We are a heavy civil contractor based in Missouri, specializing in earthwork, underground utilities, concrete paving, asphalt paving, and bridge construction. MODOT is our largest client, so we've developed an extensive library of cost codes aligned with their bid items.
Our cost codes are structured with seven digits derived from MODOT's system, followed by a decimal and two additional digits we use for consistency and historical tracking. Our ERP system also supports an optional third segment in the cost code, which we use for site-specific identifiers like bridge numbers, routes, or other location-based details. This allows us to track identical scopes of work across one site.
This methodology was reinforced at the CFMA conference in Denver a few years ago, where I attended a breakout session recommending the use of your local DOT as a foundation for cost coding. DOT systems often cover nearly everything needed, making them a practical and comprehensive starting point.
Here is a peak at our Class A Excavation codes;
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James Price
Cost Control Manager
Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.
100% Employee Owned
Columbia MO
(573) 673-4354
james.price@emerysapp.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 07:25
From: Kim Niswender
Subject: Heavy Highway/Concrete Paving Job Cost Codes
We are based in PA and do concrete highway work. Since we work with PADOT often, we used the PADOT Specification number system to build our cost codes. The first 4 digits are the PADOT section number the work is covered under. The last 4 digits are for operational separation. For instance, when we used a stringline curb machine, we would use 0630-0100 (0630 being Curb in the specs) for the first operation - set string line. Then we used 0630-0200 for the second operation - slipforming the curb.
Not sure how OK handles highway work, but that's my 2 cents.
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Kim Niswender
Controller
Baseline Contracting, Inc.
Coplay PA
(610) 799-5859
Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2025 13:13
From: Bobby Redinger
Subject: Heavy Highway/Concrete Paving Job Cost Codes
Hello CFMA Heavy Highway Group,
I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share your job cost codes? My company has never really used them and I am trying to update us to a place where we can really use all of our software's job costing features. We primarily do concrete and asphalt paving with some park/beautification projects thrown in the mix. The options for choosing codes seem a little overwhelming and any help given would be appreciated.
Thanks,
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Bobby Redinger CPA
CFO, Rudy Construction
OKC, OK
(405) 478-9900
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