Mixer Drivers

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by fireman5523, May 30, 2013.

  1. dfaf

    dfaf Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2013
    California
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    I appreciate the replies to my questions. Great insights into what it's like running these trucks.

    So I just got back from an interview, I wasn't aware they were Union when I applied or I would have asked some questions about it here. After hearing what they pay per hour... well lets just say that it'll more than make up for what I'm making running OTR, assuming they keep me busy. I'm still not sure if I'll take the job, for one thing its seasonal and slows down or stops in the winter, can get rained/snowed out... It seemed as if I'll be on call and if I got gist of it that means I'll be the lowest on a list of drivers with more seniority than myself (but for my area it's a short list, so it's got that going for it). Anyone chime on this?

    Overall it's very encouraging to know that I got a response, from what appears to be a decent company, with only 7 months of truck driving experience. Hell I wasn't really expecting to hear from them.
     
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  3. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Winters can be harsh, but that's what unemployment is for. Draw a check while I sit at home? Yes sir!
    As far as being the low man on the todem pole, it's not too bad. It just means you won't get the best truck on the yard.
    I love driving a mixer, its always a new challenge. Best of luck, and keep us posted.
     
  4. Mattnatti

    Mattnatti Light Load Member

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    Jul 10, 2014
    Cincinnati, Ohio
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    I have worked around many mud trucks over the years and have seen some very skilled drivers. Then I have seen some real jamokes too, for example...........



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    Couldn't believe my eyes as I sat there and watched him drive that truck to that position. It took two heavy wreckers and rigging to stabilize and extract it without flopping it.
     
  5. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    One thing I learned quick was how to say "no." It'll be a whole lot cheaper to get a pump then to buy a new mixer truck.
     
  6. nj diesel

    nj diesel Bobtail Member

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    Apr 22, 2012
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    It also means you could get stuck every night waiting around for "balances" or "clean up" loads. Never bothered me as I sucked up every hour of OT that was available. I drove a mixer for 20 years for 3 different companies and worked my way up to #3 driver at each one. Then went into concrete dispatching for 15 years now I'm finishing out on a tri-axle dump. This is the best job so far, not as much money as a mixer but no BS from customers, no muddy ungraded jobsites, no worries about rolling over off the road, no wet or rejected loads and even if the engine falls out of my dump truck it doesn't matter if it doesn't get running for 6 months, the load will still come right out !!!
     
  7. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Ha! Guess you're right about that, never seen a load set up on a dump truck!
     
  8. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Had a big job the other day. They say they want the mud a 5 inch slump. I get there between 4.5-5. Inspector takes a sample, then comes and tells me I have an 8 inch slump. What an idiot! If it had been an 8 I would've left a trail of concrete all the way from the plant. I told him if he thought that was an 8 then he must think his ##### a foot long too. You do realize you're supposed to measure from the top down, right?
     
    RockinChair Thanks this.
  9. dfaf

    dfaf Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2013
    California
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    Welp, guess I'm a mixer driver now, or at least a trainee. Just got through my first day, my trainer was cool as hell, kind of a hot shot, been driving for 20 years+. I rode along on 3 pours, he let me drive in around the yard a bit, got learn the loading/wash out procedures, and I by the end of the day I was starting to get a feel for how the trucks handle. To be honest, I feel like I'm back in school, but at least this school pays well. Made over $200 today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
     
  10. dfaf

    dfaf Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2013
    California
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  11. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Welcome to the family dfaf! Mixer drivers are much more than truck drivers (no offense) it takes a special kind of person to put 70,000 lbs in some of the places we go! Learn all you can in training, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!
     
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