Now that you’ve decided to get started on your next asphalt project, it’s time to pick a partner. But what constitutes a good partner? And what are the best criteria for picking a partner?

It starts with reputation.

Ask around and learn about your prospective partner’s history of service and reliability. Have they delivered on time in the past? Are they known for being accommodating, and helpful?

Quoting.

Pay attention to how long it takes to receive your quote from your partner. If it takes them a long time to produce the quote, it could be an indication that it’s going to take them a long time on the job as well

Scheduling.

Scheduling is almost as important as price. A good partner will have the ability to scale their delivery of service and product when you need them to. A tight turnaround time with little or no advanced warning (3-5 days) should be no problem for a qualified partner.

Here’s why scheduling is important.

A delayed paving job can keep a commercial building project from receiving the certificates it needs to meet its opening date. Can you imagine having to push back your new franchise grand opening because of a parking lot certificate? Delayed asphalt jobs can also push back school openings, keep roads closed and cause all sorts of inconveniences.

Quality of the finished product.

It helps scheduling and quality control if your partner has their own asphalt mixing capability.

Equipment.

Time spent repairing broken down equipment is a set-back you shouldn’t have to be burdened by. A good asphalt partner will have well-maintained equipment.

If you’re an asphalt contractor and you’re shopping for an asphalt manufacturing partner to supply the asphalt for your next project, be sure to follow the same checklist from above when considering potential partners. Also be sure to keep their geographic location in mind as well. They should be as close to the job site as possible.

Be sure to work your network, and get recommendations for partnerships. You’ll mitigate fuel costs by working with someone in close proximity to your project .

Final Note.

Make certain you ask about their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. That you review references and that they’re approved by the state Department Of Transportation.