This invention provides a convenient method of forming and applying a thermoplastic material for roadway markings, comprising: obtaining individual components of a thermoplastic composite material suitable for roadway markings; mixing and heating the individual components to produce a fully compounded form of the thermoplastic composite material; solidifying and prilling the fully compounded form of the thermoplastic composite material to produce a plurality of thermoplastic prills; on a marking vehicle or mobile apparatus, introducing the thermoplastic prills to an on-board melter to produce a liquid phase of the thermoplastic prills; and applying the liquid phase of the thermoplastic prills to a roadway, thereby marking the roadway. Compositions and systems are also described. Surprisingly, prills melt in approximately half the time as the powder/granular form. Also, the melter can be operated at lower temperature, leading to less discoloration of material.