How many yards are in a concrete truck? Most big concrete trucks carry about 9 or 10 cubic yards of concrete. This is the most common size you will see on the road. This is the standard concrete truck size used for many building jobs. We’ll talk more about what a cubic yard is, why truck sizes can be different, and how to figure out how much concrete you need for your project.
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Figuring Out Concrete Measure
Concrete is measured in cubic yards. What does that mean? Imagine a box that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet tall. That box holds one cubic yard of space. When you order concrete, you ask for a certain number of cubic yards. This is the cubic yards per truck number you need to know. Knowing the cubic yards per truck is key for ordering the right amount.
Think of it like this:
* 1 foot = 12 inches
* 1 yard = 3 feet
* A cubic yard is 3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet.
* That equals 27 cubic feet (3 * 3 * 3 = 27).
So, one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Concrete truck capacity is always talked about using these cubic yards.
Common Truck Sizes
The most common size for a concrete delivery truck is one that holds 9 to 10 cubic yards. This is the average concrete truck size you see going to building sites. This size works well for many different kinds of jobs. It’s big enough for house foundations, driveways, and small business buildings. This size is good because it carries a good amount of concrete but can still travel on roads without breaking rules about weight.
Sometimes you might see smaller trucks. These might carry 4 to 6 cubic yards. These smaller trucks are good for jobs where there isn’t much space. Maybe a small backyard patio or a fix-it job. They can get into tighter spots.
You might also hear about bigger trucks, but they often don’t fill them all the way up to their maximum drum size. This is because of weight limits, which we will talk about next. So, while a drum might look huge, the ready mix concrete truck volume it carries is often limited by weight.
Here’s a quick look at typical concrete truck sizes:
| Truck Type | Typical Capacity (Cubic Yards) | Good For… |
|---|---|---|
| Small Truck | 4 – 6 | Small patios, sidewalks, repair work |
| Standard Truck | 9 – 10 | House foundations, driveways, small builds |
| Large Drum Truck | Can hold more, but often fills to 9-10 | Bigger jobs, but limited by weight rules |
So, when you ask “How much concrete is in a truck?”, for a standard truck, the answer is usually 9 or 10 yards.
Why Trucks Don’t Always Haul Max Volume
A concrete mixer truck has a big drum that spins. This drum can hold a lot of material. But the concrete truck capacity is not just about how big the drum is. It’s also about how heavy the concrete is. Concrete is very, very heavy.
There are rules about how much weight a truck can carry on public roads. These rules protect the roads and bridges. They also make sure trucks are safe to drive. These weight limits are the main reason a truck might not carry its full drum volume.
Let’s think about the weight:
* One cubic yard of standard concrete weighs about 4,050 pounds.
* That’s more than 2 tons (1 ton = 2000 pounds).
* If a truck carries 9 cubic yards, the concrete itself weighs about 36,450 pounds (9 * 4050).
* If it carries 10 cubic yards, the concrete weighs about 40,500 pounds (10 * 4050).
Now, add the weight of the truck itself, the water, the fuel, and the driver. The total weight gets very high. Trucks have limits on how much weight can be on each axle (the bar connecting the wheels). Going over these limits is against the law.
So, even if a drum could hold 12 cubic yards, the truck might only be allowed to carry 9 or 10 cubic yards because of the total weight. This is a key part of concrete truck capacity rules.
Learning About Different Concrete Mixes
Not all concrete is the same. Different mixes use different materials. These different mixes can weigh a little more or less.
- Standard Concrete: Uses gravel, sand, cement, and water. This is the most common type. It weighs about 4050 pounds per cubic yard.
- Lightweight Concrete: Uses lighter materials instead of gravel. It weighs less. This means a truck could possibly carry a little more volume, but it’s less common for regular building jobs.
- Heavyweight Concrete: Uses heavier materials. This concrete is used for special jobs, like protecting against radiation. It weighs a lot more. A truck carrying this type of concrete would carry fewer cubic yards to stay under the weight limit.
Most people order standard concrete. So, the 9-10 cubic yard limit based on weight is very common for concrete truck cubic yardage.
Calculating How Much Concrete You Need
Before you order concrete, you must know how much you need. Ordering too much wastes money. Ordering too little means you might have to stop work and wait for another truck. This can be a big problem because concrete starts to harden quickly.
To figure out how much concrete you need, you need to measure the space you want to fill. You need three measurements:
1. Length
2. Width
3. Depth (or thickness)
Measure these in feet. If you measure in inches, you need to turn inches into feet.
* 1 inch = 1/12 of a foot (0.0833 ft)
* 3 inches = 3/12 = 0.25 ft
* 4 inches = 4/12 = 0.333 ft
* 6 inches = 6/12 = 0.5 ft
* 9 inches = 9/12 = 0.75 ft
* 12 inches = 12/12 = 1 ft
Let’s do an example:
You want to pour a concrete patio.
* The patio is 20 feet long.
* It is 15 feet wide.
* You want the concrete to be 4 inches thick.
First, turn the thickness into feet: 4 inches is 0.333 feet.
Now, multiply the three measurements:
Length * Width * Depth
20 feet * 15 feet * 0.333 feet = 99.9 cubic feet
We know one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. So, to find cubic yards, divide the cubic feet by 27:
99.9 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = 3.7 cubic yards
So, for this patio, you need about 3.7 cubic yards of concrete.
It’s always a good idea to order a little extra. Why?
* Measurements might be slightly off.
* The ground might not be perfectly flat.
* Some concrete might spill or be wasted.
Most pros suggest ordering 10% more than you calculate.
For our example, 3.7 cubic yards * 1.10 (for 10% extra) = 4.07 cubic yards.
You would likely order 4.25 or 4.5 cubic yards to be safe. Concrete companies usually sell in quarter-yard amounts after the first few yards.
This calculation is very important when you are ordering concrete truckload. You tell the concrete company the total cubic yardage you need.
Here’s a calculation table for common thicknesses:
| Area (sq ft) | 4″ thick (0.333 ft) | 6″ thick (0.5 ft) | 8″ thick (0.667 ft) | Yards Needed (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 33.3 cubic feet | 50 cubic feet | 66.7 cubic feet | 1.25 – 2.5 |
| 200 | 66.6 cubic feet | 100 cubic feet | 133.4 cubic feet | 2.5 – 5 |
| 300 | 99.9 cubic feet | 150 cubic feet | 200.1 cubic feet | 3.7 – 7.5 |
| 400 | 133.2 cubic feet | 200 cubic feet | 266.8 cubic feet | 5 – 10 |
| 500 | 166.5 cubic feet | 250 cubic feet | 333.5 cubic feet | 6.25 – 12.5 |
Note: To find yards needed, divide cubic feet by 27. Then add 10% extra.
For example, 300 sq ft at 4″ thick needs 99.9 cubic feet. 99.9 / 27 = 3.7 yards. Add 10% (0.37 yards) = 4.07 yards total needed. You’d order 4.25 or 4.5 yards.
Ordering Your Concrete Truckload
When you call the concrete company, you will tell them:
1. The total amount of concrete you need in cubic yards (your total concrete truck cubic yardage).
2. The type of mix (standard is common, but sometimes you need stronger concrete).
3. The date and time you need it.
4. Your address and directions.
5. Any special things about your job (like if the truck needs to drive on a lawn or if there are power lines).
Knowing the concrete delivery truck capacity they offer is helpful. Most will send a standard 9 or 10 yard truck unless you ask for less and they have a smaller one available. If you need more than 9 or 10 yards, you will need more than one truck.
Let’s say your big job needs 18 cubic yards.
* One truck can bring 9 yards.
* You will need two trucks.
* You will need to schedule them. Sometimes they come one after the other. Sometimes there is a wait time.
Talk to the concrete company about scheduling multiple trucks. They do this all the time.
Cost of Concrete
The cost of concrete is usually given per cubic yard. The price can change based on:
* Where you live.
* How much you order.
* The type of mix.
* How far the truck has to drive.
There are other costs too:
* Delivery Fee: There is a charge to bring the truck to your place.
* Short Load Fee: If you order less than a certain amount (like less than 5 or 6 yards), they might add an extra fee. A concrete truck capacity that is only partly used still costs money to send out.
* Waiting Time Fee: The truck only waits for a certain amount of time for free (maybe 30-60 minutes). If you take longer to get the concrete out, they charge extra by the minute or hour.
* Environmental Fees: Sometimes there are small fees for things like washing out the truck.
Get a clear price list from the concrete company before you order. Ask about all possible fees.
Getting Ready for the Concrete Truck
Getting ready for the truck is very important. If you are not ready, it costs you time and money (waiting fees).
- Clear the Path: Make sure the truck can get to your work area. Concrete trucks are big and heavy. They need a strong, clear path.
- Prepare the Forms: The area where you are pouring concrete needs to be ready. This means building forms (like wooden walls) to hold the concrete in place. These forms must be strong so they don’t break when filled.
- Check the Ground: Make sure the ground is level and firm. Wet the ground slightly before pouring. This stops the dry ground from sucking water out of the concrete too fast.
- Have Tools Ready: You will need tools to spread the concrete and make it smooth (shovels, rakes, floats, trowels).
- Have Enough Help: Pouring concrete is hard work and must be done quickly. Have enough people to help spread and finish the concrete as it comes out of the truck.
- Plan for Washout: The truck driver will need a place to wash out the back of the truck after unloading. This water has concrete in it. You need a spot where this water can go safely, away from drains, rivers, or gardens. The concrete company can tell you how to set up a washout area.
Being fully ready makes the delivery go smoothly and keeps costs down. It helps you make the best use of the concrete truck capacity you ordered.
What Happens When the Truck Arrives
When the concrete delivery truck arrives, the driver will look at the path and the pour area. They will park the truck as close as they can. The back of the truck has chutes that swing down. These chutes guide the concrete from the drum to where you need it.
The driver controls how fast the concrete comes out by changing how fast the drum spins and using a gate. You and your crew will be there to spread the concrete as it comes out. You need to work quickly because the clock starts ticking for the concrete to set.
If you are pouring far from where the truck can park, you might need a concrete pump. A pump is a machine that takes concrete from the truck and moves it through a hose to the pour spot. This costs extra money but is needed for hard-to-reach areas. The standard concrete truck size delivers the concrete directly from the chute.
Important Things to Remember
- Concrete Sets: Concrete doesn’t stay wet forever. It starts to harden. You must finish spreading and smoothing it before it gets too stiff. The type of mix and the weather affect how fast it sets. Hot weather makes it set faster.
- Talk to the Driver: The driver is there to help get the concrete out. Talk to them about the best way to deliver it.
- Safety First: Concrete is heavy. The truck is big. Be careful around the truck and the wet concrete. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Knowing the typical concrete truck capacity helps you plan your project. You can figure out how many loads you need and how to schedule them.
Learning About Concrete Mixer Truck Capacity
The concrete mixer truck capacity, meaning the size of the spinning drum itself, might be larger than the amount of concrete it actually carries. For example, a truck might have a drum that could technically hold 12 or even 15 cubic yards. However, as we talked about, they usually only fill it to 9 or 10 yards because of the weight limits on roads.
The drum spins to keep the concrete mixed. If the drum was completely full, the concrete wouldn’t mix well. There needs to be space for the concrete to move around inside the drum. So, the maximum working concrete truck capacity is usually less than the drum’s total volume.
When someone asks about “How much concrete is in a truck?”, they usually mean the usable amount for a job, which is the 9-10 yards. This ready mix concrete truck volume is the number you care about for ordering.
Planning for Different Job Sizes
Let’s think about different job sizes and how many trucks you might need, based on a standard concrete truck capacity of 9 yards.
-
Small Patio (e.g., 10 ft x 10 ft x 4 inches thick):
- Calculation: 10 * 10 * (4/12) = 33.3 cubic feet.
- 33.3 / 27 = 1.23 cubic yards.
- Add 10% extra: 1.23 * 1.1 = 1.35 cubic yards.
- You would order about 1.5 or 1.75 cubic yards.
- This requires just one truck, likely a standard size truck carrying a small load (and probably a short load fee). A smaller truck might be used if available.
-
House Foundation (e.g., 40 ft x 30 ft x 1 ft thick – assuming a simple slab):
- Calculation: 40 * 30 * 1 = 1200 cubic feet.
- 1200 / 27 = 44.4 cubic yards.
- Add 10% extra: 44.4 * 1.1 = 48.84 cubic yards.
- You need about 49 cubic yards.
- Using trucks that carry 9 yards: 49 / 9 = 5.44. You would need 6 trucks.
- This requires careful scheduling of multiple concrete truckloads.
-
Medium Driveway (e.g., 50 ft x 12 ft x 6 inches thick):
- Calculation: 50 * 12 * (6/12) = 300 cubic feet.
- 300 / 27 = 11.11 cubic yards.
- Add 10% extra: 11.11 * 1.1 = 12.22 cubic yards.
- You need about 12.25 or 12.5 cubic yards.
- Using trucks that carry 9 yards: You will need two trucks. The first truck brings 9 yards. The second truck brings 3.25 or 3.5 yards. The second load will be a short load.
These examples show why knowing the concrete truck capacity is so important for planning. It tells you how many trips the concrete company needs to make and how to schedule your work crew.
Key Terms Simply Explained
- Cubic Yard: The standard way to measure concrete volume. It’s a cube 3ft by 3ft by 3ft.
- Concrete Truck Capacity: How much concrete a truck can carry, usually measured in cubic yards. Limited by weight more than drum size.
- Ready Mix Concrete: Concrete mixed at a plant and delivered to your site in a truck. The truck is a ready mix concrete truck. The volume it carries is the ready mix concrete truck volume.
- Concrete Delivery Truck: Another name for the truck that brings the concrete. Its capacity is the concrete delivery truck capacity.
- Cubic Yards Per Truck: How many cubic yards one truck can hold. This is the number you care about when ordering.
- Ordering Concrete Truckload: The process of calling the company and telling them how much concrete you need and when.
- Concrete Truck Cubic Yardage: The total amount of concrete, in cubic yards, that a truck is carrying for your job.
- Average Concrete Truck Size: The typical size seen, usually carrying 9-10 cubic yards.
- Concrete Mixer Truck Capacity: Refers to the truck’s ability to carry and mix concrete. The main limit is weight, not just the drum’s physical size.
All these terms relate back to the main question: How many yard in a concrete truck? The answer is usually 9 or 10, limited by weight.
Factors That Can Change Delivery
Even when you plan perfectly, things can happen:
- Traffic: Trucks can get stuck in traffic, making them late.
- Truck Breakdowns: Machines can fail.
- Issues at the Plant: Problems at the concrete plant can delay mixing.
- Weather: Heavy rain can stop a concrete pour. Extreme heat or cold needs special concrete mixes and care.
Concrete companies usually work hard to be on time. But it’s good to know that delays can happen. Plan your work day with some flexibility if possible. If you are getting multiple concrete truckloads, ask the company how much time they plan to leave between trucks. This gives you time to handle the first load before the next one arrives.
Summing Up Concrete Capacity
So, how many yard in a concrete truck? For most jobs and most trucks you see, the answer is 9 or 10 cubic yards. This standard concrete truck size is limited by the weight of the concrete it carries, not just the size of the drum. Knowing this helps you calculate the total concrete truck cubic yardage you need for your project. You can then plan your ordering concrete truckload process. You’ll know if you need one concrete delivery truck or several. Remembering the average concrete truck size is a good starting point for any concrete project planning. The ready mix concrete truck volume available depends on the company’s fleet and the weight limits for the roads. The concrete mixer truck capacity is really about how much weight it can legally and safely haul.
Planning is key. Figure out your cubic yards needed, add a little extra, know the concrete truck capacity you are working with, and be ready when the truck gets there. This helps make your concrete project go smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a cubic yard of concrete?
A: It’s a block of concrete 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet tall.
Q: How many cubic yards does a standard concrete truck hold?
A: Most standard concrete trucks hold 9 to 10 cubic yards.
Q: Why don’t trucks fill their drums completely?
A: Concrete is very heavy. Trucks can only carry a certain amount of weight legally on roads. This weight limit is usually reached when the truck holds 9-10 yards, even if the drum is bigger.
Q: Can I order less than a full truckload?
A: Yes, you can order smaller amounts (like 2, 3, or 4 yards). However, the concrete company might charge a “short load fee” because it costs them almost as much to send a truck with a small amount as with a full load.
Q: How do I figure out how much concrete I need?
A: Measure the length, width, and depth (thickness) of the area you want to fill, all in feet. Multiply these three numbers together to get cubic feet. Then divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. It’s wise to order about 10% more than you calculate.
Q: How many trucks do I need for my job?
A: Divide the total cubic yards you need by the concrete truck capacity (usually 9 or 10 yards). Round up to the next whole number. For example, if you need 15 yards, and trucks hold 9 yards, you need 15 / 9 = 1.66 trucks. You will need 2 trucks.
Q: How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A: A cubic yard of standard concrete weighs about 4,050 pounds.
Q: What is ready mix concrete?
A: It’s concrete that is mixed at a central plant and delivered to your site in a ready mix concrete truck.
Q: Is the concrete delivery truck capacity always 9 or 10 yards?
A: This is the average and most common size. Smaller trucks (4-6 yards) are used sometimes. Very large drums exist but are typically still limited to hauling around 9-10 yards by weight.
Q: What is a short load fee?
A: An extra fee charged by the concrete company when you order less than a certain minimum amount of concrete, like less than 5 or 6 cubic yards.