Concrete Deliveries: 7 Key Things to Know Before Ordering

Whether you’re laying foundations for an extension, installing a new driveway or managing a large commercial construction project, getting your concrete deliveries right can make all the difference to how smoothly the job runs.

When ordering concrete, there are a few things to consider apart from choosing a delivery date. From calculating the right quantity to making sure your site is ready, a little planning ahead can save you time, money, and a fair few headaches.

Before booking your next concrete deliveries, here are seven things worth knowing.

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Flowmix Tewkesbury: Tel: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

#1: Know How Much Concrete You Actually Need

Ordering too little concrete can delay your project while you arrange an additional delivery. Order too much, and you could end up paying for material you don’t need.

Fortunately, calculating concrete quantities is relatively straightforward for regular shapes. You’ll need three measurements:

• Length of the area in metres
• Width of the area in metres
• Depth of the concrete in metres

Multiply these together to calculate the volume in cubic metres (m³).

For example, if you’re laying a concrete slab measuring 5 metres long, 4 metres wide and 150mm deep, the calculation would be:

5 × 4 × 0.15 = 3m³ of concrete

Remember to convert measurements to metres before calculating and consider whether you need an allowance for uneven ground or other variations.

Alternatively, use our online calculator or speak to the Flowmix team before booking your delivery.

Flowmix Tewkesbury: Tel: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

#2: Make Sure You’re Ordering the Right Concrete

Concrete isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. The mix suitable for a garden path won’t necessarily suit structural foundations or a heavily trafficked commercial yard.

Different projects require different concrete specifications, depending on factors such as the intended use, expected loads, ground conditions and exposure to the elements.

For example:

• Domestic foundations: Concrete must meet the structural requirements of the building and relevant ground conditions.
• Driveways: The mix must suit vehicle traffic and the conditions it will face.
• Floor slabs: Strength, finish and intended use all influence the specification.
• Commercial projects: Concrete may need to meet more demanding structural or performance requirements.

Concrete strength is commonly expressed using grades such as C20/25, C25/30 and C30/37, but choosing the correct specification involves more than strength alone.

For structural work, always follow the specification provided by your engineer or building professional.

The Flowmix team can advise you on choosing the right concrete to match your requirements.

#3: Check That the Delivery Lorry Can Access Your Site

Here’s something surprisingly easy to overlook when arranging concrete deliveries: can the lorry actually reach where it needs to be?

Before booking, consider:

• Could parked vehicles prevent access?
• Are there narrow gates, tight turns or restricted entrances?
• Is the road leading to your site suitable for a concrete delivery vehicle?
• Are there low-hanging branches, cables or other overhead obstructions?
• How far is the delivery point from where the concrete needs to be placed?
• Is there a safe, suitable position for the vehicle to stop and discharge the concrete?

Also consider the condition of the ground, particularly on sites where access involves unmade surfaces.

If you anticipate any access difficulties, discuss them with Flowmix when arranging your delivery.

Identifying potential problems beforehand is much easier than trying to solve them with a concrete lorry waiting outside.

#4: Have Everything Ready Before Your Concrete Arrives

Concrete delivery day isn’t the time to discover your formwork isn’t finished, or half your workforce is stuck on another job. When concrete arrives, you’ll need to be ready to receive it and get started.

Depending on your project, that means making sure:

• Any required reinforcement is in position.
• Formwork is correctly installed and secure.
• Ground preparation and excavation are complete.
• The necessary tools and equipment are available.
• Access routes and working areas are clear and safe.
• Enough people are on-site to place and finish the concrete.

Also check the weather forecast. Very hot, cold, or wet conditions can affect concrete placement and curing, so that you may need appropriate precautions.

Remember, Flowmix supplies and delivers your concrete. Your contractor or on-site team is responsible for site preparation, placing, levelling, and finishing.

A well-prepared site means everyone can get on with the job without unnecessary interruptions.

#5: Understand What Affects Concrete Deliveries Costs

If you’ve been researching concrete deliveries prices, you’ve probably noticed there isn’t one universal price for every project.

Several factors can influence the cost, such as the quantity you need, the concrete specification, your delivery location, site access and discharge requirements, and your project’s specific needs.

The best way to get an accurate concrete delivery price is to provide as much project information as possible.

That way, you can compare quotations based on what you actually need, rather than relying on a rough estimate that might not reflect the final cost.

Need Expert Advice?

Speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire or Aldridge, Walsall. We are happy to help with all your concrete requirements. Contact us by email or telephone.

Flowmix Tewkesbury: Tel: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

#6: Getting Your Concrete Deliveries Timing Right

When you’re working with concrete, timing matters.

You’ve organised your workforce, prepared the site and scheduled the day’s work. The last thing you want is uncertainty about when your concrete might arrive.

For builders and contractors, poorly coordinated deliveries can waste labour hours, disrupt other trades, and add unnecessary pressure to the day.

For homeowners managing their own projects, knowing when to expect a delivery makes organising help and equipment much easier.

That’s why Flowmix offers a 2-hour timed concrete deliveries window.

Instead of leaving you guessing when your concrete will arrive, our timed delivery gives you a clear window to plan around.

It’s particularly useful when you’re working to a tight construction schedule, planning deliveries around other site activities, and coordinating groundwork contractors and other trades.

A timed delivery lets you schedule labour specifically for concrete placement and makes it easier to manage projects where access is restricted to certain times.

Of course, a 2-hour delivery window isn’t the same as an exact arrival-time guarantee, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.

#7: Know What to Expect on Concrete Delivery Day

You’ve measured up, selected your concrete, checked access and booked your delivery. So, what happens when the lorry arrives?

The exact process depends on your project and the delivery arrangements you’ve agreed, but a few things are worth keeping in mind.

Make sure someone is available to receive the delivery, understands the project requirements, can confirm the correct discharge location, and has your team ready to spring into action.

Keep the access route clear by ensuring that vehicles, materials and equipment don’t obstruct the delivery area. Make sure the agreed location is accessible and safe for the delivery vehicle.

Note that the method used to discharge concrete will depend on the vehicle, site conditions and any additional equipment arranged in advance. Make sure everyone understands how the concrete will reach its intended location.

Conclusion?

Successful concrete deliveries starts long before the lorry arrives.

Getting your quantities right, choosing the right specification, checking site access, and preparing your workforce can all make a real difference to your project’s efficiency.

Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a domestic improvement or a contractor managing a busy construction site, taking the time to plan properly can help avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.

Flowmix supplies concrete for domestic and commercial projects, with a convenient 2-hour timed delivery window to help you organise your working day.

How Flowmix Can Help with Your Project

Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide the following services (with time slots):

✅ Ready-mix concrete, mix on-site (volumetric concrete)
✅ Traditional and liquid screed.
✅ Concrete line pump Hire to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
✅ Interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
✅ Mini-Mix loads up to 4 cubic metres.

Flowmix holds the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).

Flowmix Tewkesbury: Tel: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

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