1. Load the truck using at least three drops.

2. Cover the load as required to maintain mix temperature and reduce emissions during transport.

3. Drive safely to the paving site. Avoid delays. Move into position ahead of the paving train.

4. Prepare to “break the load” and unload the mix.

5. Back the truck into position and align it with the material transfer vehicle, paver or windrow. Be sure not to bump into push rollers.

6. As the paver or material transfer vehicle moves forward and makes contact with the truck or trailer tires, open the tailgate and discharge the mix. Follow instructions from the dump person, paver operator or material transfer vehicle operator. When discharging into a windrow, follow instructions from the dump person.

7. After discharging the mix, pull away from the material transfer vehicle, paver or windrow.

8. Move to the assigned cleanout are to remove mix residue from the truck bed or tailgate.

9. Return to the plant for the next load of hot mix.

It’s a simple process indeed, but one clearly fraught with challenges along the way. And, by stating the process clearly, the recognition of the important role truck drivers play in the paving operation is an appropriate way to head off those challenges . . . before everyone starts yelling!