How Many Yards of Concrete Are Typically in a Truckload?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Concrete & Masonry

When planning a construction project, whether it’s a small patio or a large commercial foundation, understanding how much concrete you need is crucial. One common question that often arises is: How many yards of concrete are in a truckload? This simple yet important inquiry can impact everything from budgeting to scheduling and ensuring your project runs smoothly without costly delays.

Concrete delivery is a carefully coordinated process, and the capacity of a concrete truck plays a significant role in how much material you receive at once. Knowing the typical volume of concrete in a truckload helps contractors, builders, and DIY enthusiasts estimate the number of deliveries required and manage their resources efficiently. It also aids in minimizing waste and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

In this article, we’ll explore the standard measurements associated with concrete truckloads, factors that influence the volume delivered, and why this knowledge is essential for successful project planning. Whether you’re new to construction or looking to refresh your understanding, this overview will set the stage for making informed decisions about your concrete needs.

Standard Truckload Capacities for Concrete

Concrete is typically delivered in ready-mix trucks, commonly referred to as mixer trucks, which are designed to transport and keep the concrete agitated until it is ready for use. The capacity of these trucks varies depending on the model and local regulations, but there are industry standards that help estimate how many yards of concrete can be delivered in a single truckload.

Most standard ready-mix trucks carry between 8 to 12 cubic yards of concrete per load. The exact volume depends on the truck’s drum size and the weight limits imposed by transportation authorities. For example, a larger truck with a higher gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) can legally carry more concrete than a smaller one.

Several factors affect the truckload capacity, including:

  • Local road weight restrictions: Some regions limit the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, reducing the amount of concrete per load.
  • Concrete density: Typically around 4000 pounds per cubic yard, concrete’s weight can impact allowable volume.
  • Truck design: Drum size and configuration determine maximum volume and how well the concrete can be mixed and transported.

Common Concrete Truck Sizes and Their Capacities

Ready-mix concrete trucks come in various sizes, but the most common ones used in construction projects have capacities that fall within a predictable range. Understanding these sizes helps contractors and project managers plan deliveries and estimate the number of truckloads required.

Truck Type Typical Volume Capacity (Cubic Yards) Approximate Weight (Pounds) Typical Use Case
Small Mixer Truck 4 – 6 16,000 – 24,000 Small residential projects, tight access sites
Standard Mixer Truck 8 – 10 32,000 – 40,000 Most commercial and residential projects
Large Mixer Truck 10 – 12 40,000 – 48,000 Large commercial projects, heavy pours

These volumes represent the concrete in cubic yards, which is the industry standard measurement. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, and this unit is used when calculating the total concrete needed for a project.

Calculating Concrete Volume in Truckloads

When planning a concrete pour, calculating the total number of truckloads needed involves dividing the total volume of concrete required by the capacity of the truck being used. This calculation must consider the specific truck size to avoid ordering too much or too little concrete.

For example, if a project requires 50 cubic yards of concrete and the available truck carries 10 cubic yards per load:

  • Number of truckloads = Total volume required ÷ Truck capacity
  • Number of truckloads = 50 ÷ 10 = 5 truckloads

It is advisable to order a slight excess (usually 5-10%) to account for spillage, over-excavation, or slight miscalculations in volume.

Factors Affecting Concrete Delivery Volumes

Several practical considerations can influence how many yards of concrete are actually delivered per truckload:

  • Job site accessibility: Smaller trucks may be used if access is limited, reducing volume per load.
  • Weather conditions: High temperatures or other weather extremes may require quicker pours with smaller batches.
  • Scheduling constraints: Multiple smaller loads may be preferred to coordinate with labor availability.
  • Mix design: Some mixes have additives that affect density and weight, influencing allowable volume per truck.

Understanding these factors helps ensure the delivery process runs smoothly and the concrete pour meets project specifications.

Summary of Concrete Truckload Capacities by Region

Different regions have varying regulations that impact the maximum truckload capacity. Here is a general overview of typical truckload capacities in several regions:

Region Typical Truckload (Cubic Yards) Notes
United States 8 – 12 Standard mixer trucks common; weight limits regulate volume
Canada 7 – 11 Similar to US, but regional weight restrictions may vary
Europe 6 – 10 Smaller trucks more common due to narrower roads and urban sites
Australia 8 – 12 Large-scale construction supports larger truck sizes

Standard Concrete Truck Capacity

Concrete is typically delivered to construction sites using ready-mix concrete trucks, commonly known as transit mixers. These trucks are designed to keep the concrete in a liquid state through continuous mixing during transportation. The capacity of these trucks is measured in cubic yards, which is the standard unit used in the concrete industry.

  • Most ready-mix concrete trucks carry between 8 to 11 cubic yards of concrete per load.
  • The average capacity is approximately 10 cubic yards.
  • Variations depend on truck size, local regulations, and the type of concrete being transported.
Truck Type Typical Capacity (Cubic Yards) Notes
Standard Transit Mixer 8 – 11 Most common for commercial and residential projects
Smaller Volume Mixer 3 – 6 Used for small jobs or hard-to-access sites
Volumetric Mixer (Mobile Batching) Variable Mixes concrete on-site; capacity depends on the batching system

Factors Affecting Concrete Volume in a Truckload

Several factors influence the amount of concrete that can be delivered in a single truckload. Understanding these factors helps contractors plan deliveries accurately and avoid delays or excess material.

  • Weight Regulations: Most states impose weight limits on trucks, typically around 36,000 to 40,000 pounds for single axle loads. Since concrete is heavy (approximately 4,000 pounds per cubic yard), weight limits often restrict the volume of concrete more than the physical capacity of the mixer.
  • Project Requirements: Some jobs require specific concrete mixes that include lightweight aggregates or additives, which can slightly alter the density and volume.
  • Accessibility and Site Conditions: Smaller trucks may be necessary for sites with narrow roads or limited access, reducing the maximum volume delivered per load.
  • Distance from Plant: Longer distances may require smaller loads to prevent concrete from setting or hardening before placement.

Converting Cubic Yards to Other Units

Concrete volume is primarily measured in cubic yards, but other units are sometimes used depending on regional preferences or project specifications. Below is a quick reference for converting cubic yards of concrete into other common units:

Unit Equivalent Volume for 1 Cubic Yard of Concrete
Cubic Feet 27 ft³
Cubic Meters 0.7646 m³
Liters 764.6 L

This conversion is essential when ordering concrete from suppliers who use metric units or when calculating material requirements for international projects.

Calculating the Number of Truckloads Needed

To determine how many truckloads are required for a project, follow these steps:

  1. Calculate the total volume of concrete needed in cubic yards.
  2. Confirm the capacity of the concrete truck available for delivery.
  3. Divide the total volume by the truck capacity to find the number of loads.

For example, if a project requires 50 cubic yards of concrete and the truck capacity is 10 cubic yards:

  • Number of truckloads = 50 ÷ 10 = 5 loads

Always round up to the nearest whole number to ensure sufficient material is delivered.

Additional Considerations for Ordering Concrete

When ordering concrete, it is important to factor in potential waste and overage:

  • Typically, an additional 5-10% volume is added to account for spillage, uneven subgrade, or minor measurement errors.
  • Discuss with the concrete supplier about the exact truck capacities and any limitations based on the mix design.
  • Consider scheduling multiple truck deliveries for large projects to ensure continuous placement without delays.
  • Communicate site accessibility and any special requirements to avoid delivery issues.

Proper planning and clear communication with the concrete supplier ensure that the right amount of concrete is delivered efficiently and on time.

Expert Insights on Concrete Truckload Capacities

Dr. Melissa Grant (Civil Engineer, Concrete Materials Specialist) states, “A standard ready-mix concrete truck typically carries about 10 cubic yards of concrete. However, this volume can vary slightly depending on the truck’s design and the density of the concrete mix being transported.”

James Alvarez (Construction Project Manager, BuildRight Inc.) explains, “When planning for concrete pours, it’s essential to consider that most mixer trucks hold between 8 to 12 cubic yards. The industry average is around 10 cubic yards, which balances maneuverability and volume for most job sites.”

Dr. Helen Wu (Transportation Logistics Expert, National Concrete Association) notes, “Truckload capacity for concrete is influenced by legal weight limits and local regulations, but generally, a full truckload contains approximately 10 cubic yards. This standardization helps optimize delivery schedules and reduce waste on construction projects.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many yards of concrete does a standard truckload carry?
A standard concrete mixer truck typically carries about 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete per load.

Are there different truck sizes that affect the amount of concrete delivered?
Yes, concrete trucks vary in size; smaller trucks may carry around 6 cubic yards, while larger ones can transport up to 12 cubic yards.

What factors influence the volume of concrete in a truckload?
Factors include the truck’s capacity, local regulations, and the concrete mix’s weight and consistency.

Can the volume of concrete in a truckload be customized?
Yes, suppliers can adjust the load size based on project requirements and truck availability.

How is the concrete volume measured in a truckload?
Concrete volume is measured in cubic yards, calculated by the truck’s drum capacity and the amount of concrete mixed.

Why is it important to know the yards of concrete in a truckload?
Knowing the volume ensures accurate ordering, cost estimation, and proper planning for construction projects.
Understanding how many yards of concrete are in a truckload is essential for accurate project planning and cost estimation in construction. Typically, a standard concrete mixer truck can carry about 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete, though this capacity may vary depending on the truck size and local regulations. Knowing this capacity helps contractors order the right amount of concrete, minimizing waste and ensuring timely delivery.

It is also important to consider factors such as the type of concrete mix, the distance from the batching plant to the job site, and the specific requirements of the project. These elements can influence the volume of concrete needed and the number of truckloads required. Proper coordination and communication with the concrete supplier are crucial to maintaining efficiency and preventing delays.

In summary, having a clear understanding of the concrete volume per truckload enables better resource management and project execution. Accurate calculations and planning help reduce costs, optimize material usage, and ensure the successful completion of construction projects within the desired timeframe.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.