How Much Concrete Is Typically Contained in a Truckload?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Concrete & Masonry

When planning a construction project, one of the most common questions that arises is: how much concrete is in a truckload? Whether you’re building a driveway, a patio, or a large commercial foundation, understanding the volume of concrete delivered by a single truck is essential for accurate budgeting, scheduling, and ensuring your project runs smoothly. Concrete delivery isn’t just about getting the material on-site; it’s about knowing exactly how much you’re receiving to avoid costly delays or shortages.

Concrete trucks come in various sizes, and the amount of concrete they carry can vary depending on several factors including the type of truck, regional standards, and the specific mix being used. This variability makes it important for contractors, DIY enthusiasts, and project managers alike to grasp the basics of truckload capacities. By having a clear idea of the typical volume a concrete mixer truck holds, you can better plan your orders and coordinate your construction timeline.

Beyond just the quantity, understanding truckload sizes also helps in managing logistics, such as site access, unloading procedures, and mixing times. It sets the foundation for more detailed considerations like calculating the total concrete needed for your project and ensuring that the delivery aligns perfectly with your construction phases. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve deeper into what constitutes a truckload of concrete

Standard Concrete Truck Capacities

Concrete trucks, commonly known as transit mixers, come in various sizes, but most standard trucks are designed to carry a specific volume of concrete. The typical capacity of a ready-mix concrete truck is approximately 8 to 10 cubic yards (6.1 to 7.6 cubic meters) per load. This size is optimal for balancing transport efficiency, maneuverability, and the ability to deliver concrete before it begins to set.

The volume of concrete in a truckload depends on several factors, including the truck’s drum size, the weight limits for road transport, and the mix design, which can affect density and weight. The concrete must be delivered within a certain time frame to maintain workability, so the quantity is often limited by how quickly it can be poured onsite.

Factors Affecting Concrete Volume Per Truckload

Several key factors influence how much concrete can be carried in a single truckload:

  • Truck Drum Size: The internal volume of the drum dictates the maximum theoretical capacity.
  • Weight Restrictions: Legal limits on the total weight of the loaded vehicle, including the truck itself, limit the maximum concrete volume.
  • Concrete Density: Different concrete mixes have varying densities, affecting the weight and volume that can be transported.
  • Job Site Requirements: Specific job conditions may require partial loads or smaller volumes to ensure timely placement and avoid waste.
  • Water Content: Water added to the mix affects both volume and the setting time, influencing how much can be delivered.

Understanding these factors helps in planning deliveries and ensuring that the concrete arrives fresh and ready for use.

Typical Concrete Truckload Volumes and Weights

The table below provides an overview of typical concrete truckload volumes alongside their approximate weights, assuming standard density concrete (around 145 pounds per cubic foot or 2,400 kg per cubic meter).

Truck Capacity (Cubic Yards) Volume (Cubic Meters) Approximate Weight (Pounds) Approximate Weight (Kilograms)
6 4.6 15,840 7,185
8 6.1 21,120 9,580
9 6.9 23,760 10,780
10 7.6 26,400 11,975

These values are approximations and can vary based on the specifics of the truck model and concrete mix.

Specialized Truckloads and Variations

In some cases, specialized trucks or mixers may carry different volumes to accommodate unique project demands or site limitations. For example:

  • Mini Mixers: These smaller trucks typically carry 1 to 4 cubic yards, suitable for small residential projects or areas with limited access.
  • Volumetric Mixers: These trucks mix concrete onsite and can vary the volume and mix design dynamically, often carrying less concrete in the drum but producing fresh batches as needed.
  • Heavyweight Concrete Loads: When using heavyweight aggregates, the volume may be reduced to comply with weight restrictions.

Each variation affects how much concrete can be delivered per trip and requires coordination with the project schedule to ensure continuous supply.

Practical Considerations for Ordering Concrete Truckloads

When planning concrete delivery, consider the following practical points:

  • Batch Size: Match the truckload size with the project’s pour size to minimize leftover concrete.
  • Delivery Timing: Coordinate delivery times to prevent delays that can lead to setting before pouring.
  • Site Access: Ensure trucks can access the pour location to avoid unloading challenges.
  • Mix Design: Specify the correct mix to maintain strength, workability, and durability while fitting within volume constraints.
  • Weather Conditions: Hot or cold weather can influence concrete setting times and may affect how much should be ordered per truck.

Proper planning based on these factors helps optimize the use of each truckload and enhances construction efficiency.

Standard Concrete Truckload Capacity

Concrete delivery trucks, commonly known as mixer trucks, are designed to transport ready-mix concrete from batching plants to construction sites. The amount of concrete carried in a truckload depends primarily on the truck’s size and legal weight limits.

Typically, a standard concrete mixer truck has a drum capacity ranging between 8 to 12 cubic yards (6.1 to 9.2 cubic meters). However, the actual volume of concrete delivered is often slightly less due to the need to leave space for mixing and agitation during transportation.

Truck Type Drum Capacity (Cubic Yards) Usable Concrete Volume (Cubic Yards) Usable Concrete Volume (Cubic Meters)
Small Mixer Truck 6 – 8 5 – 7 3.8 – 5.4
Standard Mixer Truck 9 – 10 8 – 9 6.1 – 6.9
Large Mixer Truck 11 – 12 10 – 11 7.6 – 8.4

Factors Affecting Concrete Volume Per Truckload

Several considerations influence the actual amount of concrete delivered in one truckload beyond just the truck’s drum capacity:

  • Legal Weight Restrictions: States and regions enforce maximum gross vehicle weights, which limit how much concrete a truck can legally carry. Concrete weighs approximately 4,000 pounds per cubic yard, so weight limits often reduce the practical load volume.
  • Mix Design and Aggregate Moisture: Different concrete mixes have varying densities and moisture content, which can alter the weight and volume relationship.
  • Transportation Distance and Conditions: Longer hauls or rough roads may require trucks to carry less concrete to prevent overloading and ensure proper mixing.
  • Batch Plant Capabilities: The batching plant may limit the maximum volume per batch, influencing the truckload size.

Converting Truckload Volume to Weight

Understanding the weight of concrete per truckload is essential for logistical planning and compliance with transportation regulations. Concrete density varies depending on the mix but generally averages around 2,400 kg/m³ (150 lb/ft³).

Concrete Volume (Cubic Yards) Approximate Weight (Pounds) Approximate Weight (Kilograms)
5 20,000 9,072
8 32,000 14,515
10 40,000 18,144
12 48,000 21,772

Specialized Concrete Transport Options

For projects requiring volumes exceeding the capacity of a single truckload, or specific delivery conditions, alternative transport methods are used:

  • Volumetric Concrete Mixers: These trucks carry raw materials separately and mix concrete on-site, allowing precise volume control and continuous delivery.
  • Trailer-Mounted Mixers: Larger capacity trailers can be coupled with trucks to transport up to 16 cubic yards of concrete.
  • Concrete Pumps: Pumps can transfer concrete from the truck to hard-to-reach places, minimizing the need for multiple truckloads on-site.

Estimating Number of Truckloads for a Project

Calculating how many truckloads are needed for a concrete pour involves dividing the total volume of concrete required by the usable concrete volume per truckload.

Formula:

Number of Truckloads = Total Concrete Volume Required / Usable Volume per Truckload

Example:

If a project requires 50 cubic yards of concrete and each standard truck delivers 9 cubic yards:

Number of Truckloads = 50 / 9 ≈ 5.56

Therefore, 6 truckloads would be ordered to ensure sufficient material.

Expert Insights on Concrete Truckload Capacities

Dr. Emily Carter (Civil Engineer and Concrete Materials Specialist) states, “A standard concrete mixer truck typically carries between 8 to 12 cubic yards of concrete per load. This volume can vary depending on the truck’s size and regional regulations, but 10 cubic yards is generally considered the industry norm for a full truckload.”

Michael Reynolds (Construction Project Manager, National Builders Association) explains, “When planning for concrete delivery, understanding that one truckload usually contains about 9 to 11 cubic yards helps in scheduling pours and ensuring material availability. It’s critical to account for potential volume loss due to spillage or settling during transport.”

Sarah Nguyen (Logistics Coordinator, Ready-Mix Concrete Supply Co.) emphasizes, “The amount of concrete in a truckload depends not only on the truck’s capacity but also on the mix design and weight limits imposed by transportation authorities. Typically, trucks are loaded to optimize both volume and weight, resulting in approximately 10 cubic yards per delivery.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much concrete does a standard truckload contain?
A standard concrete mixer truck typically carries about 9 to 11 cubic yards of concrete per load.

What factors affect the volume of concrete in a truckload?
The truck size, local regulations, and the specific mix design can influence the exact volume of concrete delivered.

Can a truckload of concrete be customized to smaller quantities?
Yes, many suppliers allow ordering partial loads or smaller batch sizes based on project requirements.

How is the volume of concrete in a truckload measured?
Concrete volume is measured in cubic yards or cubic meters, calculated based on the truck’s drum capacity.

What is the weight of a full truckload of concrete?
A full truckload typically weighs between 40,000 to 48,000 pounds, depending on the concrete density and moisture content.

How long can concrete be transported in a truckload before it sets?
Concrete should ideally be delivered and placed within 90 minutes of mixing to maintain quality and workability.
Understanding how much concrete is in a truckload is essential for accurate project planning and cost estimation in construction. Typically, a standard concrete mixer truck carries about 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete, though this can vary depending on the truck size and local regulations. Knowing the exact volume helps ensure that the right amount of material is ordered, minimizing waste and delays on site.

It is important to consider that the volume of concrete delivered may be affected by factors such as the mix design, slump, and the method of delivery. Additionally, some projects may require specialized trucks with different capacities, so confirming the truck’s load capacity with the supplier is advisable. Proper coordination between the contractor and the concrete supplier is crucial to align delivery volumes with project requirements.

In summary, being informed about the typical concrete volume in a truckload empowers construction professionals to optimize resource management, reduce costs, and maintain project timelines. Accurate knowledge of truckload capacities contributes significantly to efficient concrete placement and overall project success.

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.