Category: Workforce
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Establish Your Path to Become Your Best
The RMC industry operates under a broad set of circumstances which has manifested itself in one of the most dynamic logistical environments on the planet. One phone call can derail everything, “the perfect plan,” that was so meticulously crafted by the ready-mix scheduler the evening before, can evaporate in a second. RMC producers control only a portion of their daily operations, and outside forces generally control the day, putting producers in a seemingly constant reactive state of “controlled chaos.” As the day progresses, static schedules become dynamic in the sense that orders are added, canceled, and updated frequently.…
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Leveraging Technology and Research to Recruit, Train and Retain the Industry Workforce of the Future
Contributed by Julie Garbini, Concrete Advancement Foundation Workforce shortages in the concrete and construction industries are hardly new. However, what is new is the unprecedented level of vacancies (especially for drivers), competition with a growing gig economy, and “the great resignation” that has plagued the industry, and U.S. economy in general, in recent years. The…
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Efficiency Opportunities from within an International Trucking Shortage
Across the trucking industry, driver wages have climbed higher than they’ve ever been. But will that be enough to earn the interest and trust of the next generation entering the workforce? Truckload carriers in every part of the US (and many overseas) are paying drivers more in hopes of offsetting a blistering worker shortage. According…
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Our UX Designer Has Two Quick Questions
Dylan Cohen, Principal UX Designer 1. What is the job that this person needs to do? 2. How can I make that job as efficient as possible? Designing simple, accessible, and enjoyable user experiences takes diligence. And at Command Alkon, we start this thorough process by answering these two questions. As a Principal UX Designer…
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Concrete Production’s Newest Recruitment X Factor
Now making their way across industries of all kinds, AI-powered solutions are revealing new levels of efficiency with faster throughput, enhanced accuracy, waste reduction, and more. While operational business strategies rapidly develop alongside this new technology, many employers are leveraging these same solutions as motivation for their teams. In an ongoing survey conducted by Gallup,…
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Embracing New Tech in Heavy Building Materials: Justifying the ROI
Hey folks — after 30 years in the heavy building materials business, I’ve seen this industry evolve from basic plants to today’s high-tech operations delivering precision products. I’m as fired up about heavy building materials as ever, and I’m thrilled to share how new technologies can take our businesses to the next level. Investing in…
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Leadership in the Age of AI
➡️ The Conveyor Fall Edition 2025 Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract idea—it’s becoming part of the everyday fabric of our industry. From the quarry to the batch plant to the dispatch office, AI has the potential to streamline operations, improve safety, and enhance service. But here’s the truth: technology alone doesn’t change anything. People do. That means the most important…
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How Batch Plant Operators Have More Control Than Ever
I’ve been in your shoes, and I can tell you this with certainty: batch operators who embrace these changes will become some of the most valued professionals in construction. You’re not just making concrete—you’re orchestrating a sophisticated process that builds our world. Your role is evolving from running a plant to being a key decision-maker…
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Rethinking Driver Retention in Ready Mix
If you’ve been in the ready-mix business for any length of time, you already know the truth: mixer drivers are the heartbeat of our industry. Without them, the concrete doesn’t move. At the same time, finding and keeping great drivers is harder than ever. The labor pool is shrinking, the demand for CDL talent is…
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Onboarding Methods to Prepare New Managers & Executives for Success
Last month, we talked about employee onboarding and how a great first year can shape someone’s entire experience inside a business. This month, we’re zooming in on a group whose onboarding experience often doesn’t get enough attention – managers and executives. When you bring a new leader into the mix (or promote one), you’re not…