Ready mix

Good evening folks,
As some of you might know me and others may not I'll give a small introduction, I used to drive for Werner on dollar general (yes I know it was a stupid idea) anyway I finally got away from that and did some local work for a guy on a temporary basis for some big construction jobs. Anyway I learned about dump trucks, concrete pumps and heavy equipment just the basics. I couldn't operate a concrete boom without more training. Anyway I have applied with the local ready mix companies in my area. I never really learned much about the ready mix trucks as I was busy trying to learn the rest of everything I was supposed to learn. I have a few questions for you guys that run ready mix. 1.) how long does it take an average guy to learn how to lay mud and operate the truck safely and efficiently.
2.)what's the avaerage pay? I had a guy ask me what I wanted pay wise. I'm not sure what they average for this position and I don't wanna low ball myself or give a number that's too high. I understand most places would make a counter offer but I don't wanna lowball myself. I'm in the Jacksonville fl area if that helps. 3.) I'm willing to work any hours but what do y'all average. And if someone is willing to help me understand technical jargon I would appreciate it. Thanks guys

 

I might be able to help. I ran a mixer in Tahoe and in Colorado Springs for about 2 years.

The truck is easy to run but being able to back into a lot of places and pour while driving takes practice. You could probably be fairly proficient within a month or two. Getting to understand the slump and how much water to add takes awhile. The mud sounds a certain way and looks a certain way and each contractor wants it perfect or sometimes you get the weekend warrior who has no clue about anything and you end up directing the show.

Average pay could be between $14- $22 depending on your location. Id ask for at least $18, not having experience holds you back from higher pay. Ready mix companies will hire anyone, many new hires dont last so finding jobs is usually not a problem. Long hours, hard work. Summers are good, weather dictates everything. You can't pour in the rain, I have done jobs that were destroyed due to rain or snow. Can be dangerous if you dont pay attention to whats going on around you. Average 4-6 jobs/loads per day and around 10-14 hour days are the norm.

I'll personally never do concrete again.

 

There is money to be made as long as you get the different slumps.

 

Yep did plenty 90 hour weeks and a lot less due to It being so seasonal

 

Yeah I think you work and save in the summer to survive the winter. One winter I was so broke I started delivering for Dominos until things started up again.

 

Down here we only see winter on the news or this forum.

 

Hope you like getting yelled at

 

I know I do , thats why I have a wife

 

Yes this is true, I had a guy throw his hard hat at my truck while he was yelling. He was being an a hole and yelling about how I needed to pour faster so I spun that drum and dropped 3 yards of concrete right at his feet. Then I drove off to go clean my chutes. He was pissed, they had to use wheel barrows and move all that mud by hand.

 

I hated curbs