What It Takes to Have a Career as a Dump Truck Driver

Dump truck drivers play a crucial role in the construction industry. They ensure that materials get from point A to point B. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get behind the wheel of a dump truck? Here at ReAgg, we explain what dump truck drivers do as well as what it takes to have a career as a dump truck driver. 

Dump Truck Driver Job Description 

First, it is important to understand what a dump truck driver does on a daily basis. The construction industry makes up the largest percentage of dump truck driver employment, as 33% of all dump truck drivers work in construction. However, dump truck drivers don’t just work in construction. Other industries that utilize dump truck drivers include manufacturing, retail, and transportation.  

Dump Truck Drivers employed by the construction industry typically haul materials such as crushed stone and aggregates, recycled concrete, sand and gravel, larger quarry stone, landscape products, and other materials. 

In addition to hauling materials, dump truck drivers must tend to their machines. Many construction companies require drivers to comply with all aspects of truck maintenance, cleanliness, and repair. This includes ensuring that their truck is up-to-date on all state inspections, as well as complying with state guidelines by performing daily pre- and post-trip inspections with appropriate documentation. Most construction companies have strict standards of interior cleanliness, so dump truck drivers are often responsible for keeping their cab in tip-top shape.  

Requirements for Becoming a Dump Truck Driver

There are no education level requirements for most dump truck driver positions. However, to operate a dump truck, drivers will need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). CDLs are required to operate any large commercial vehicle in the United States, but their requirements and what they allow may vary from state to state. 

There are two types of CDLs that allow drivers to operate dump trucks. CDL Class-A allows an individual to drive almost any vehicle (including 18-wheeler tractor-trailer units) as well as any truck and trailer combination, such as doubles, triples, or any trailer of more than 10,000 lbs. A CDL Class-B permits the operation of straight trucks such as 10 or 12-wheelers, as well as straight trucks of 26,000 lbs or more combined with a trailer of not more than 10,000 lbs. 

Obtaining a CDL is a more intensive process than obtaining your typical driver’s license. First, individuals must undergo a medical examination and submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate form, proving that they are healthy and capable of operating heavy machinery. Then, applicants must pass both a vision and knowledge test. After completion and passing of these two exams, drivers are issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CPL). The CPL allows a driver to practice operating a truck on public roads while a qualified CDL holder sits with them. It allows the CDL applicant to gain the necessary experience and confidence in operating a dump truck or other machinery. Once the driver feels ready, they may schedule their CDL road skills examination. All applicants must wait for a minimum of 14 days between obtaining their permit and taking the road skills exam. 

During the road skills exam, applicants must prove that they are capable of operating, taking care of, and maintaining their vehicle in addition to being able to operate it. A pre-trip inspection must be passed in order for the road skills examination to begin. 

To obtain a Class A or Class B license, which is necessary to operate a dump truck, individuals must complete all of the above as well as apply for and pass any necessary Class A or B endorsements such as double and triple trailers, air brakes, tankers, hazardous materials, and combination vehicles.

CDL applicants must bring their own vehicle for both their road skills and driving exams. While this may be a barrier for some individuals in obtaining  their CDL, there are resources available for individuals who are trying to get their CDL. There are many schools that help teach individuals the basics of driving large commercial vehicles and assist with loaned vehicles for testing. It is also important to note that if an individual is applying for a Class A or Class B license they need to bring a respective vehicle to the road skills testing. 

Soft Skills of Dump Truck Drivers 

In addition to holding a CDL and being able to perform necessary maintenance on their trucks, dump truck drivers must possess several soft skills. They need to be able to manage their time well, as they may have to run many different routes within a single day. In addition, they are often the ones interacting with clients, suppliers, and dispatch personnel each day. Therefore, they must be able to communicate well and work with many different people. Dump truck drivers also require the ability to think on their feet and react quickly. They are responsible for very heavy machinery and construction sites are hectic, so it is important that dump truck drivers are able to make decisions quickly when responding to a changing environment. 

Benefits of a Career as a Dump Truck Driver 

Although the path to becoming a certified dump truck driver may be extensive, it has many benefits. For those with previous driving experience, such as over-the-road truckers, it offers a welcome change by allowing drivers to work closer to home. It’s also a great way for rookies to break into the driving industry and gain experience on the road without having to travel far distances. 

Another benefit of a career as a dump truck driver is the pay. Dump truck drivers are paid by the hour or by the  load. Dump truck drivers make a competitive salary, with a median salary of $45,260 per year according to a 2019 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

In addition, a career as a dump truck driver guarantees strong job security. The unemployment rate of dump truck drivers has decreased every year since 2010, and currently dump truck drivers face an unemployment rate of 3.68%. This indicates that demand for this position is continuing to grow. 

Begin Your Career as a Dump Truck Driver With ReAgg

A career as a dump truck driver can be extremely rewarding. If you are looking for the chance to operate heavy machinery and interact with a variety of people, you may enjoy a career as a dump truck driver. At ReAgg, we’re currently looking to expand our fleet. If you currently have your CDL and have experience operating dump trucks, we’d love to hear from you! To submit an application, head to our Careers Page or send an email to employment@reagg.com . At ReAgg, we’re more than just stone – we may be your next career!

The United States is placing a priority on infrastructure growth. President Biden’s infrastructure bill could potentially add $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy over the next eight years. But, that increase in work may not be possible with the current shortage of workers. 

Many industries are facing a labor shortage, but construction has been hit especially hard. A majority of construction companies were having challenges finding skilled workers before the pandemic, and the issue has only been exacerbated by the events of the past year and a half. The construction sector lost more than one million jobs at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, construction job openings have increased by 12% from pre-pandemic levels. However, the sector is still down about 232,000 jobs from February 2020 according to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

No Shortage of Demand For Work 

A proposal for increased government spending on infrastructure isn’t the only strain the construction industry is facing. Demand for residential projects has surged since March of 2020. Low interest rates paired with a flight from large cities during the pandemic created a housing demand that builders couldn’t keep up with. Home builders weren’t the only ones feeling the heat: remodeling and other in-home updates saw a nearly 58% increase during 2021. 

While this increase in business may be welcome, especially in the face of an economic recession, companies are not able to keep up. According to a workplace survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk, nearly nine out of ten firms (88%) are experiencing project delays. 61% of these firms cite that workforce shortages are the cause of these delays. 

Where Are All The Workers? 

One of the challenges that the construction industry will face in the coming months is not only growing the labor pool but also replacing those who are retiring. Specialized infrastructure workers, who will be in high demand if the infrastructure bill is passed, are older than average. This raises concerns about workers retiring and leaving behind difficult-to-fill positions, especially as early retirement becomes more common. For instance, the median age of construction and building inspectors is 53 – 10.5 years older than the median age of all workers nationwide. This could be problematic, as the proportion of people age 55 and over who have retired has risen by two percentage points compared with before the pandemic, to 50%. The average retirement age in America has dropped rapidly over the past two years, and is expected to continue to fall, which could pose an issue for the construction industry. 

The emphasis on specialization is what has left many businesses in the construction industry with roles to fill. Some of the most in-demand positions require experience, significant training, or several certifications, things that the average job seeker may not have. In addition, there is a widespread misconception that construction careers are not rewarding or opportunistic. These two factors have contributed greatly to the lack of a construction workforce. 

Many experts feel that this labor shortage is a deep-rooted issue that is just now coming to light. In recent decades, the perception of vocational careers has often been inaccurate. With an increased push for students to attend four-year universities, there has been a dip in students pursuing the two-year vocational degrees that produce skilled labor. The fall of 2020 saw a 18% drop in enrollment to vocational programs. This lack of vocational students paired with an earlier retirement age has created a drought of skilled workers. 

Increased Wages, Benefits, and Bonuses: How the Industry is Appealing to Applicants

With these challenges, the construction industry has had to get generous with their offerings to workers — both new and old. Hourly wages have gone up 3.2% on average, and many companies are offering sign-on bonuses for new hires. In addition, many are turning to their current employees for recruitment, offering structured bonuses for any quality new hire brought on. Along with financial incentivization, many construction companies have worked to provide benefits that are more comprehensive and many are offering to fund training to help further develop the skills of their employees. 

The beginning of a construction project has many moving pieces that ultimately  impact the success of your job. One of these elements is selecting construction materials such as sand or gravel. While both sand and gravel come in different forms, each variation has its own strengths and weaknesses. The aggregate experts at ReAgg are here to explain the different types of sand and gravel as well as provide insight into which is best for your project. 

Understanding Sand & Gravel 

First, it is important to understand the composition of sand and gravel. Both sand and gravel are made of the same base material: sediment that has eroded off of larger rocks. The main difference between the two aggregates is the size. Sand consists of very fine rock fragments or mineral particles that range in diameter from about 1/16 mm to 2 mm. Gravel is larger, and is made up of chipped or rounded rock fragments that typically range in diameter from about 3 to 75 mm. 

Sand and gravel deposits come from river channels, river floodplains, and glacial deposits and are produced in all 50 U.S. states. Both materials are extremely versatile aggregates with many uses on construction sites. Construction sand and gravel is used in concrete, road construction, asphalt, construction fill, and in the production of materials such as block, brick, and pipe. Sand can also be used for water filtration as well  as landscape material,  in the construction of driveways, and parking lots.

With all of these potential uses, it is important to understand the different types of sand and gravel to help determine which ones will be most beneficial for your project. 

Selecting the Proper Sand 

Not all sand is created equal. At ReAgg, we offer several different kinds of sand, all with their own unique properties. 

Concrete Sand 

Concrete sand is the standard aggregate that is blended with cement and water to create concrete. Because of the ease in which contractors can adjust the ratio of the mix, cement can take on a variety of forms depending on the project’s specific needs. 

Concrete sand is coarser than other types of sand, and is made of rocks such as gneiss, granite, and limestone. The larger particles form strong bonds once the concrete dries, providing a smoother finish than other larger aggregates would. 

While the most common use of concrete sand is for concrete or asphalt mixtures, it can be a very adaptable aggregate. Concrete sand can also be used to level out uneven ground, increase traction on icy roads, and act as topdressing for sod and grass. On construction sites, concrete sand can be used for pipe bedding or paver bases, and its size and texture make it ideal for holding pipes, septic tanks, and stones in place while providing adequate drainage. If your project requires utility work or the creation of concrete mixes, concrete sand is a good choice for you. 

Masonry Sand 

The finest and most versatile sand is masonry sand. Masonry sand is smooth, fine, and clean, and its smaller grains make it more common in projects that require a more visually appealing aesthetic. Masonry sand is the perfect material to fill in gaps and joints between pavers and popular for infill purposes.

In addition, masonry sand is also popular in less construction-related projects such as sand volleyball courts, sand boxes, bases for swimming pools, and footing for horse arenas. Whether you’re laying bricks or adding a new volleyball court to an apartment complex, masonry sand can be essential on your job site. 

Thermal Sand 

Thermal sand is typically used in projects with underground electrical needs. The insulative properties of thermal sand help to improve underground electrical performance. Electrical cables are conductors. As power is drawn through the cables, a large amount of heat is generated. The insulative properties of thermal sand help to absorb this heat and ensure that the cables do not overheat. If your project has any underground power lines, thermal sand is essential. 

Selecting the Proper Gravel 

Gravel comes in different sizes and each size is optimal for a different application. 

Pea Gravel 

Pea gravel is a clean stone mix that is extremely versatile. The smooth, smaller stones have an appealing texture and look, and are optimal for projects that need a softer look. Pea Gravel is often mixed into concrete to create exposed aggregate. In addition, the gravel can also be used as backfill for drainage runs and underground storage tanks. As the choice material for most landscapers, pea gravel is used as a low-maintenance ground cover, in patio mix, and as a stately driveway material. 

Washed Gravel 

Washed gravel has the same soft, rounded properties as pea gravel. However, washed gravel is larger than pea gravel. Washed gravel provides a high-end, custom look and differs in appearance from the sharp, jagged pieces of crushed gravel. 

Gravel becomes “washed” when it has been thoroughly rinsed and screened to remove all dirt and debris.  Once complete, washed gravel produces a sheen which landscapers favor. Washed gravel also has natural drainage properties due to its weight and impenetrable surface and often a popular choice for walkways. If your project requires landscaping, washed gravel is a great, low-maintenance option. 

Bank Run Gravel 

Bank run gravel is composed of the sediment found in  riverbanks, including dirt, stones, and minerals. Because bank run gravel is composed of smaller sediments, it is not suitable for high-traffic projects. However, there are many benefits to using bank run gravel in your project. Loose, less traveled roads such as driveways are often constructed with bank run gravel. Because bank run gravel is more compact in nature, debris does not travel through the air as easily, creating a clean experience for those traveling on the road. In addition, bank run gravel can be used to backfill water and other utility lines. It is also a popular choice for base filler material. 

Consult with the Aggregate Experts at ReAgg

If you’re beginning a project and are wondering which sand or gravel is right for your needs, let the team at ReAgg help. Our qualified experts will work with you to determine your project’s needs and potential pain points to help select the best aggregate materials. We’ll be there for every step of your project, from material selection to coordinating delivery times. See why we’re more than just stone. Call today for a quote.

Crushed stone is one of the most common and versatile types of aggregate products, and has proven to be useful in projects from major construction to landscape beautification. Here, the aggregate experts at ReAgg give more detail on six types of projects in which crushed stone plays an essential role. 

What is crushed stone? 

Crushed Stone is an aggregate term that refers to the product created when large rocks are broken down by machines into smaller, angular pieces.  While the term “gravel” is sometimes mistakenly used when referring to crushed stone, the two products are quite different. Gravel is created naturally by weathering and erosion, giving it a rounder shape while crushed stone is more angular in shape (as a result of the manufacturing process) and therefore more compatible.

Projects That Require Crushed Stone 

Crushed stone is a major player in most projects. In fact, we bet you interact with crushed stone every day. Below are six common projects that require crushed stone.

Landscaping 

Crushed stone is a landscaper’s secret weapon, as it can be used in infinite ways to create beautiful commercial or home landscaping. Garden pathways, rock walls, water features, fire pits and steps can all be created from varying sizes of crushed stone. In addition, mulch and grass can even be replaced by crushed stone to achieve a  low-maintenance and trendy landscape. 

Railroads 

The use of crushed stone on railroads (a type of ballast) is a bit of an engineering marvel.  It’s elongated, angular properties allow the stone to interlock, thereby creating a tough, load-bearing foundation to support the weight of the trains. Technically classified as a “loose graded aggregate,” (meaning it has no fines) this type of crushed stone allows water to easily pass for drainage. It also prevents weeds and grass from overgrowing onto the track. 

Highways

Crushed stone is utilized as the base for most highways. The consistently angular and strong structure of the stone provides the immense amount of stability needed in highway construction.  In fact, a two-lane highway utilizes roughly 25,000 tons of crushed stone for every mile. Thanks to crushed stone, we are able to get from point A to point B on safe and smooth roadways. 

Drainage 

Crushed stone is the “drainage” medium of choice from residential yards to construction sites for two reasons. First, it is a loosely graded aggregate (with no fines) allowing water to easily pass through and second, it is a load-bearing, hard material that won’t break down when subjected to repeated contact with water. 

Shoreline Protection 

Crushed stone plays an important role in protecting our coastlines. Many banks along rivers, bays, and lakes use large amounts of crushed stone, particularly if a home or business is nearby. Crushed stone can be used to help prevent shoreline erosion. Installing a combination of smaller crushed stone and rip-rap (a larger crushed stone), helps to diminish problems like sinkholes, invasive plant species, and rapid shoreline erosion, allowing home and business owners to enjoy their water-front properties. 

Agriculture 

Believe it or not, crushed stone is a key player in the agriculture industry – specifically poultry. Chickens do not have teeth and often rely on poultry grit to help digest their food. Farmers will provide their chickens with a bowl of small rocks, often granite, which allows them to break down their food and more easily absorb nutrients. 

Crushed Stone: Many Uses, All Important 

The impacts of crushed stone can be seen all around us. When you drive on a road, enjoy eggs for breakfast, or use any product that was shipped by freight, you are benefiting from crushed stone. While it may be “just rocks,” crushed stone helps to drive our world every day. 

We’re More Than Just Stone: Get Complete Support on Your Next Project with ReAgg

With decades of experience, the experts at ReAgg can assist with the crushed stone requirements on your next project. From guidance on which material is best for your project to the logistics of delivery, our team will be there every step of the way. To learn more about crushed stone and how the team at ReAgg can help, call (301)-336-6700. 

 

Recycled aggregates are commonly used in the construction industry. They perform very well in a multitude of uses.

Recycled Aggregate in Construction

Recycled aggregate is made up of crushed cement, asphalt, and granite. When a building is torn down or demolished, aggregate materials are collected from the waste, left behind at the demolition site. The resulting recycled aggregate can then be reused in projects, such as railroad track ballast, road surfacing, road construction, water filtration, and pipe bedding.

Supports The Environment

It’s an environmentally sound move to use the recycled materials in construction, and infrastructure. Additionally, it minimizes the waste that would otherwise return into the landfill. The crushed aggregate contains cement and granite.

It is screened and broken down into different sizes of stone. At our Capitol Heights crushed aggregate suppliers, we offer on-site and delivery of products and equipment. We will crush and screen the recycled aggregate for the construction project. The process takes place on-site or at our facility.

Components of Aggregate

Aggregate can be a compound of different materials. This includes granite aggregate, gravel aggravate, limestone aggregate, slag aggregate, and also what is known as secondary aggregate.

Secondary aggregate is a mixture of three components gathered from the construction site. It’s made up of concrete, asphalt, and brick. It is the least costly. Slag aggregate from slag concretes is generally about 20-30% lower in cost.

The limestone, granite and gravel aggregates are the three commonly used aggregates for road construction. Granite aggregates are costlier than the gravel type.

For more information, please contact our office of Capitol Heights crushed aggregate suppliers.

Recycled aggregates can be utilized in many ways to use previously unused materials, mainly as a filler when in the process of making concrete. Other primary uses include road base when crushed and recycled, as well as on road surfaces, and as asphalt-concrete.

The recycled aggregate is made by crushing concrete and asphalt, as well as raw materials such as hard rock, other aggregates, and sedimentary rock minerals which have been unused in other projects to reclaim the aggregates contained within. This process ensures that no construction materials are going to waste and is carefully carried out in three separate steps to ensure only the best quality materials are recycled.

Step One: The Primary Crushing Stage

Raw materials and stone rubble are sent to a processing plant, through a charging hopper attached to a feeder, and fed into the main crusher and crushed down into average-sized pieces.

Step Two: The Secondary Crushing Stage

Once the materials have been initially crushed down into smaller pieces, it’s fed by a conveyer belt into the secondary crusher and crushed down into even smaller pieces.

Final Step: Screening

Once all materials have been through the crushers, it is fed through a screen that has openings of many varying sizes. Each size is then sorted and separated into its own grouping.

REAGG is a major crushed stone materials supplier. We do our own onsite concrete crushing, and we take pride in producing and delivering natural crushed stone products and can customize gradation to your specifications.