The Dispatch Process

We believe that dispatching a fleet of ready mixed concrete trucks is one of the most challenging tasks in the ready mixed concrete industry. In order to improve our customer service, we have installed global positioning system (GPS) sensors in our ready mixed concrete trucks and implemented the use of a fleet management software program. Through the use of our GPS we no longer use checkpoints for truck status since we know the location of our trucks at all times. The GPS and fleet management programs are not currently

integrated, however, we envision that ultimately they will be.

Our order entry, dispatch and production personnel review the orders for the following day prior to the close of business of the current day. Orders are reviewed for accuracy; drivers are instructed when to report for work; Technical Services personnel are scheduled based on mixes and projects; and the equipment is cleaned, fueled and checked.

At the end of the day, the deliver records are compiled and provided to the divisional operations manager to quantify our on-time delivery record that facilitates improvement.

10.4. Batch Instructions

Once the order is entered and the delivery schedule determined, batch instructions are initiated for the concrete. A Delivery Ticket is electronically forwarded from the dispatch computer to the batch computer (process known as “ticketing a truck”). Delivery Tickets are received at the batch plant in the order to be batched and include the truck number of the truck to be loaded. The concrete batching process is further defined in Section 11, Concrete Production.

10.5. Recordkeeping

Order entry and dispatch records are maintained in the dispatch office by the order entry/dispatch personnel. The Checklists are filed daily in chronological order and the electronic records are filed electronically. The electronic records are backed up daily. Order

Page 10-3 Date: Apr 07 entry and dispatch records are retained for a period of 7 years in accordance with the RMCCO record retention requirements.

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11. Concrete Production

11.1. General

Global Ready Mixed Concrete has the processes in place to monitor and control the

production of our ready mixed concrete. The equipment we use for the production and control of our concrete is described in Section 6. Facilities, Plant(s), and Equipment. The component materials for the production of our concrete are received, tested, and stored (stockpiled) in accordance with the procedures described in Section 7. Materials Management.

11.2. Production Planning

Production planning is an on-going activity. Prior to each production day, we develop a plan for theallocation of resources. Component material inventories are reviewed and material deliveries are scheduled. Special material requirements for unique applications may require us to place orders months in advance.

Each evening our drivers are instructed of the time to report to work the following day. Drivers’ hours are regularly monitored during the work week to avoid fatigue and to insure that we operate in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Scheduled maintenance of our ready mixed concrete trucks and plant equipment is anticipated to minimize the impact on our production. Preventive maintenance is a critical function of our plant operations. Ready mixed concrete trucks are washed, fueled, and checked at the end of each day (pre-trip inspection) and are ready to go, after a quick walk- around, the first thing each morning.

Daily planning is normally coordinated between production, dispatch and Technical Services personnel and communicated to the respective individuals through dispatch. Preliminary planning includes assigning Technical Services personnel, plant and/or project

responsibilities prior to the day of production. Production planning continues throughout each day since change is inevitable.

11.3. Concrete Production

Prior to batching the first load of concrete each day, component materials are loaded into the plant; trucks are positioned for loading; and instructions are communicated to the concrete batch personnel. Once a day the Plant Manager, or delegate, performs a walk through inspection of the concrete plant.

Delivery tickets electronically communicate orders to the batch computer as discussed in Section 10, Order Processing and Dispatch Procedures.

Once the batch instructions are received, the batch operator instructs the designated truck to pull into the hole (under the plant for loading). Once the truck is properly positioned for

loading, the batch operator initiates the computerized loading process of component materials into the central mixer or mixer truck receiving hopper and the:

Example Quality Manual NRMCA Guideline

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x cement and supplementary cementitious materials are gravity fed or transferred by screw conveyor into the weigh batcher and subsequently discharged;

x water is weighed and discharged (all Global Ready Mixed plants have weighed, not metered, water); and

x concrete admixtures are introduced.

The component materials batching sequence is optimized, based on experience, to ensure batch uniformity following mixing. All of our plants are equipped with batch computers and our batch and dispatch software programs are integrated.

During the loading process, the driver remains with the truck and fills the truck mounted water tank (if necessary). In keeping with our water conservation procedures, all nozzles for water tank filling are equipped with automatic shut-offs. Once the truck is loaded, the delivery ticket is forwarded to the driver. Special requests are highlighted on the ticket and the driver

reviews the directions. If additional items (expansion material, curing compound, etc.) are to be delivered to the jobsite, the driver will receive a verbal confirmation of the request from dispatch.

Once the driver understands the directions and has collected any additional items necessary, the truck proceeds to the designated slump rack. The concrete is mixed (at dry batch plants), the truck is rinsed and the concrete slump and consistency are observed. Minor adjustments to the concrete may be made by qualified drivers and significant adjustments require

Technical Services personnel. Drivers are required to install chute or rock guards prior to leaving the yard.

Specialty concrete may require additional loading procedures at the plant or on the jobsite. Examples include adding steel fibers or color, or introducing liquid nitrogen for concrete cooling.