How Many Yards of Concrete in a Truck? Full 2025 Guide to Concrete Delivery and Pour Planning

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Concrete Delivery Matters

2. What Is a Yard of Concrete?

3. Standard Concrete Truck Capacity

4. Small vs. Large Concrete Trucks

5. How Many Yards Fit in a Full Truck?

6. Partial Loads: What If You Need Less?

7. Common Truck Sizes by Type

8. Ready-Mix vs. Volumetric Trucks

9. How to Calculate How Many Yards You Need

10. Examples: Concrete Yards Needed by Project

11. Delivery Limits: Weight, Roads, and Driveways

12. Costs of Concrete by the Yard

13. Extra Fees: Short Loads, Wait Time & Travel

14. Scheduling a Concrete Truck Delivery

15. Can One Truck Handle Your Entire Project?

16. When You Need Multiple Truckloads

17. Concrete Truck Arrival Checklist

18. Safety Tips When Receiving Concrete

19. Final Thoughts

1. Introduction: Why Concrete Delivery Matters

When working on a driveway, foundation, or patio, ordering concrete by the truckload is often the most efficient option. But how many yards of concrete are in a truck? That’s a critical question to avoid overpaying—or coming up short.

Whether you're a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor managing multiple pours, understanding truck capacity ensures a smooth, cost-effective experience.

2. What Is a Yard of Concrete?

A cubic yard is a standard measurement in concrete.1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, or a cube measuring 3' x 3' x 3'.

One cubic yard of concrete weighs about 4,000 pounds (2 tons) and will cover:

• ~81 sq ft at 4 inches thick

• ~54 sq ft at 6 inches thick

• ~27 sq ft at 12 inches thick

3. Standard Concrete Truck Capacity

A standard ready-mix concrete truck typically holds 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete.

Truck Type	Typical Capacity
Standard drum mixer	8–10 yards
Mini-mixer	1–4 yards
Volumetric mixer	Up to 10+ yards
Lightweight mixer	5–7 yards

However, weight restrictions (not just volume) affect how much concrete a truck can legally carry.

4. Small vs. Large Concrete Trucks

There are different truck sizes based on job site needs:

Small Trucks (Mini-Mix):

• Capacity: 1 to 4 yards

• Ideal for tight spaces or residential jobs

• More maneuverable

• Often have higher cost per yard

Large Trucks:

• Capacity: 8–10 yards

• Common for large foundations, slabs, or commercial jobs

• May require ample site access

5. How Many Yards Fit in a Full Truck?

Most full-sized drum mixer trucks max out at 10 yards of concrete.

But in practice:

• 8 yards is often the max due to weight limits on local roads (especially with higher slump mixes or additives).

• Wet concrete weighs ~4,000 lbs per yard, so 10 yards = 40,000 lbs (plus truck weight).

⚠️ Local regulations may cap trucks at 56,000–66,000 lbs gross vehicle weight.

6. Partial Loads: What If You Need Less?

If you only need 2 or 3 yards, full-size trucks may not be cost-efficient.

You can:

• Use a mini-mix service (costs more per yard but ideal for small jobs)

• Order a short load from a ready-mix company—but expect fees (typically $75–$200)

Some suppliers require a minimum order (e.g., 3 yards), and you still pay delivery fees.

7. Common Truck Sizes by Type

Truck Type	Capacity	Typical Use
Mini Mixer	1–4 yards	Small patios, sidewalks
Standard Mixer	8–10 yards	Driveways, footings, slabs
Volumetric Truck	Variable	Multiple mix types on-site

Volumetric trucks mix on-site and offer flexibility, especially if you’re unsure about your exact yardage.

8. Ready-Mix vs. Volumetric Trucks

Ready-Mix (Drum Mixer):

• Pre-mixed at a batching plant

• Starts setting once mixed

• Best for jobs under 90 minutes from plant

• Capacity: 8–10 yards

Volumetric Mixers:

• Mix concrete on-site from dry ingredients

• More flexible (adjust slump, additives)

• Great for variable pours

• Capacity: 6–10 yards typically

💡 Volumetric trucks are often better for remote jobs or multiple pour types.

9. How to Calculate How Many Yards You Need

Use the formula:

Length × Width × Depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = Yards of Concrete Needed

Example:

For a 10' x 10' patio at 4 inches deep:

CopyEdit

10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 yards

Always round up and add 10% for waste.

10. Examples: Concrete Yards Needed by Project

Project	Size (ft)	Depth (in)	Yards Needed
Sidewalk	3' x 20'	4"	~0.74 yd
Driveway	12' x 40'	6"	~8.89 yd
Garage slab	24' x 24'	6"	~10.67 yd
Small footing (continuous pour)	Varies		1–3 yd

🧮 You can also use online concrete calculators to make this easier.

11. Delivery Limits: Weight, Roads, and Driveways

Concrete trucks are extremely heavy—especially when full.

A 10-yard truck can weigh over 66,000 lbs, which can:

• Crack weak residential driveways

• Damage septic tanks or utility lines

• Be restricted by bridges or road limits

Always:

• Inform your supplier about access constraints

• Prepare a solid staging area

• Use wheelbarrows or pump trucks for hard-to-reach spots

12. Costs of Concrete by the Yard

As of 2025, concrete costs $135–$170 per cubic yard, depending on:

• Location

• Mix type (psi rating, additives)

• Delivery fees

• Fuel surcharges

So, a full 10-yard truck can cost between $1,350–$1,700+ before extra fees.

13. Extra Fees: Short Loads, Wait Time & Travel

Concrete truck delivery fees may include:

Fee Type	Typical Cost
Short load fee	$75–$200 (under 4–5 yd)
Travel zone fee	$10–$50+ (if far from plant)
Wait time	$3–$5 per minute (after 1 hr)
Saturday delivery	Extra charge may apply

Clarify all charges before placing an order.

14. Scheduling a Concrete Truck Delivery

Tips for smooth scheduling:

• Book 2–5 days in advance

• Choose early morning for cooler temps

• Have workers ready before arrival

• Confirm access routes and staging area

Expect trucks to deliver concrete within a 60–90 minute window after batching.

15. Can One Truck Handle Your Entire Project?

Yes—if your project requires 8–10 yards or less, one truck may be enough.

If your project needs:

• More than 10 yards

• Multiple pour zones

• Different mix types

Then you’ll need multiple trucks—or a volumetric mixer.

16. When You Need Multiple Truckloads

Plan for:

• Large driveways or garage pads

• Stamped or colored concrete with complex timing

• Pours requiring >10 yards (ask for staggered deliveries)

Coordinate so the next truck arrives before the previous batch sets—typically within 90 minutes.

17. Concrete Truck Arrival Checklist

✅ Clear access path✅ Level staging area✅ Forms, rebar, and tools ready✅ Helpers or wheelbarrows if needed✅ Confirm order (mix, psi, slump)✅ Safety gear (boots, gloves, eye protection)

Don’t delay once the truck arrives—time is ticking on fresh concrete!

18. Safety Tips When Receiving Concrete

• Stay clear of rotating drum

• Don’t stand between truck and forms

• Never crawl under chutes

• Keep pets and children away

• Use proper PPE—concrete burns are real

If using wheelbarrows, work in pairs to avoid injury.

19. Final Thoughts

So, how many yards of concrete are in a truck?The answer depends on the truck size—but a standard full load is 8 to 10 cubic yards.

Knowing how much your project needs—and how much a truck can deliver—can save you money, time, and headaches. Whether you're pouring a small patio or a foundation slab, being informed makes a big difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Standard trucks hold up to 10 yards, but usually carry 8

• Mini trucks carry 1–4 yards

• Calculate carefully and always round up

• Expect fees for short loads or delays

• Plan for site access and truck weight

FAQs

Q: Can I order just 1 yard of concrete?A: Yes—but expect a short-load fee or use a mini-mix service.

Q: Can I mix 10 yards myself with a mixer?A: Not practical. That would take hundreds of 80-lb bags and hours of labor.

Q: How many wheelbarrows are in 1 yard of concrete?A: About 27–30 standard wheelbarrows.

Q: How long does a truck stay on-site?A: Typically 60–90 minutes before wait-time charges apply.