O'BRIEN READY MIX

Frequently asked questions


SERVING KANSAS, MISSOURI, ARKANSAS

FAQs FOR O'BRIEN READY MIX

  • What does O’Brien Ready Mix do?

    O’Brien Ready Mix supplies ready-mix concrete for residential, commercial, agricultural, and contractor projects. We deliver concrete directly to job sites for projects such as driveways, sidewalks, foundations, footings, slabs, patios, shop floors, parking areas, and other concrete construction needs.

  • What areas do you serve?

    We serve customers throughout our local service area and surrounding communities. We deliver concrete within a 30-mile radius of our plant locations. You can view our plant locations here. 

  • How do I order concrete?

    To place an order, contact our dispatch or office team with your project details, including the job address, type of project, estimated yardage, requested delivery date and time, and any special mix requirements. The more information you provide upfront, the better we can help schedule your delivery. Or fill out our contact form with initial details and then we'll get in contact with you! 

  • How much concrete do I need?

    Concrete is ordered by the cubic yard. The amount needed depends on the length, width, and thickness of the area being poured. If you are unsure, our team can help you estimate the yardage based on your measurements. It is always important to double-check measurements before ordering.

  • What information do I need before placing an order?

    Helpful information includes:


    Job site address

    Contact name and phone number

    Type of project

    Requested delivery date and time

    Estimated cubic yards needed

    Desired concrete strength, if known

    Slump or workability requirements, if known

    Whether a pump, buggy, or other placement method will be used

    Any access issues at the job site


    You can fill out our inquiry form or call us today to work on getting a delivery scheduled. 

  • How far in advance should I schedule concrete delivery?

    We recommend scheduling as early as possible, especially during busy construction seasons. Weather, job size, and delivery demand can affect availability. Calling ahead helps us better coordinate trucks and delivery times.

  • Can I get same-day concrete delivery?

    Same-day delivery may be available depending on schedule, location, weather, and order size. Please call our office or dispatch team to check availability.

  • What types of projects do you supply concrete for?

    We supply concrete for a wide range of projects, including:


    Driveways

    Sidewalks

    Patios

    Garage floors

    House slabs

    Shop floors

    Footings

    Foundations

    Curbs

    Parking lots

    Commercial slabs

    Agricultural projects

    Contractor and subdivision work

  • Do you work with homeowners and contractors?

    Yes. We work with homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, farmers, commercial customers, and municipalities. Whether you need concrete for a small residential project or a larger commercial job, our team can help.

  • What strength of concrete do I need?

    Concrete strength depends on the type of project and engineering requirements. Common mixes may include different PSI ratings depending on whether the concrete is being used for a driveway, sidewalk, slab, footing, or structural application. Your contractor, engineer, or local building requirements may specify the correct mix. Our team can help discuss common options.

  • What is slump?

    Slump refers to the workability or consistency of the concrete. A higher slump is wetter and easier to place, while a lower slump is stiffer. The proper slump depends on the project, placement method, and specifications.

  • Can water be added to the concrete on-site?

    Water should only be added carefully and when appropriate. Adding too much water can weaken the concrete, affect finishability, and reduce long-term durability. Please discuss any slump adjustments with our driver or dispatch team before making changes.

  • Do I need to prepare the job site before the truck arrives?

    Yes. The job site should be ready before delivery. Forms should be set, subgrade should be prepared, reinforcement should be in place if required, and access should be clear for the truck. Having labor and tools ready helps avoid delays and extra charges.

  • What should I have ready before concrete delivery?

    Before the truck arrives, make sure you have:


    Forms completed and secured

    Grade prepared and compacted

    Reinforcement installed, if needed

    Enough help on-site to place and finish the concrete

    Tools ready

    Clear truck access

    A plan for where the concrete will be placed

    Water source available if needed for cleanup or finishing

  • Can your trucks drive onto my property?

    Our trucks are heavy and require stable access. We will do our best to reach the pour location safely, but soft ground, narrow driveways, low wires, trees, septic systems, culverts, and other obstacles may limit access. The customer is responsible for providing safe and suitable job site access.

  • What happens if the truck cannot access the pour area?

    If the truck cannot safely reach the pour area, the concrete may need to be placed using wheelbarrows, buggies, a skid steer, conveyor, or concrete pump. Please discuss access concerns before delivery so the right plan can be made.

  • Do you provide concrete pumping?

    If pumping is needed, please contact us to discuss your project. We can let you know whether pumping options are available or whether you will need to coordinate with a concrete pump provider.

  • How long do I have to unload the truck?

    Concrete trucks are scheduled to keep deliveries moving throughout the day. Excessive unloading delays may result in additional charges. Please make sure your crew and job site are ready when the truck arrives.

  • What if my job is delayed or canceled?

    Please notify us as soon as possible if your job is delayed, canceled, or not ready. Early communication helps us adjust scheduling and avoid unnecessary costs.

  • Does weather affect concrete delivery?

    Yes. Weather can affect concrete scheduling, placement, finishing, and curing. Rain, extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and site conditions may impact whether a pour should proceed. Your contractor should determine whether conditions are suitable for placement.

  • Can concrete be poured in cold weather?

    Concrete can be poured in cold weather, but special precautions may be needed to protect it from freezing and to allow proper curing. Depending on conditions, heated water, accelerators, blankets, or other cold-weather practices may be recommended.

  • Can concrete be poured in hot weather?

    Yes, but hot weather can cause concrete to set faster and may make finishing more difficult. Proper planning, timing, curing, and mix adjustments can help improve results during hot weather.

  • How long does concrete take to cure?

    Concrete begins setting within hours, but curing continues for days and weeks. Concrete typically gains a significant portion of its strength within the first 7 days and continues gaining strength over approximately 28 days. Proper curing is important for durability and long-term performance.

  • When can I walk or drive on new concrete?

    Timing depends on the mix, weather, slab thickness, curing conditions, and project type. Many sidewalks and slabs can be walked on after the concrete has hardened sufficiently, but vehicle traffic should usually wait longer. Your contractor should provide guidance based on your specific pour.

  • Do you finish concrete?

    O’Brien Ready Mix supplies and delivers the concrete. Customers are typically responsible for placement, finishing, forming, and site preparation unless other arrangements have been made. If you need a contractor, we may be able to suggest contacting a local concrete finisher.

  • Do you provide pricing over the phone?

    Yes, we can provide pricing information based on your project details, location, mix needs, and estimated yardage. Final pricing may depend on delivery distance, fuel charges, short-load fees, waiting time, admixtures, and other project-specific factors.

  • Is there a minimum order?

    Minimum order requirements or short-load fees may apply depending on the amount of concrete ordered and delivery location. Please contact us for details.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    Please contact our office for current payment options. Payment terms may vary for homeowners, contractors, account customers, and commercial projects.

  • Can I open a contractor or business account?

    Contractor and business accounts may be available. Contact our office for account setup information, credit application requirements, and payment terms.

  • What makes O’Brien Ready Mix different?

    O’Brien Ready Mix is committed to dependable service, quality concrete, and helping customers keep their jobs moving. We understand that concrete delivery is time-sensitive, and we work hard to support homeowners, contractors, and commercial customers with reliable scheduling and professional service.

  • Who should I call if I have questions about my order?

    Please contact our office or dispatch team with questions about scheduling, delivery, mix requirements, pricing, or changes to your order. We are happy to help you plan your concrete delivery and answer questions before your pour.

Have any more questions?

Contact us today at  620-449-2257 and we'll answer any questions you might have. Or you can fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you shortly.