As one of the world’s most widely used building materials, concrete is in high demand for construction projects large and small. Concrete is one of the largest industries in the building and construction industry, with over 30 billion tons used worldwide each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and created concrete shortages, leading to delays and increased costs for construction companies. With the world’s population expected to continue growing, demand for new buildings and infrastructure will only increase, putting even more strain on an already strained industry.
CONCRETE SHORTAGE IMPACT
Concrete is one of the most common materials used worldwide and is used in most structures due to its durability, reliability, and versatility. It makes sense; the material has a long list of benefits that have made it a valuable and needed part of any construction project. The widespread use of concrete has created a large job market in the United States, accounting for more than two million jobs.
The pandemic has heavily impacted the construction industry’s current state in recent years. With many projects being delayed or put on hold, the need for cement has decreased significantly. However, as construction companies begin to pick up the pace again, the demand for cement is expected to rise. This perfect combination of factors has created other significant delays in the construction industry, making it difficult for companies to keep up.
Concrete and cement shortages have impacted projects around the world. While in the case of other shortages, most contractors could provide an alternative, the low supply of concrete cannot be counteracted. So, when it comes to ways to help lower the costs associated with the delays caused by the shortage other avenues to resolve the situation must be addressed. Expert suggestions include keeping an eye on fluctuating prices and implementing other steps to protect their projects and company reputation. In times like these, it is more important than ever to use reliable tools like concrete mixer and pump trucks to help maintain timely transportation, keep jobs moving and projects on schedule.
TOOLS DESIGNED TO HELP
As concrete is a necessary part of any construction project, so are concrete mixers and concrete pump trucks. These are essential for transporting and distributing concrete across the site. To fit these needs, project managers and crews need reliable tools built to perform their tasks with custom-engineered severe-duty trucks. In addition, these high-quality, custom-built concrete pump and mixer trucks are essential for commercial contractors who are constructing projects requiring large amounts of concrete.
When a project finally receives the needed amount of concrete to begin the structural portion, it is more important than ever that the tool is efficient in its tasks. Concrete mixer trucks are some of the most reliable methods of transport for the material to arrive on the site ready for mixing and eventually pumping across the area. The role of these trucks is to help provide reliable transportation by providing the maximum amount uptime, so operators arrive at the site on time and ready to work, helping to keep the project on schedule.
RELIABLE, EFFICIENT TOOL
With three models of chassis to fit the needs of each mixer and pump, Autocar LLC’s uniquely engineered trucks provide a workhorse designed to last and help fulfill the needs of construction crews during tough times. These custom-built vocational trucks are manufactured to keep customers in mind by implementing features that help operators perform their tasks and last. These features include:
Ease of maintenance and telematics: Maximum uptime is the goal when designing a truck made to be a durable and reliable workhorse. Autocar’s trucks are designed for ease of maintenance with removable panels and convenient access to the engine bay. In addition, the telematics and Smart Display integration helps operators keep track of their trucks and any issues that may arise, with the added help of direct factory support.
Strength and durability: A tough truck is needed to handle the construction industry with a custom and purpose-built design fit to the needs of each customer. Custom-engineering helps to ensure the truck can handle the weight of the boom pump or mixer while traveling to and from the construction site. Chassis available for the vocation also have optimal and industry-leading frame strength where and when it is needed most to handle any challenges thrown its way.
Visibility: Construction sites are full of workers focused on completing their tasks. In addition to rough terrains, visibility is an important consideration for original equipment manufacturers. Autocar’s chassis is designed to provide high visibility for operators working on construction sites with curved windows, high visibility, and unique a-pillars.
Downtime is a primary concern for operators when considering the amount of time it takes to complete a project. The second materials arrive at the site, the concrete trucks must be ready to work. However, experiencing an extended downtime creates an opportunity for more delays as the often-lengthy repair process begins. At Autocar, customers experience its unique Always Up Service with direct access to Autocar technicians familiar with the vehicles, offering quick repairs. Onboard diagnostics systems help keep things running smoothly by tracking the need for maintenance and repairs. Direct factory support can then utilize the processed information to step in to perform service and repair necessary to get the vehicle back up and running.
CLOSING THOUGHT
The construction industry plays a vital role in our economy, so it’s essential to use reliable tools and equipment to get the job done. That’s why concrete trucks are necessary for any construction project. Working with a reliable concrete truck company ensures that your project will run smoothly and efficiently.
For More Information:
Glenn Pochocki is director of concrete pump sales, Autocar, LLC, a manufacturer of severe-duty vocational trucks carrying the first specialized truck brand in North America, is the only American-owned and operated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of trucks. For more, visit www.autocartruck.com.
Modern Contractor Solutions, September 2022
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