trucker should know about this important job, from the specialized skills and experience necessary to the daily responsibilities and benefits.
What Does a Ready Mix Driver Do?
The primary job of a ready mix driver is to transport freshly mixed concrete from the batching plant to a construction site.
Sites can vary from residential homes to commercial buildings, but ready mix jobs are nearly always locally based, ensuring that most drivers are home every night.
Although demand usually remains strong year-round, especially near cities and metropolitan areas, mixer truck drivers are busiest in the summer, with work slowing down a bit in the winter and during patches of harsh weather.
What Are the Daily Responsibilities?
The day-to-day expectations of a ready mix concrete driver depend on the time of year and job type, but many aspects remain the same no matter the season.
Drivers must feel comfortable behind the wheel of a mixer truck, often driving in difficult locations such as narrow residential roads or tricky construction sites. This makes safety a top priority, especially when the mixer is full.
Operating the specific mixing equipment can be a challenge at first, but once a driver has mastered the techniques, the rewards are immediate. Ready mix drivers are usually paid by the hour, so increasing efficiency can have a great payoff.
Building relationships with local construction contractors is also an important part of the job, so proving your skill can result in steady work with contractors eager to rehire dependable and talented mixer operators.
Beyond operating the mixing drum, chute, and any additional equipment, ready mix drivers must also keep up frequent vehicle maintenance. This involves cleaning the mixer to avoid cement build up, which most drivers recommend doing between every load.
Dried cement build up can be considerably more difficult to remove, usually requiring a mix of chemical cleaners, scrapers, and pressure washing. Regular cleaning not only enhances the efficiency of the mixing process but also helps prevent potential issues such as blockages and mechanical failures.
Experience Necessary?
Like most trucking jobs, ready mix drivers are usually required to possess a CDL Class A or B, depending on the job requirements. Some employers will hire and train drivers without a license, while others might offer assistance to help drivers pay for the costs of driving school.
It also usually helps to have previous commercial driving experience, especially in similar roles such as tanker or liquid hauling.
The experience gained as a ready mix driver can also be a great career steppingstone. Employers across the transportation industry value and understand the hard work and specialized skills required to operate heavy machinery like a mixer truck, potentially opening the doors to various other opportunities.
Wondering what other truck driving jobs could be the right fit for your interests and experience? Then be sure to check more of our Driver Blog posts and follow us on social media for up-to-date information on the latest trends and opportunities in the trucking industry.
