Going the extra mile: A day in the life of an Amrize truck driver
Every day at Amrize, drivers hit the road. Whether it’s delivering ready-mix concrete to a jobsite or hauling equipment to keep crews moving, their work ensures projects stay on track and communities continue to grow.
This Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting three of the people behind the wheel: Stephen Halfyard, Patrick Milne and Harvey Wood. Here’s what keeps them motivated to start their engines each morning.
Patrick: For the love of things with wheels
Patrick is a driver trainer who loves helping new drivers gain confidence behind the wheel.
Patrick Milne has been driving with Amrize for 13 years, but his love of heavy equipment dates back much further. Motorcycles, cars, trucks: if it has wheels, Patrick has always wanted to be at the controls. That passion led him from working in asphalt to sitting in the driver’s seat of a ready-mix truck. It was the career he’d been looking for.
“The truck may be the same, but no two days ever are,” Patrick says. “Each site brings different challenges, and you get to work with a lot of great crews along the way. That’s the part I enjoy most, being outside, meeting people, and seeing projects come together.”
Patrick Milne takes pride in the work that helps build our communities.
Ready-mix driving requires both precision and patience. Each load must stay in motion during the drive and then be poured smoothly once on site. Patrick takes pride in managing that process. “It’s not just driving,” he explains. “You’re part of the build. When I look back at a finished project, I can say, ‘I was there, I contributed to that.’”
As a driver trainer, Patrick also helps new drivers gain confidence with this unique piece of equipment. “When you’re working with someone new, there’s this moment where it all clicks for them, they realize they’re capable of doing it well. Seeing that confidence grow is one of the best parts of my job.”
One of Patrick’s most memorable deliveries took him high above Colorado Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak, where he helped supply concrete for a new building at 13,000 feet. “We had to take oxygen just to work up there,” he says. “It was tough, but it reminded me that this job can take you to places you’d never expect.”
Harvey: Still enjoying the drive after 30 years
Harvey has driving in his blood — and has been doing it for almost three decades.
Harvey Wood joined Amrize in 1996, but trucking has been part of his story from birth. His father was a driver, and Harvey grew up witnessing the independence and purpose that came with the profession. When the time came to choose a path, the decision felt natural.
Over nearly three decades at Amrize, Harvey has driven just about everything in the fleet— sweepers, water trucks, oil distributors, transporters, and more. That versatility has made him the person teams call when something important needs moving.
“The only routine part of my day is the start time,” Harvey says. “After that, every job is different. One day I might be helping with paving equipment, the next with ready-mix support. It’s never dull, and that’s what I like.”
For Harvey, the work is as much about people as it is about trucks. “You meet new crews all the time,” he explains. “Everyone has their role, and I enjoy learning from them. It keeps you connected to the bigger picture.”
He’s quick to point out that enjoying the job is a choice. “If you relax and don’t stress, you’ll find it rewarding,” he says. “Take it one day at a time, enjoy the drive, and appreciate the people you work with. That’s what keeps me going after almost 30 years.”
Stephen: Building something new every day
Stephen stands in front of his truck, ready to roll with a smile.
For Stephen Halfyard, a day in the life begins before the sun comes up. By 5:00 a.m., he’s at the yard performing his pre-trip inspection, making sure his truck is ready for a full day of work. From there, he’s on the move, often completing multiple deliveries before wrapping up around 4:00 p.m.
Each day brings a mix of jobs: a residential driveway in the morning, a commercial foundation in the afternoon, and perhaps a road project before heading back to the yard. “No two jobs are alike,” Stephen says. “That’s what I like about it. You’re always adjusting to a new situation, a new crew, a new set of challenges.”
Operating a ready-mix truck requires both awareness and coordination. Stephen is constantly monitoring the drum, navigating into tight spaces, and working with site teams to ensure a smooth pour. “It’s a balance between focus and routine,” he explains. “You know the steps, but you always have to stay sharp. The crews are counting on you.”
For Stephen, the early mornings and long days are balanced by the satisfaction of seeing progress up close. “By the end of the day, you can look back and see what you’ve helped build,” he muses. “It might be a house, a stretch of road, or part of a bigger project. Knowing you played a part in that is what makes the job meaningful.”
Stephen is up before dawn to begin his pre-trip inspection.
For all the miles you’ve put on
Truck drivers like Patrick, Harvey, and Stephen are essential to Amrize. Their professionalism, adaptability, and pride in their work keep projects moving and communities growing.
As Patrick puts it: “You build a foundation, and it’s only up from there.”
This Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we celebrate not only the miles our drivers travel but the dedication they bring to every shift, every delivery, and every customer they serve.