Though all paving train machines must be coordinated, establishing the rolling speed of the breakdown roller is of particular importance during the test strip phase based on the relationship between vibration and speed, and how this relates to compaction.

When testing a pattern for a double-drum vibratory roller in the breakdown zone, the most important factor is impacts per foot, which equates to the number of times the drum hits the mat in any 12-inch area. This measurement influences density, smoothness and the balance of production. An industry rule of thumb is to achieve 10 impacts per foot, or an impact spacing of 1.2-inches (see rolling speed diagram). Attain more than 10 impacts per foot and one can expect to reach density faster and end up with a smoother surface, but at a cost of slower production speed. Conversely, travel too fast over the mat and one may "finish" faster, but with less than ideal results.

Since so much of a paving project's success relies on the performance of the breakdown roller, the speed that it can travel while also achieving desired results many times dictates the pace of the entire operation. Therefore, the operator of the breakdown roller must communicate with the entire crew regarding the maximum speed that the roller can operate to deliver adequate density and smoothness. Of course, the travel speed of the breakdown roller also directly relates to the speed of the paver. Failing to establish operation speeds between all equipment operators can lead to disastrous results. For instance, if the rollers move too fast in relation to the paver, they may end up delivering the wrong compactive force in each temperature zone. This could result in diminished density and shoving of the material. But if the paver moves too fast, it forces the rollers to play catch up, which poses the danger of missing the required 10 impacts per foot with the breakdown roller. This is why establishing proper equipment speed during the test strip is just as important as determining pass-density patterns.