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NATIONWIDE DEALER NETWORK sealmaster.net 800-395-7325

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GENCOR, A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

At Gencor®, we’ve led the industry with the most fuel-efficient, environmentally clean and lowest-maintenance design available to the hot mix industry. Gencor Industries remains focused on proactively serving and satisfying its customers from all aspects. Through improved cost-effectiveness, and quality of its products and services, Gencor’s personnel are dedicated to the principle of providing the highest quality to the industry to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage for Gencor®.

One Company. One Source. One Solution Call 407-290-6000 or visit www.gencor.com

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INDUSTRIES INC.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2026

COVER STORY Material Transfer Vehicles: What a California Contractor Learned Coming Back From the Brink Vance Corporation once had to run its office out of a spare bedroom. Last year it did $50 million, and the Shuttle Buggy played a central part. | 18 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

PRODUCTION GAINS

12 Using Intelligent Compaction Data as a Quality-Control Shield How advanced IC technology provides the data to prove the integrity of the work.

16 Keeping One of North Carolina’s Busiest Beach Routes Moving How one contractor navigated a compressed schedule, seasonal traffic and complex logistics to rehabilitate U.S. 74.

opportunities for asphalt plant operators and paving crews.

FACE OF THE INDUSTRY

Cindy Powell from Verde Resources reflects on her 20-year asphalt career.

CONTRACTOR WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT

CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST

ASPHALT ASPHALT

OCTOBER 2026 Vol. 40 No.8

CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

Published by IRONMARKETS

Asphalt

Asphalt CONTRACTOR

CONTRACTOR

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS 201 N. Main Street Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, WIFOR 53538 LATEST PROFESSIONALS (800) 538-5544 • WWW.IRON.MARKETS www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

18 Asphalt Contractor’s 34 Where Preservation Industry Training Dollars Buy The Guide 2026-2027 Most Safety Key educational

30 From Barbecue to Blacktop: A Journey Through Asphalt

WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT

The takeaway for a preservation program is which one buys more safety and where to spend it first.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Editor’s Perspective

In d p h f

O la o

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40 Last Exit

Published and copyrighted 2026 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Asphalt Contractor (ISSN 1055-9205, USPS 0020-688): is published ten times per year: January, February/March, April, May, June/July, August, September, October, November, December by IRONMARKETS, 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to ASPHALT CONTRACTOR, 201 N. Main St. Ste. 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Printed in the U.S.A. SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge only in the USA. The Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualifying subscribers. One-year subscription to nonqualifying individuals: U.S. $45.00, Canada & Mexico $65.00, and $95.00 all other countries (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International).

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SPECIAL REPORT

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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fety rst.

BLAW-KNOX UNIVERSITY PAVER TRAINING Increase your paving knowledge at the Blaw-Knox University designed for paver operators and foreman looking to improve paving skills. Our proven combination of classroom, and hands-on training instruction, teaches you everything you need for optimum paving performance. Our course instructors share decades of field experience on the latest paving techniques on a variety of topics including proper operation, maintenance and safety fundamentals. Get the most out of your paver this paving season by attending Blaw-Knox University.

2027 DATES Week 1: January 18 - 21 Week 2: January 25 - 28 Week 3: February 1 - 4

Go to: www.blawknox.com/training

Week 4: February 8 - 11

e o

REGISTRATION

INFORMATION Call us at 407-290-6000 ext. 342 Email us at: training@blawknox.com

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RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED! To secure your seat, please register before December 15, 2026.

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DIGITAL CONNECTION www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

Highway Trust Fund Crisis: What Contractors Need To Know | Watch FCP The Highway Trust Fund is heading toward insolvency, and the window to fix it is closing faster than most contractors realize. Watch the video at: https://asph.link/vj3m4byi

National Employee Happiness Improves as Construction Employers Face Labor Strain Employee satisfaction improved in the first half of 2026, but younger and mid-tenure workers continue to report lower satisfaction. Read more at: https://asph. link/y5mjgmjs

Rethinking Fog Seals as Strategic Pavement Preservation Over the last decade, fog sealing has changed in ways that haven’t fully caught up with how the industry talks about it. Read more at: https://asph. link/p6rukk7a

Drones Gaining Ground in Construction ABC results show contractors are using drones primarily for site monitoring, marketing, inspections and mapping. Read more at: https://asph. link/2anbpx9t

3 Trends From NAPA’s MidYear Meeting In Columbus | Watch FCP A roundtable of technology providers and contractors dug into why adoption wins over output. Read more at: https://asph. link/dlcy6ads

Signup for the Roadbuilding Update, a free bi-monthly newsletter for the most up-to-date DOT, FHWA, asphalt, and other industry news

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INTELLIPAC™ MOISTURE SYSTEM

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

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NEW IntelliPac™ Moisture System Astec paves the way for sustainable, innovative asphalt plants. The new IntelliPac Moisture System is a revolutionary solution that integrates seamlessly with Astec control systems. This provides unparalleled, real-time visibility into virgin aggregate moisture content. IntelliPac empowers operators to optimize mix design, minimize energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact. With Astec, you get superior asphalt production – better for the environment, better for your business.

TO SEE VIDEO

BUILT TO CONNECT astecindustries.com

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EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

A New Chapter, Built on a Strong Foundation We’re incredibly grateful for your trust, and we can’t wait for you to meet the next person who will help tell your stories.

f there’s one thing we’ve learned from the asphalt industry, it’s that change doesn’t slow you down. It gives you an opportunity to build what comes next. As Brandon Noel transitions out his role as Editor-in-Chief of Asphalt Contractor, we’re excited about the road ahead. We want you to know that the commitment behind this brand remains as strong as ever. Between the two of us, we’ve spent many years alongside the contractors, producers, manufacturers and professionals who keep this industry, and quite literally our country, moving. We know what matters to you: practical information that helps you run better businesses, build stronger crews, embrace new technology and equipment, and produce better roads. But this industry has given us much more than careers.

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief ........................................................... Brandon Noel bnoel@iron.markets

Content Director, Marketing Services ...........Jessica Lombardo jlombardo@iron.markets

Managing Editor ......................................................Allyson Sherrier asherrier@iron.markets

AUDIENCE Audience Development Director ......................... Angela Franks PRODUCTION

It has given us friendships, mentors and a community that feels like family. We’ve watched you navigate workforce challenges, economic uncertainty, changing technology and long days in demanding conditions. You have taught us about resilience. About working hard when conditions aren’t easy. About taking risks, building businesses, supporting your crews and getting back up when things don’t go according to plan. Your resilience, ingenuity and determination continue to inspire us. As we enter this next chapter, we are committed to maintaining the trust and continuity Asphalt Contractor has built while continuing to evolve alongside this incredible industry. And we’re excited about what’s next. We can’t wait for you to meet our new editor, and to keep building the road ahead together.

Senior Production Manager ...................................... Cindy Rusch crusch@iron.markets

Art Director ............................................................... April Van Etten ADVERTISING/SALES Brand Director ........................................................... Amy Schwandt aschwandt@iron.markets

Brand Manager ..................................................... Megan Perleberg mperleberg@iron.markets

Sales Representative ..................................................Sean Dunphy sdunphy@iron.markets Sales Representative ................................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@iron.markets IRONMARKETS Chief Executive Officer.................................................. Ron Spink Chief Revenue Officer ............................................Amy Schwandt VP, Finance .......................................................................Greta Teter VP, Operations & IT ....................................................Nick Raether Brand Director, Construction, OEM & IRONPROS .....................................................Sean Dunphy Brand Director, Supply Chain ....................................Brian Hines Director, Content ......................................................Marina Mayer Director, Event Content & Programming........ Jess Lombardo Director, Lead Generation Operations ................. Bailey Acton CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS 201 N. Main St. Ste. 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 afranks@iron.markets

LIST RENTAL Sr. Account Manager ....................................Bart Piccirillo | Data Axle (518) 339 4511 | bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com

REPRINT SERVICES Brand Manager ..................................................... Megan Perleberg mperleberg@iron.markets | (800) 538-5544 Published and copyrighted 2026 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Amy Schwandt Brand Director aschwandt@iron.markets

Jessica Lombardo Content Director jlombardo@iron.markets

@ASPHALTCONTRACTOR @ASPHALTCONTRCTR @ASPHALTCONTRACTOR @ASPHALT-CONTRACTOR-MAGAZINE

IGNITE

Spark business growth. Illuminate critical issues. Fire up adoption. Register today: https://asph.link/9sc4olg7

PAVE/X

Published by IRONMARKETS 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • WWW.IRON.MARKETS

PAVE/X 2027 heads to Savannah, Ga., with its biggest outdoor experience yet. Register today: https://asph.link/q8r5k2av

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2026 Mag

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DESIGN, DETAILS, AND DURABILITY. We don’t just build asphalt plants—we help contractors build stronger businesses. Every ALmix system is engineered around your operation, combining industry-leading durability, advanced technology, and decades of expertise to maximize productivity for years to come.

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NEW PRODUCTS CHECK OUT OUR NEW PRODUCT DIRECTORY

TransTech Connect: The QC Platform Built for Asphalt

Dynapac CP28 Pneumatic Roller Dynapac introduced the CP28 to the North American market, positioning it as the heaviest ballastable pneumatic tire roller on the market. This versatile roller is suited to proof rolling soil and base, mainline asphalt compaction, and chip sealing. The CP28 runs on a flexible ballast system built around three watertight compartments, letting operators add or remove steel plates using a forklift, or ballast with alternative materials like wet sand, water, or steel. It’s a staggered roller with four wheels front and back, ballastable from 21,00068,000 pounds.

Grote Industries’ New Safety Systems Grote Industries unveiled two new safety technologies designed to help reduce roadside and rear-end collisions for commercial fleets. H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE was developed with Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) and combines lighting and digital alerts to improve roadside visibility. The 4SEE Rear-Collision Warning System uses radar sensors, an auxiliary strobe, and data processing to warn motorists approaching too quickly from behind. Both systems are built on Grote’s 4SEE Digital Harness, which enables secure data transfer, light-out detection and over-the-air updates.

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TransTech Connect gives contractors, site pavers, and project teams a single ecosystem for managing asphalt density data. The platform pairs a QR-enabled gauge with a mobile app and a web portal to eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and boost efficiency on the job site. Built exclusively for TransTech’s non-nuclear density gauges, the platform catches compaction issues in real time and lets crews prove compliance in a single click. Technicians upload readings straight from the PQI 380 and PQI 380+ gauges, with the 380+ enabling instant QR code uploads and the 380 supporting USB transfer for streamlined processing. Other features include one-click compliance documentation for DOT and project records, and a mobile app and web portal that keep field data and office reporting in sync.

KMI Pothole Punisher: Asphalt Hotbox The Pothole Punisher is the same base model as KM’s 4 Ton Asphalt Hotbox but includes a desert sand paint scheme and Pothole Punisher branding. The KM 8000T 4 Ton asphalt hotbox trailer will maintain hotmix asphalt or cold patch at optimal temperatures for up to 48 hours, making it easy to transport material from jobsite to jobsite. The KM 8000T is also capable of reclaiming unused bulk stored or excess asphalt overnight. This unit is great for both municipal and contractor applications such as asphalt patching, infrared repair, and pothole repair.

Road Widener FH-RV Material Placement Attachment The new FH-RV Material Placement Attachment is the vertical counterpart to the FH-R model, and enables controlled material placement for road shoulder repair, remediation, road widening, trench backfilling, and asphalt and aggregate applications. The FH-RV features an innovative shoe design that allows operators to place material up to 5 inches below grade and 3 inches above grade.

KASK Face Shields KASK introduced a new range of face shields, designed to integrate with the helmet’s Adaptive Brim technology and Full Brim Carrier. The carrier works with Easy Click Adapters, allowing the shields to be raised and lowered while maintaining stability. The clear shield is designed for protection from impacts, splashes and airborne debris, while the Shade 5 version is intended for grinding, gas cutting and welding applications and meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements for UV, visible light and infrared transmittance.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

9/15/26 10:00 AM

2027 GENCOR SERVICE SCHOOL Be prepared to get the most out of your plant this season by attending the 2027 Gencor University Training. Our expert instructors provide step-by-step comprehensive hands-on training through our state-of-the-art control simulators and actual plant equipment. Benefit from decades of industry experience and knowledge in the science of hot mix asphalt production to get the most out of your plant. * Improve plant production * Optimize plant efficiency * Reduce plant maintenance

2027 DATES

• Week 1: January 18 - 21

REGISTRATION

Go to www.gencor.com/training

• Week 2: January 25 - 28 • Week 3: February 1 - 4 • Week 4: February 8 - 11

INFORMATION Call us at: 407-290-6000 ext. 342 Email us at: training@gencor.com CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED! To secure your seat, please register before December 15, 2026.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

Using Intelligent Compaction Data As A Quality-Control Shield Advanced IC technology provides a digital data trail to help achieve high-quality work, win client trust and build your reputation.

n paving work, you may view intelligent compaction (IC) strictly through an internal operational lens, focusing on how much fuel it saves, how many passes it eliminates, and how it speeds up project timelines. And while those are significant benefits of the technology, IC offers another key advantage that may sometimes be overlooked: The digital data trail it provides. Advanced IC technology helps achieve high-quality work, but also provides the data to prove the integrity of that work to inspectors, win client trust and build your reputation.

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AND CHALLENGES Inspection requirements for road projects are incredibly strict since they’re entirely dependent on sequence. If a single layer or process is botched, the final project may fail inspection, or the

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Volvo CE

structural integrity of the pavement could be compromised. Standard inspection and quality control requirements on these projects span across all major phases of the work, and the process measures factors such as temperature thresholds, surface consistency, and under-compaction or over-compaction. With asphalt paving, for example, traditional quality control methods tend to be reactive. Core samples or nuclear gauge tests are typically performed well after the asphalt has cooled below working limits. If the tests reveal low density, you can face severe financial penalties, or worse, the expense of milling out and replacing the asphalt mat. Another key challenge is the sample size. Core samples only represent a tiny fraction of the total pavement surface area. You might get passing results on physical core samples

but be missing localized issues across the rest of the untested mat. Intelligent compaction technology is a proactive quality-control measure that helps address many of the challenges involved with the process. QUALITY-CONTROL BENEFITS OF INTELLIGENT COMPACTION IC systems eliminate the guesswork and the time lag involved with traditional quality control measures, allowing operators to monitor their work in real-time from the platform or cab. It’s a transformative technology for asphalt compaction, so much so that a growing number of states include IC specs or strongly recommend the use of this technology on highway projects. IC data can track: • Pass mapping, giving operators a clear on-screen view of the roller’s coverage of the asphalt. The system

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS Volvo CE

can highlight stop points and overlaps so adjustments can be made quickly and efficiently without missing a spot. This helps eliminate under- and over-compaction. • Temperature mapping, documenting that the asphalt was rolled within the critical, optimal temperature window before cooling. A color-coded map of surface temperatures and the ability to set the maximum and minimum range enables operators to easily avoid rolling with a mix temperature that is too hot or too cold. In addition to pass and temperature mapping capabilities, which most IC systems offer, Volvo’s Compact Assist with Density Direct™ system also provides density estimates to operators in real time, rather than intelligent compaction measurement values (ICMV), which are essentially a measurement of stiffness. This provides greater accuracy and reporting opportunities through the addition of a high-accuracy GPS antenna, recorded and saved job data, automatic job report creation with USB and overthe-air downloads. Paving contractors who use Compact Assist with Density Direct know exactly when they hit target densities. For discussions with clients, a comprehensive digital map of the finished mat can be like a receipt for quality to

prove the job was completed to the exact specifications. These capabilities can also offer ROI benefits down the road. When you’re competing for commercial work or government bids, contractors who actively advertise using data-backed quality control can win more work. And maintaining a digital archive of every project’s compaction data helps protect your business against future warranty claims or premature pavement failures years down the road. REAL-WORLD VALIDATION So how does this all come to life on jobsites? West Contracting has embraced advanced IC technology to track density values in real time and eliminate any destructive over-compaction. The asphalt contractor has four asphalt plants, nearly 200 employees and almost 400 pieces of heavy machinery, handling complex highway projects in the St. Louis metro region. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) mandates the use of IC on highway projects, including infrared thermal profiling. These “ICIR” jobs require hitting specific targets on thickness laid, density of the mix and smoothness. To ensure they are properly hitting those targets, the West Contracting

Volvo CE

crew relies on Volvo’s Compact Assist with Density Direct system. Their asphalt rollers include technology that virtually connects them and provides data to ensure that teams achieve proper asphalt compaction. With the help of GPS, cameras and sensors, operators can see on a screen where they have been, the temperature of the mix and its current density. A color-coded pass map makes it easy to see what they need to do and when to move on so as not to over-compact the material. The technology helps West Contracting achieve high-quality work every single shift and provide data as proof, drastically reducing the risk of costly rework or structural penalties. The visualization gives West confidence that they can meet MoDOT’s minimum compaction density requirement of 92%. A DATA-DRIVEN COMPETITIVE EDGE The fuel and time savings offered by advanced IC systems help get you through the current job profitably. But the data provided by these systems can help secure the next 10 jobs and ensure you deliver quality results. The data becomes your quality assurance shield, providing proof to inspectors and clients that all requirements have been met. Joseph Hawkins is Compaction Product Manager for Volvo Construction Equipment.

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PRODUCTION GAINS

‹ S.T. Wooten is currently leading a $22.9 million project to update a 17.5-mile section of U.S. 74 through Columbus County between Whiteville and Lake Waccamaw. S.T. Wooten

Keeping One Of North Carolina’s Busiest Beach Routes Moving How one contractor navigated a compressed schedule, seasonal traffic and complex logistics to rehabilitate U.S. 74.

very summer, thousands of travelers rely on U.S. 74 to access North Carolina’s popular southern beaches, making it one of the state’s busiest seasonal transportation corridors. That popularity also makes it one of the more difficult highways to repair.

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S.T. Wooten is currently leading a $22.9 million project to update a 17.5-mile section of U.S. 74 through Columbus County between Whiteville and Lake Waccamaw. The project includes milling and paving, ramp widening, bridge preservation, guardrail replacement and drainage improvements while maintaining traffic along the heavily traveled route. WORKING AROUND BEACH TRAFFIC Because U.S. 74 serves as a primary route to the coast, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) prohibits most construction

activity between Memorial Day and Labor Day. “It’s a large project that has a tight window within working seasons,” said Area Paving Manager Brandon Britt. “We’ve really only got 5.5 months during the calendar year.” To make the schedule more complicated, the contract doesn’t allow crews to work a lot of weekends. The restrictions require careful coordination not only around when work begins, but also when it ends. “For instance, if the asphalt plant went down on a Thursday, and we couldn’t finish the paving on time, we would be fined LDs through the

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weekend,” said Britt. Despite those challenges, work continues to progress well. The team expects to have approximately seven working months available to complete paving and shoulder work by the end of 2026 – with final pavement markings installed ahead of the project’s June 2027 completion. MANAGING LOGISTICS ACROSS 17 MILES The U.S. 74 rehabilitation project will require approximately 120,000 tons of asphalt over its duration, with material hauled from S.T. Wooten’s Wilmington asphalt plant. During paving operations, roughly 35 trucks will transport asphalt to the jobsite each day. “Scheduling is key to keeping this project on track,” said Britt. “In addition to our tight schedules, it’s a long haul to our nearest asphalt plant in Wilmington. So we will be using around 35 trucks a day to haul asphalt.” Even during periods when construction pauses, planning continues. “We’ve been ramping up gradually,” said Britt. “We’ve held on to our sub-haulers. We’ve kept everyone aware of our timelines. We’ve been in communication with everyone so they know it’s coming.” That coordination extends across trucking operations, asphalt production, subcontractors and field crews to ensure every available construction window is used as efficiently as possible.

and 2.5% cross slope, creating a more uniform roadway before paving begins. PRESERVING EXISTING BRIDGES The U.S. 74 project also includes preservation work on six bridges. Instead of replacing the structures, crews are extending their service life through several rehabilitation techniques, including: • Waterproofing bridge decks before placing new asphalt • Replacing deteriorated asphalt plug joints that accommodate bridge movement • Installing fiberglass-reinforced pile jackets to protect structural supports from long-term deterioration These improvements help extend bridge life while minimizing both cost and disruption compared to full bridge replacement.

subcontractors, trucking operations and NCDOT has been a major reason the project has progressed successfully so far. Foreman Ashton Adams and the crews have done a great job keeping operations moving and delivering a quality product. There’s a lot going on across a project of this scale and that level of coordination has been critical. Although the contract runs through June 2027, S.T. Wooten expects to complete the majority of paving and shoulder work during the 2026 construction season. For the millions of residents and visitors who travel U.S. 74 each year, the completed project will provide a smoother, more reliable route to North Carolina’s southern coast. Chris Collins is Paving Manager, S.T. Wooten.

COLLABORATION DRIVES PROGRESS With multiple subcontractors, limited work windows and significant material demands, project coordination has become just as important as production. The collaboration between

USING GPS FOR BETTER QUALITY One of the project’s more notable features is the use of a GPS-based scanning system to improve milling accuracy and produce a more consistent finished pavement. “This system scans the existing cross slope,” explained Britt, “so we can make corrections with the milling machine to achieve the desired cross slope.” The roadway is scanned before milling begins, and the data is uploaded into the milling machine to guide the operation. The technology helps crews consistently achieve the project’s specified three-inch milling depth Photos by S.T. Wooten

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE | By Brandon Noel, Editor-in-Chief

Asphalt Contractor’s Industry Training Guide 2026-2027 Key educational opportunities for asphalt plant operators and paving crews on topics such as milling, crushing, recycling, mix design, compaction, quality control, and more!

ffective training is one of the strongest drivers of new employee retention. At the same time, keeping veteran team members up to date with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices boosts both job satisfaction and overall performance. With more online and remote options available today, companies can provide education at lower costs while still addressing critical skill gaps. In a labor market defined by shortages and competition for qualified workers, investing in training has never been more essential. The resources you commit now may be the deciding factor in your company’s success in the year ahead. Here’s the training opportunities available for the asphalt industry in fall of 2026 and the first half of 2027: These dates and schedules were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. Please contact each company directly for the most up-to-date information.

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BLAW-KNOX CORPORATION Website: https://www. blawknox.com/training/ paver-operation-and-maintenance Increase paving knowledge at the Blaw-Knox University, designed for paver operators and foreman looking to improve paving skills. This combination of classroom and hands-on training instruction teaches you everything you need for optimum paving performance. Course instructors share decades of field experience on the latest paving techniques on a variety of topics, including proper operation, maintenance, and safety fundamentals. Get the most out of your paver this paving season by attending Blaw-Knox University.

Training Dates: • Week 1: January 18-21, 2027 • Week 2: January 25-28, 2027 • Week 3: February 1-4, 2027 • Week 4: February 8-11, 2027 SPACES ARE LIMITED! Registration: www.blawknox.com/ training For more information, contact us at (407) 290-6000 ext. 342 or at training@blawknox.com. Who: Any individual interested in or responsible for the laydown of HMA, WMA, SMA, or Thinlays. Duration: 4 days Location: 5201 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32810

CATERPILLAR INC. Paving Operations Training This 4-day course is designed for paving supervisors and paving crew members with one or more years of experience with the lay down of hot mix asphalt. Training is taught using Cat Asphalt Pavers with Cat Grade and Slope systems. The daily curriculum includes classroom and hands-on training. Contact Caterpillar at Cat_ Paving_Academy@cat.com regarding registration.

Large Asphalt Pavers Service Training This 4-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, and explain ECM functions and calibration steps for the Cat® AP1000, AP1055, AP600, and AP655 asphalt pavers. Contact Caterpillar at Cat_ Paving_Academy@cat.com regarding registration.

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CLARENCE RICHARD COMPANY Email: carrie@clarencerichard.com Phone: 952.939.6000 Web: EzFIoWeighing.com

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! – ON DEMAND, ONLINE TRAINING 24hrs/day, 7 days/week • Work independently — On your own time - At your own pace — Any location • Previous On Demand Feedback:

How Did Contractor’s 25 Operators Benefit? • 92% said training met or exceeded expectations; 96% said expectations were met, with 80% saying it exceeded expectations. • 96% reported job improvement; twothirds said significant improvement was being made. • Over two-thirds found web-based training more effective than classroom training. • 100% would recommend the training to others.

What Were the Benefits? • Operators improved 44%; two-thirds had 10+ years of experience. Overall improvement was 40%, consistent with industry results. • Two-thirds saw payback within 6 months, with many expecting the return to continue repeatedly. • Two-thirds of those who see gains within one week had 10+ years of experience. • Each participant must be individually registered.

ZOOM TRAINING DATES: Feb 1-Mar 12, 2027

• Design your own schedule! Choose 1-6 workshop days in any order • Classes fill on first-come basis • If unable to make one day, Zoom in on another day • Each participant must be individually registered

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IN PERSON TRAINING AVAILABLE: Denver, CO — Dallas, TX — Chicago, IL — Nashville, TN — Orlando, FL

PRIVATE TRAINING OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Additional Fees Apply

COST: $445-$1,640 per person + $120$315 manuals (required) + shipping Improve: Safety, mix quality, production, energy efficiency, and operating costs.

PLANT OPERATION TRAINING

Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel. Clarence Richard’s team has been using their asphalt plant operation and engineering expertise to train plant operators and personnel throughout the country for more than thirty years.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Who: Electricians, mechanics, and maintenance professionals. Learn to safely troubleshoot and maintain very complex control systems. Operators learn about electrical safety and basic electricity, including troubleshooting procedures and test meter usage.

SAFETY DIRECTOR WORKSHOP

Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel. Designed to address issues affecting plant operation and maintenance personnel. Plant safety curriculum includes 2 of 14 modules that plant managers and operators are trained on in the Plant Operation Workshop. This curriculum makes it easy for a company to implement this program into their existing program.

QUALITY CONTROL WORKSHOP Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel. Addresses issues affected by Plant Operation. Curriculum is made up of 5

of the 14 modules included in the Plant Operator Workshop. The curriculum addresses issues at plants that affect mix quality and provides solutions. These modules are concerned with the proper blending of all materials from the stockpiles, tanks, feeder bins, and baghouse fines delivery all the way through the silo and into the truck.

COMMAND ALKON ELEVATE 2026 + TRAININGDAYS Dates: November 16–19, 2026 (TRAININGdays: Nov. 16–17; Elevate Conference: Nov. 17–19) Location: San Diego, California Command Alkon’s premier annual event for the heavy building materials industry (concrete, aggregates, and asphalt), combines hands-on TRAININGdays with the Elevate Conference. TRAININGdays offers working sessions where users can pursue industry-recognized certifications in COMMANDbatch, TrackIt, and Command Cloud Dispatch. The Elevate Conference features 50+ breakout sessions, a Technology & Partner Pavilion, and networking opportunities. Registration: commandalkon.com/ elevate Cost: • 2 TRAININGdays + Elevate: $3,800 (best value) • 1 TRAININGday + Elevate: $3,100 • Elevate only: $2,300 • 2 TRAININGdays only: $2,000 • 1 TRAININGday only: $1,500 TRAININGdays-only registration closes October 23. Group pricing available for 3+ registrants (10% off with code Group3+, 15% off for 5+ with code Group5+); an Elevate guest add-on is $850. ONGOING PRODUCT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Dates: Available year-round (Fall 2026 & Winter/Spring 2027)

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE

Structured certification learning paths for COMMANDbatch, TrackIt, and Command Cloud Dispatch, delivered through the Command Alkon Learning Management System (CALMS). More than 500 customer employees have earned certifications to date. Sign-up/Info: Customer Training Portal at customer-commandalkon. talentlms.com/plus, or contact the Strategic Learning Team at CustomerTraining@commandalkon.com Cost: Contact Command Alkon for details.

GENCOR INDUSTRIES Registration closes December 15, 2026 Website: https://www.gencor.com/ training/ Be prepared to get the most out of your plant this season by attending the 2027 Gencor University Expert instructors provide step-bystep comprehensive hands-on training through state-of-the-art control simulators and actual plant equipment. Benefit from decades of industry experience and knowledge in the science of hot mix asphalt production to get the most out of your plant. • Improve plant production • Optimize plant efficiency • Reduce plant maintenance

Training Dates: Week 1: January 18-21, 2027 Week 2: January 25-28, 2027 Week 3: February 1-4, 2027 Week 4: February 8-11, 2027

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A SPACES ARE LIMITED! Registration: www.gencor.com/ training For more information, contact us at (407) 290-6000 ext. 342 or at training@gencor.com. Who: Gencor training sessions are exclusively designed for hot mix asphalt producers who own or operate HMA facilities; they are not open to industry vendors or suppliers. Duration: 4 days Location: 5201 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32810

SAKAI AMERICA SAKAI America’s approach to training begins with intuitive machine design. Their asphalt rollers simplify the onboarding process for new operators by utilizing straightforward physical switches, buttons, and traditional analog controls rather than complex failure-prone multifunction panels or touchscreens. This functional layout naturally reduces the initial learning curve, allowing crews to focus directly on the compaction process. Because the equipment is inherently easy to operate for new users, SAKAI does not require crews to travel to their headquarters for formal classroom sessions. Instead, their RSMs also act as experienced field trainers and compaction consultants to provide practical, on-the-ground instruction upon request (historically at no charge to the contractor). This hands-on training takes place during a machine’s initial delivery or first jobsite appearance, ensuring crews are properly oriented in their actual working environment.

TRANSTECH SYSTEMS, INC. Phone: 1.800.724.6306 | 518.370.5558 Website: www.transtechsys.com TransTech welcomes individuals to their facility in New York for training, free of charge. Please call toll-free

1-800-724-6306 to arrange dates and for any additional training information.

COURSE: Online Training Mobile friendly and at your convenience, you may review any number of TransTech Systems videos to assist with learning more about the PQI (nonnuclear asphalt density gauge) or the SDG (non-nuclear soil density gauge). These videos are great for new customers or as a refresher once your season gets under way. These videos are available at your fingertips anytime you are ready! It’s as easy as going to our website or searching for “TransTech Systems Inc” within YouTube.

COURSE: Density Clinic TransTech Systems, Inc. offers FREE density clinics. Their team provides a class that covers overall density, as well as operation and use of the non-nuclear density asphalt or soil gauge. Please call TransTech Systems if your company is interested in scheduling a date! Clinics are by appointment, and dependent upon social distancing protocol, may be in person (at our office) or virtual. When your team completes the TransTech Density Clinic, each member will receive an Operator Training Certificate.

TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES

E c in

Phone: 1-877-TROXLER (1.877.876.9537) | 1.919.549.8661 Email: training@troxlerlabs.com Website: www.troxlerlabs.com Free Online Training Site: www. troxlerlearningcenter.com Nuclear Gauge User Training 3400 Series Online training course on the proper use of Troxler’s 3400 series nuclear density gauges.

AT ta de pr ex

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9/15/26 1:03 PM

A JOHN DEERE COMPANY

Experience the industry‘s most comprehensive curriculum, all in one world-class facility. CLOSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS

AT THE WIRTGEN AMERICA CENTER FOR TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY, we provide an extensive curriculum tailored to the learning needs of technicians, operators, work crews, site managers, service engineers, and service department personnel. From guardrail to guardrail and 20 inches down, our courses cover everything from aggregate production, to paving, compaction, and recycling of road materials. Experience high-quality teaching from industry experts that keeps attendees in step with Wirtgen Group’s cutting edge technology. WIRTGEN AMERICA, INC. · 6030 Dana Way · Antioch, TN 37013 · T: (615) 501-0600

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SUPERIOR QUAL STARTS WI Your first stop in the FAYAT GROUP road lifecycle, ADM makes the plants that make the hot mix. When it comes to North American roadbuilding, FAYAT Group brands including ADM, BOMAG, Dynapac, LeeBoy, and Mecalac have you covered.

260-637-5729 admasphaltplants.com

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UALITY ASPHALT WITH ADM

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE

Radiation Safety Officer Certification Course All attendees must first complete a Nuclear Gauge Operator Safety and Hazmat Course. A packet of handouts will be provided for assistance during the course and for future reference, please print and/or save this file. Participants are encouraged to take notes during the lessons. A short quiz will be given at the end of each lesson to test for comprehension of the information. A certification of successful completion can be printed and/or saved to your computer.

Topics: • Review of radiological fundamentals • Radiological protection regulatory requirements • Gauge storage • Transportation regulations • Personnel monitoring • Record keeping • Leak testing • Accident response • Gauge maintenance

Nuclear Gauge Operator Safety Training Course with Hazmat This course is for nuclear moisture density gauge operators. This course provides the certification required to operate and transport nuclear moisture density gauges. A quiz will be given at the end and a certificate issued with a passing score. Topics: • Radiation safety fundamentals and principles • Regulatory requirements • Portable gauge theory, design and operation • Gauge maintenance and troubleshooting • Operating, emergency, maintenance and transportation procedures • Leak testing • Storing, packaging and transporting gauges

Hazmat Certification / Recertification Course This course is for Hazmat transportation certification/recertification. It can be

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taken to renew your Hazmat certification (every 3 years) or for individuals who may need to transport nuclear gauges, but not operate them. This course satisfies US DOT training requirements of 49 CFR 172, subpart H (Hazmat) for individuals shipping or transporting hazardous materials. Recurrent training is required every 3 years.

• Overview of the various methods used for measuring compaction • Theory behind nuclear gauge measurements of moisture and density • Proper methods of nuclear gauge operation

Radiation Safety Refresher Course for the Nuclear Gauge Operator

Phone: (615) 501-0600 Location: Nashville, TN Register online at https://www. wirtgen-group.com/america/en-us/ customer-support/know-how/ training-program/

This course is designed as an annual safety refresher for nuclear gauge operators who are in a state where an annual safety recertification is required by the licensing agency. This should not be taken by new nuclear gauge operators. The Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Course with Hazmat is the initial course for new operators.

Topics: • Radiation safety refresher • New regulatory requirements • Operating, emergency, maintenance, and transportation procedures

Compaction and Density Testing Course

This course is designed to teach the basic principles of compaction and density testing methods, with emphasis on nuclear testing methods. Topics: • Why we compact asphalt, soil, sand, aggregate, etc. • Factors to consider when compacting • Terms related to density testing of soil and asphalt

W c p T E c m o

WIRTGEN GROUP AMERICA INC.

Wirtgen Group Center for Training and Technology (CTT) The state-of-the-art training facility is located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. During the year, numerous hands-on classes are offered to enhance the abilities of operators and technicians regarding road construction and mineral processing. The 40,000+ sq. ft facility includes a 5-acre test track, four-bay training shop, multimedia classrooms, a gourmet cafeteria, and a dedicated team of experienced professionals to assist in learning and development. WIRTGEN - W 100 CFi / W 130 XFi Cold Milling Operation Throughout this two-day course, students will learn the necessary tools to safely and effectively operate W 100 CFi – W 130 XFi cold milling machines. An in-depth look at the machine and

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A v m in re

W B c B e re a

A H to a h

E in th d w e

The Relentless Innovator:

Not All Steel Is Made Equal

Your Partner for Proven Profitability If your business is in the asphalt industry you need to talk to Gerry.

When EccoFab President, Gerry Bauer realizied that his clients were experiencing shortened wear life on specific parts, we began experimenting with Hardox® steel in 1988. Through 40 years of experience with Hardox® products, EccoFab has developed industry-leading techniques in collaboration with end-users that produce wear parts that meet most OEM standards for wear life and durability, and often exceed those standards using Hardox® 500. x High abrasion resistance x Up to 2X the service life of mild steel components x High reliability and consistency x Excellent material strength and structural integrity x Fabrication versatility and machinability x Suitability for priming and painting

Wear Plates And Liners As expendable elements, Wear Plates and Liners play a vital role in preventing excessive wear or damage to costly machinery. With Hardox® steel wear parts, you can count on increased operational longevity and improved productivity, reducing both downtime and maintenance costs.

Blow Bars While standard OEM parts often fall short, EccoFab’s Blow Bars redefine durability. The wear-resistant material, combined with our expert engineering, ensures that our Blow Bars consistently deliver reliable performance over an extended period. This reduction in the frequency of replacements not only saves you on operational costs but also keeps your aggregate production running smoothly.

Blow Bar Wedges At the heart of our blow bar wedges lies the resilience of Hardox® steel. Recognized for its unrivaled hardness and toughness, Hardox® steel ensures that our blow bar wedges are more than capable of withstanding the most abrasive and high-friction environments.

Industry Expertise

Strongest Wear Parts

Constant Innovation

Every part is custom-made according to client specifications in our production facility. These products are of higher quality, they last longer which means less replacement and less downtime. Beyond just taking orders, EccoFab works directly with the customer in reviewing the designs or giving our expert advice and know-how for maximum efficiency.

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE applications will be discussed to better understand Wirtgen cutting technology, operator controls, Level Pro Plus, and daily routine/maintenance. Hands-on training as well as assessments will be provided on all objectives during this class. Cost: $1,000 per person

WIRTGEN - W 100 Fi Series Cold Milling Operation This two-day course teaches the necessary tools to safely and effectively operate W 100- W 130 Fi cold milling machines. An in-depth look at the machine and applications will be discussed to better understand Wirtgen cutting technology, operator controls, Level Pro Active, and daily routine/ maintenance. Hands-on training as well as assessments will be provided on all objectives during this class. Cost: $1,000 per person WIRTGEN - W 100 Fi Series Technical Service for Customers This two-day course offers an indepth look at troubleshooting and diagnosing symptoms of the W 100 – W 130 Fi milling machines. Through hands-on training and assessments, you will learn how to reference factoryrecommended procedures regarding electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical service repairs. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: • Diagnose and clear machine operating state messages. • Reference and know what to do when an engine code occurs.

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• Interpret and navigate Wirtgen schematics to locate devices and trace circuitry and hydraulic lines. • Recall the various CAN Buses and with which systems each communicates. • Replace control panel buttons, switches, levers, and hydraulic components to identify which can be swapped. • Troubleshoot and diagnose machine operational malfunctions to determine the root cause. Cost: $1,000 per person WIRTGEN - W 200 Fi Series Cold Milling Operation During the course of 2 days, experience an in-depth look at Wirtgen cutting technology and best practices for the cold milling machine. Learn about machine operator controls, Level Pro Active, and daily maintenance for efficient operation. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: • Follow safe work practices on and around W 200-250 Fi cold milling machines. • Identify Wirtgen cutting technology including drum styles, usage options, and wear items. • Reference the Wirtgen Instruction Manual for machine component functions, as well as application and maintenance best practices. • Perform basic machine setup, operation, and maintenance for both travel and milling, including using Level Pro Active to set up auto grade controls and changing out the drum. Cost: $1,000 per person WIRTGEN - WR 200 i Series Cold Recyclers Technical Service 3-day course Cost: $1,500 per person WIRTGEN - WR 200 i Series Cold Recycling Operation 2-day course Cost: $1,000 per person KLEEMANN - MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen Classifier Operations

- Maintenance - Technical Service This class provides an in-depth look at daily operation of the Kleemann MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems by teaching factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance. During this two-day course, learn how to troubleshoot components using electrical and hydraulic systems that control functions of the MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems as well as how to troubleshoot components using electrical diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and other Kleemann resources. This class is beneficial to understand what items require regular servicing and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: • Follow safe working practices while working on or around MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening machines • Operate Kleemann MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems in a safe and efficient manner. • Reference the operator’s manual to identify machine controls and components as well as machine operation and maintenance information. • Perform basic setup to prepare machines for work. • Perform basic machine setup in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to prepare the machine for work. • Reference and perform maintenance on jaw crushers. • Interpret Kleemann-specific electrical and hydraulic schematics and symbols. • Troubleshoot, calibrate, and set up components and systems. Cost: $1,000 per person KLEEMANN - MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen Scalper Operations - Maintenance - Technical Service During this two-day course, you will be given an in-depth look at daily operation of the Kleemann MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems.

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BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD For over 60 years, LeeBoy has been helping contractors build the roads that keep America moving. From innovative asphalt paving equipment to dependable support through our nationwide dealer network, every LeeBoy machine is engineered for productivity, reliability, and lasting performance. Wherever the next project leads, you can count on LeeBoy to help pave the way forward.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE This includes factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance as well as electrical and hydraulic systems that control functions of the MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems. You will also learn how to troubleshoot components using electrical diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and other Kleemann resources. This class is beneficial to understand what items require regular servicing as well as maintenance. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: • Operate Kleemann MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems in a safe and efficient manner. • Follow safe working practices while working on or around MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening machines. • Reference the operator’s manual to identify machine controls/components

KLEEMANN - MC 110 EVO2 Jaw Crusher Operations & Maintenance 2-day course Cost: $1,000 per person

VÖGELE - 8ft SUPER 3i Technical Service 4-day course Cost: $2,000 per person as well as machine operation and maintenance information. • Interpret Kleemann-specific electrical and hydraulic schematics and symbols. • Troubleshoot, calibrate, and set up components/systems. • Perform basic machine setup in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to prepare the machine for work. • Reference and perform maintenance on jaw crushers. Cost: $1,000 per person

VÖGELE - 10ft SUPER 3i Technical Service 4-day course Cost: $2,000 per person VÖGELE - Paver Operations & Application 2-day course Cost: $1,000 per person

ROCK-SOLID COVERAGE, NO MATTER WHAT. From material production to road paving, count on us. Those who work in construction material production and transportation construction are at the core of what keeps America moving. The companies that are building our infrastructure deserve insurance coverage that’s built for your unique needs. Since 1917, BITCO has provided customized insurance programs across the country, dedicated to protecting you and delivering confidence day-in and day-out.

Get the service you deserve. Visit BITCO.com to find a specialist agent near you.

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E12 www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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Weiler MT

LEADING THE WAY Weiler Material Transfer Vehicles lead the way with proven innovations to provide the lowest cost per ton of operation.

Variable speed elevator and conveyors meet production requirements while minimizing wear.

Innovative and reliable operator friendly features such as paver hopper management system with distance to paver, storage hopper management and auto chain tensioning.

Clam shell doors and full width drop down floors provide unmatched access for cleanout and maintenance.

E1250C

E1650A

The multiple, incremental improvements to the 4th generation of chains, sprockets and augers are retrofittable to all machines and provide increased wear life.

E2850C

E2860C weilerproducts.com

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12/12/2025 7:32:43 AM 9/15/26 1:03 PM

FACE OF THE INDUSTRY | By Allyson Sherrier, Managing Editor

From Barbecue to Blacktop: A Journey Through Asphalt

Cindy Powell

Cindy Powell reflects on her 20-year asphalt career, her path from restaurant owner to industry leader, and her work advancing sustainability, pavement preservation and opportunities for women in asphalt.

indy Powell didn’t set out to build a career in asphalt. In fact, twenty years ago, she was a single mom running a barbecue restaurant in Alabama, doing everything from cooking and smoking meat to accounting and payroll. But the long hours left little time for her son, so Powell decided it was time for a change. “There just wasn’t enough time for my son, and he was the most important thing,” Powell said. She found that change at East Alabama Paving, a small, family-owned asphalt company that gave her the

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opportunity to build a career while still being present for her son. “I wouldn’t necessarily say asphalt is a typical job,” Powell said. “It’s definitely not a 9 to 5er, but there is something very special about it.” What began as a practical career move soon became something much bigger. Powell’s work eventually brought her to the NCAT Test Track, where she worked alongside Buzz Powell, then associate director of the test track and now her husband. The experience introduced her to the research and innovation happening within the asphalt industry and sparked a curiosity that continues to shape her career. “He was my mentor when I came into the industry,” Powell said of Buzz. “We worked side by side working out problems, and it really poured into me. ‘You’ve got potential in this. You need to push this.’” That encouragement helped Powell see asphalt as more than a job. She became increasingly interested in the research side of the industry and ultimately worked her way into an engineering role despite not having an engineering background.

“It really sparked interest in me in the research side,” she said. “That really hooked me in and turned this into a career for me, not just a job.” ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WHAT’S NEXT Two decades later, it is the industry’s constant evolution that continues to keep Powell interested. “There’s always something new in asphalt,” she said. “We’re never satisfied. It’s never just, ‘OK, we’re good. Let’s just coast along.’” Powell now works with Verde Resources, focusing on more sustainable asphalt solutions. But her interest in sustainability doesn’t mean abandoning traditional asphalt. In fact, Powell is quick to point out that conventional asphalt already has a strong sustainability story, particularly because of its recyclability. “I think asphalt is traditionally already a very sustainable product,” Powell said. “And then any way that we can be good stewards and improve that sustainability, I think that’s what just kind of drove me into the more sustainable-conscious aspect of the industry.”

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For Powell, the opportunity is to build on those strengths and find ways to make an already sustainable material even better. She also wants contractors to see sustainability as something that can work alongside profitability rather than against it. “Let’s satisfy both priorities. We can make it both profitable and sustainable, and be good stewards for the environment.” That same collaborative mindset shapes Powell’s vision for the future of the industry. She hopes traditional paving contractors and pavement preservation professionals will increasingly see themselves as partners working toward the same goal: extending pavement life and serving communities. “Sometimes traditional paving contractors think that the pavement preservationists are not on the same page or they’re not on the same team,” Powell said. “And the reality is they are absolutely on the same team.” Powell sees particular opportunity for small municipalities with limited budgets. Rather than relying solely on major rehabilitation projects, preservation strategies can help communities get more life from the pavement they already have. She has also seen paving contractors create pavement preservation divisions to expand the services they can offer. “If we could just get there, where in the future we know, ‘Hey we’re on the same team. We’re all here to make asphalt better,’ I think that would be amazing,” she said. BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE INDUSTRY Powell’s own leadership philosophy is built around that willingness to learn and work together. She describes the quality she values most as “humble confidence” — being confident enough to take on new challenges while recognizing that there is always more to learn. “I’m not the best. There’s a lot of things that I can learn. I learn new things every day,” she said. “But you know what? I’m capable. I’m going to learn it. I’m going to expand it.” That philosophy has also influenced Powell’s advocacy for women in asphalt. She was often one of the only women on a jobsite or in a meeting when she began her career, but she considers herself fortunate to have worked for a company that supported her development. “I really did not have anyone working against me,” she said. Powell knows that hasn’t been every woman’s experience, which is why she is passionate about organizations such as Women of Asphalt. She sees the organization’s work, along with women in prominent industry leadership positions, as an important way to show younger women that construction and asphalt can offer rewarding careers. For women considering the industry, Powell’s advice is simple. “The most scary thing is just taking the first step,” she said. “I’m going to steal from Nike and say just do it.” She also emphasizes the support system available to women entering the field. “There are other women in the industry. I’m here. I’m going to help you. I’m going to push you. I’m going to encourage you. We will all do that,” Powell said. ASPHALT RUNS IN THE FAMILY To Powell, the asphalt industry has a sense of community that isn’t always apparent from the outside.

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BAG HOUSES

�=

NAPA �

NATIONAL ASPHALT

WWW.TARMACINC.COM CONTACT TARMAC AT 816-220-0700 OR INFO@TARMACINC.COM OCTOBER 2026 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR 31

9/15/26 10:01 AM

FACE OF THE INDUSTRY

“The asphalt industry by far is like family,” she said. “We sit down. We break bread together.” That family includes Buzz, who has remained one of Powell’s biggest professional supporters. The two met through their work at the NCAT Test Track, became friends and colleagues, and eventually married in 2020. Their shared careers mean asphalt tends to follow them home, too. “We do talk an awful lot about asphalt,” Powell said. “There’s always a conversation around asphalt in our house. Thanksgiving, there’s asphalt around the table. We really are all things asphalt.” Family is also at the center of another accomplishment Powell considers especially meaningful: her son followed her into the asphalt industry. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and now works with

Astec in Chattanooga, Tenn., building asphalt plants. “As a parent, you kind of want your kids to follow your footsteps, or even be better than you are, and I feel like he’s accomplished that,” Powell said. STILL LEARNING, STILL LEADING For all the recognition Powell has received throughout her career, she is reluctant to think of herself as an industry icon or even an expert. She sees herself as someone who is still learning and looking for ways to contribute. “What I consider myself is a student,” she said. “I want to learn. I want to know as much as I can.” That desire to keep learning is perhaps the thread running through Powell’s two decades in asphalt. She entered the industry because she needed a job that would give her more time

with her son. She stayed because she found an industry full of people, ideas and opportunities to grow. Now, she wants to use what she has learned to help bring more people into that community, whether through sustainable asphalt, pavement preservation, industry collaboration or opportunities for women. “I want to continue to promote Women of Asphalt,” she said. “I want to promote healthy, sustainable asphalt, and I want to promote pavement preservation and all of those industry avenues coming in with traditional asphalt paving. There is a way for all of us to work together to make asphalt pavement as good as possible for taxpayers.” For Powell, the future of asphalt isn’t about choosing one approach over another. It’s about continuing to ask the question that has kept her engaged for 20 years: How can the industry be better?

Mastic Kettle

1333 South Daysville Road Oregon, Illinois 61061 Sales: 815-732-2116 Sales: sales@etnyre.com Parts/Service: 888-586-1899

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS | By Brandon Noel, Editor-In-Chief

How

VANCE CORPORATION Fought Back From The Brink Vance Corporation once had to run its office out of a spare bedroom. Last year it did $50 million, and the Shuttle Buggy played a central part.

sually, if you are hauling heavy equipment to or from a jobsite, the last thing you want is to do

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something that gets the attention of a law enforcement officer. However, in the case of the Vance Corporation’s custom patriotic wrap, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a couple of officers wanted to get a picture with it. It isn’t just people in uniform, though, Christian Peacock said the phone calls come in about it almost every day. Peacock doesn’t have a formal title with the company, so much as he just goes where he is needed, and get’s done what must be done. And he also said the

wrap does exactly what Vance Corporation hoped it would: earns attention. When they chose to put it on a new Astec Roadtec SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy, Peacock said the design was chosen for a specific reason in mind. “It doesn’t represent one group of people. It represents all people,” he said. “And also the contributions that this country has made to make us successful. We recognize that we’re only here because there were people before us that were good at what they did, and they created a market for us to be where we’re at.”

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The company who installed the wrap is called Avi Wraps, and was completed by Mike Bailey. A few years ago, though, there was very nearly a scenario before them, which could have resulted in no wrap, no shuttle buggy, and no Vance Corporation, at all.

N Vance Corporation

A BEDROOM FOR AN OFFICE Vance Corporation paves out of Beaumont, California. The company is employee owned, and that detail is central to this story on more than one occasion. President Derek Ritarita and Peacock have each spent more than 30 years with the company. Vice President Rob Erautt arrived later, but all three watched the business come within a few inches of closing down. “Everybody counted us out,” Peacock said. “Our office looked nothing like this. We were sharing a bedroom.” The ESOP made the slump personal, but it also made everything worth fighting for in a direct way. “Our shares were down. Everything was struggling. All that we’d worked for, for years, was disappearing, as well,” Peacock said. That same structure explains why nobody walked away. All too often, when it’s a case of outside ownership, they might look at the numbers Vance was facing, then cut and run. But these employees saw what was still possible and fought for it, because the thing they were fighting for was their own future. “None of us wanted to give up,” Ritarita said. “We saw something special there. We all got together and said, hey, there’s only one place we can go, and that’s up from here. We were down that far.”

RENTING THEIR WAY OUT The recovery started with two decisions that cost nothing. Well, almost nothing. The first was to stop treating other contractors as competition. Vance had good pavers, good mills, and more to the point, good people. Instead of laying crews off, the company rented them out. “We’re partners. We try to partner with everybody,” Erautt said. “They’re short handed with guys, so we rent guys out to them. That’s where we dug our heels in at the very beginning.” The second decision was to answer the phone and treat everything coming in optimistically. “We would always answer our phones,” Ritarita said. “If anybody called and needed something, they could guarantee they were going to get a hold of one of us, and we would never say no. We would just make it work.” The work was not always very glamorous, and led to Erautt calling them get-in-get-out-get-paid jobs. “We had no money in the bank, really,” he said. “So, we started focusing on quick turnaround jobs, and we did a lot of them.” Their equipment fleet included an Astec Roadtec shuttle buggy, and that machine turned out to be the hinge of their whole story. Vance ran a material transfer vehicle (MTV) as far back as the 1990s before a previous president sold it. Years later, ahead of their downturn, Ritarita pushed to buy another one, and the company built a customer list around it. “Had we not started with the shuttle buggy in previous years, if we would have waited, we would have gone out of business,” Peacock said. “We just didn’t

Vance Corporation

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

have the clientele to rent it. The shuttle buggy has a really special place in our hearts for that reason.” For a couple years, while struggling at the bottom, Vance squeaked by with their work-fast strategy, but last year they blew the doors off. Now? They’re setting their sights to the horizon. WHAT THE MACHINE ACTUALLY DOES Plenty of contractors have never run a MTV. Put simply, it sits between the haul truck and the paver and never lets the two touch. Trucks dump hot asphalt mix into a front hopper, a conveyor lifts the mix into a surge bin, a remixing auger turns it over, and a second conveyor feeds the paver hopper while everything keeps moving. That constant motion is the key element.

Vance Corporation

Roadtec built the first one in 1989. The SB-3000 Vance bought from Herrmann Equipment, the Astec dealer covering California and Nevada, carries 30 tons in the bin and moves up to 600 tons per hour, according to Astec’s published specifications. A hopper insert can even take storage to 45 tons. FIVE REASONS TO PUT ONE INTO THE MIX Production climbs. Erautt credits the machine for winning work. “We’re landing a lot of jobs because of the shuttle buggy,” he said. “We are upping our production more than 20% because we were not worried about trucks sitting there.” The mat gets smoother. Every time a truck backs into a paver, it bumps it. Even if it seems gentle, it can leave

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a lasting impact on the smoothness. When you’re building roads, that’s the last thing you want. “You get a little bump in the road,” Erautt said. “It’s a lot harder on the guys to get that roller mark out or get that bump out of the road.” An MTV takes the truck off the paver entirely, and Vance runs the machine even on jobs that never asked for one. “Even when agencies don’t require the shuttle buggy, we put our shuttle buggy on, just because we take pride in our work,” Ritarita said. As more DOTs tighten smoothness bonus and penalty structures, that pride pays a dividend. Segregation stops. Ritarita pointed at a failure some crews stop noticing. “Whenever you’re running with the dumps, the paver has those hoppers that fold in, and a lot of that rock and aggregate gets stuck in the sides of it,” he said. “When you fold it in on that last truck, that’s all that aggregate that fell down in there. Now you’ve got big rock pockets.” The MTV’s triple pitch auger turns the load over before it reaches the paver. Astec links segregation to cracking, raveling, stripping and rutting, all of which start with non-uniform density. The mix stays hot. Instead of the churning shedding heat, Ritarita explained that just the opposite happens. A haul truck forms a crust on top of the load the longer it sits idle, and the paver breaks that crust into cold material that never mixes back in without some segregation issues. “Once the shuttle buggy breaks that crust up and remixes it, it keeps it together,” he said. “You’re always constantly having hot asphalt on top of hot asphalt, not over the crust of it, not cold.” The truck count drops. Astec published a truck cycle example built on a 10-hour day: 2,400 tons, 20-ton trucks, a 10-mile haul, and a truck cost of $60 per hour. Without an MTV, that job needs 14 trucks at $8,400. With one, it reportedly needs only 10 trucks at $6,000, and cost per ton falls from $3.30 to $2.40. If you ran those

assumptions against your own haul before quoting anybody a number, it might make just enough difference to impact your bid, and more than likely, the bottom line. OPERATING MTVS REQUIRES SOME KNOWHOW The machine is easier to operate than it used to be, but finding the right person to operate it is not. What are some of the qualities a shuttle buggy operator might need? “You just don’t want to throw any operator on there,” Erautt said. “You want an operator that doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty, that knows how to wrench, listening for noises and then inspecting the machine. You want somebody that can weld [if you can find them].” Ritarita credits the manufacturer for the rest. “Astec has made it operator friendly,” he said. The good news is that operator training runs faster than most contractors expect, and Vance starts candidates on the ground. “We started him off as a ground man, dumping into the shuttle buggy, and then hopping up and running with the operator,” Erautt said. Two weeks of seat time gets a capable hand running it alone, and the apprentice Vance brought in was operating inside a month. WHAT COMES NEXT? The obstacles now look nothing like the ones that nearly ended the company. Bid lists that used to hold 4-5 contractors now hold 13-14. California’s engine tier phase outs hit a fleet of older iron hard, and Peacock puts a repower at $70,00080,000 on a single machine. Personnel still tops the list. “Once we get guys, we keep guys,” Rob said. One of the major incentives Vance has over its competitors, in terms of recruiting and retaining their workforce, is the knowledge that every employee is also an owner. The success of the company is directly tied to their personal success in a way that non-ESOP structures can’t compare to. That’s something that they hang their comeback success on, and also, their future.

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PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY | By Brandon Noel, Editor-In-Chief

Where Preservation Dollars Buy The Most Safety The takeaway for a preservation program is which one buys more safety and where to spend it first.

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very preservation program is an exercise in roadway triage. When it comes to maintaining public infrastructure, there is never enough taxmoney to treat every mile that needs it, so the list gets ranked. These rankings usually get sorted by condition score, ride quality, and how long it has been since the last treatment. Safety sits somewhere in the mix, but rarely drives the ranking because the data tying a specific pavement condition to a specific crash has never been easy to come by. New research suggests safety should drive more of that ranking than it does, and points to a specific place to put the money. A team led by the University of Houston, in a study funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) and published originally in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, used artificial intelligence to connect two datasets that normally never meet: roughly 24,000 police crash narratives and a pavement management database of about 180,000 road-segment records.

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The question it set out to answer is: when pavement is a factor in a crash, which pavement property actually matters? The answer has a direct bearing on where a preservation dollar could do the most good. TEACHING AI TO READ CRASH REPORTS The breakthrough was in the methodology. A police crash narrative, the officer’s free-text account of what happened, often contains the detail that matters. The car hydroplaned, lost control on the curve, skidded on a wet surface. But that detail is buried in prose, written differently by every officer, and almost never captured in the structured fields a database can easily sort. Reading 24,000 of them by hand isn’t realistic, and keyword searches miss context. So the team used a large language model as a reader, running each narrative through a standardized prompt, built with state pavement engineers, that sorted the crashes into mechanism categories: hydroplaning,

wet pavement, loss of control at curves, rough pavement, potholes. Even still, they didn’t just blindly trust the model’s ability to read it, so they tested which was best tuned for the task. Three models were tested against hand-labeled cases, and GPT-4 came back strongest, matching human judgment on hydroplaning and wetpavement cases almost exactly, with uncertain cases flagged and adjudicated. The result is a mountain of unstructured narrative turned into analyzable data, with a measured error rate. WHAT THE CRASHES WERE REALLY ABOUT The findings reframed the question of pavement preservation priorities in general. Out of more than 3,400 pavementrelated labels, three mechanisms dominated: loss of control at curves and wet pavement each took roughly a third, and hydroplaning nearly another third. Potholes and visibly rough pavement damage, the failures preservation programs most often chase, barely registered at well under two percent between them, Think about that for a moment. What if the distresses that drive most condition scoring are not the ones showing up in crash narratives. Water and grip are. Nearly two-thirds of the labeled crashes came down to a loss of traction on a wet surface, not a broken one. FRICTION, NOT SMOOTHNESS Linking those labeled crashes to segment-level pavement data (skid number, roughness, rut depth, texture)

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the team ran a “quantile regression,” which examined the worst segments rather than the average one. For preservation planning, the worst segments are the whole point. Skid resistance was negatively associated with wet-weather crashes at every level of risk, was highly significant statistically, and the effect grew stronger on the highest-risk segments. While this might sound elementary or common sense, better friction tracked with fewer wet crashes, and mattered the most where crashes were concentrated most. Similarly, when it came to texture, segments tied to hydroplaning and wet-pavement crashes had measurably shallower “macrotexture,” the coarse structure that channels water out from under a tire. Interestingly, surface roughness barely moved the needle, having a positive but tiny coefficient that mostly failed to reach significance. In the authors’ words, improving smoothness “may have only a marginal effect on reducing wet-weather crashes.” It isn’t the first study to land there; the paper notes prior Texas research found that smoother pavement can actually raise crash severity because drivers speed up on it. Smoothness still matters for ride and for overall condition. But for wet-weather safety, friction is the lever. THE REPEAT-OFFENDER SEGMENTS The most useful finding for anyone allocating money is about where crashes cluster. Hydroplaning crashes didn’t scatter evenly across the network. Hundreds of segments logged a single crash, but a distinct group recorded between two and seven, a pattern the authors attributed to “recurring surface water retention or drainage inefficiencies.” Specific stretches that hold water in the same place, year-after-year. Loss-of-control-at-curves crashes clustered too, driven by geometry (tight radii, thin superelevation) and made worse by degraded friction. Curve sharpness became statistically significant only at the highest risk levels, meaning sharp

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curves act as multipliers where the pavement is already compromised. These repeat-offender segments are exactly what a preservation program should want to find because they are where a single, targeted treatment prevents the most future harm per dollar. WHERE THE PRESERVATION DOLLAR GOES FURTHEST The study is a great screening framework, but isn’t really a paving plan. It doesn’t prescribe treatments. But read alongside what preservation crews already do, its findings line up into a clear order of priorities. Spend On Friction First The treatments that rebuild surface friction and texture, high-friction surface treatments, micro-surfacing, chip seals, and open-graded or thin friction courses, are the ones the evidence most directly supports. If skid resistance is the pavement property most tied to wet crashes, the preservation work that restores it carries a safety return that a smoothness-driven mill-and-fill does not. Put Curves At The Front The study found sharp curves turning dangerous exactly at the highest-risk locations, the same places agencies increasingly target with high-friction surface treatments. Coming at the problem from crash narratives rather than engineering judgment, the AI analysis lands on a recommendation practitioners have been moving toward for years. That convergence is the real point: two independent roads to the same intersection. Chase The Water The repeat hydroplaning segments point at drainage, and drainage is a preservation problem as much as a design one. Open-graded friction courses that let water escape the surface, restored cross-slope, and cleared drainage all address the exact mechanism the narratives kept describing, and they target the segments already proven to reoffend.

These results can help transportation agencies select candidate pavement-safety projects by identifying pavement conditions associated with elevated crash risk and prioritizing targeted, cost-effective countermeasures. — Lu Gao, University of Houston

Any contractor might tell you that this is is a business signal as much as a safety one. Friction treatments that once competed for budget on general-condition grounds now carry a data-backed safety rationale, and agencies armed with this kind of screening will be looking for partners who can deliver them. ONE CAVEAT TO CONSIDER What’s next requires honesty about the study’s limits, and the authors also point this out. This is an association, not a proof of cause and effect. It shows a strong statistical link between low friction and wet crashes; it does not prove that any one treatment on any one mile prevents any one wreck. It draws on one state across two years, and only hydroplaning had enough cases to model with real confidence. What makes it worth acting on anyway is convergence. This study, using a method that didn’t exist a few years ago, arrives at the same place as a decade of friction research and the direction agencies are already taking on high-crash curves. When a genuinely new line of evidence lands on the conclusion the old evidence pointed to, that conclusion gets harder to wave off. The method of reading every crash narrative in a state and tying it to the pavement underneath is the part that is new, and is about to make targeting this kind of spending far more precise. The takeaway for a preservation program is deeper than the technology behind it: when friction work and smoothness work compete for the same dollar, the crash data now has something to say about which one buys more safety, potentially, and where to spend it first.

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THE LAST EXIT AdobeStock_kozorog

Extreme Weather Is Redefining Construction Jobsite Safety Severe weather is exposing gaps in traditional construction safety plans, and contractors need stronger weather preparedness to protect crews and projects.

onstruction has always been vulnerable to the elements. But in recent years, weather events have become more intense, less predictable and more disruptive. The question is no longer whether extreme weather affects construction projects; it clearly does. The more pressing question is whether today’s jobsite safety plans are truly equipped for the new reality. For many contractors, the honest answer may be “no.”

THE GAP BETWEEN “COMPLIANCE” AND REAL PREPAREDNESS Most construction companies have some form of weather-related safety planning in place. OSHA requirements, insurance mandates, and internal protocols typically address hazards such as lightning, high winds, heat stress and cold exposure. Toolbox talks may cover hydration during summer months or proper layering in winter conditions. But many of these plans were built around historical norms, not the increasingly volatile conditions jobsites are now experiencing. A safety plan that works during a typical summer may fail during a record-breaking heat wave. Procedures designed for occasional storms may prove inadequate when workers face repeated flash flooding, smoke from wildfires or hurricaneforce winds. In many cases, weather planning is still treated as a relatively isolated issue rather than a constantly evolving operational threat. The problem is not necessarily that companies are ignoring safety. The issue is that extreme weather is changing faster than many planning processes can adapt.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IS AMPLIFYING THE RISK Whether viewed through an environmental, operational, insurance or political lens, there is little debate that weather patterns are becoming more extreme. Construction is uniquely exposed because so much work occurs outdoors and under constantly changing conditions. Unlike controlled manufacturing environments, jobsites are dynamic ecosystems. Crews move between elevations, partially enclosed spaces, open areas and temporary structures. Equipment, materials and personnel are often spread across large footprints, and conditions can change dramatically within minutes. Massive infrastructure projects, data centers, energy facilities, and high-rise developments often operate under aggressive schedules that leave little room for prolonged weather interruptions. When deadlines collide with worsening weather, safety plans are put to the ultimate test. TESTING THE PLAN BEFORE THE WEATHER DOES One of the biggest weaknesses in many construction safety plans is that they are rarely stress-tested against worstcase scenarios. Construction companies need to move beyond asking, “Do we have a weather policy?” and instead ask, “Would this plan actually work during the most extreme conditions our crews could realistically face?” First, contractors should evaluate whether their plans rely too heavily on static assumptions. Companies should reassess thresholds for shutdowns,

evacuations, and work stoppages based on current environmental realities rather than outdated norms. Second, communication systems need to be examined carefully. Can alerts reach every worker instantly across noisy, complex jobsites? Are multilingual crews receiving clear instructions? Is there redundancy if one communication method fails? Third, companies should conduct scenario-based drills tied to specific weather emergencies. Many jobsites rarely simulate flash flooding, extreme heat events, sudden wind escalation or smoke-related evacuation procedures. Those exercises often reveal critical weaknesses. Technology can also play a significant role. Real-time weather monitoring, predictive analytics, wearable safety technology and digital alert systems are giving contractors far greater visibility into emerging risks. But technology alone is not enough. Leadership must create a culture in which stopping work due to weather is viewed as responsible decision-making rather than operational failure. Because ultimately, the real test of a safety plan is not how it performs during normal operations but whether it still works when Mother Nature decides to demonstrate who is really in charge of our planet.

Kn w

Cory Sherman is the founder of Safety Systems Management.

Go to https://asph. link/5quhd5uo to read this article in full.

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