If you’re planning a driveway, patio, slab, or foundation, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck? Ordering too little concrete can delay your project. Ordering too much wastes money.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how many cubic yards a cement truck carries, what affects capacity, and how to calculate the right amount for your job — step by step.
How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck on Average?
The short answer:
A standard cement (concrete) truck typically carries 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete.
Read too: Franklin Truck Parts Near Me: Your Complete Guide to Local Truck Parts & Repair Solutions
However, capacity varies depending on:
- Truck size
- Axle configuration
- State weight regulations
- Type of concrete mix
Most ready-mix trucks in the United States are designed to carry 10 cubic yards, but they often transport 8–9 yards to comply with legal road weight limits.
Quick Reference Table
| Truck Type | Average Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Mixer | 8–10 cubic yards |
| Small Mixer | 4–6 cubic yards |
| Large Commercial | 10–14 cubic yards |
For context, 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
Concrete is transported in a rotating drum truck, officially known as a concrete mixer truck (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_mixer).
Why Don’t All Trucks Carry 10 Full Yards?
While manufacturers often advertise 10-yard drums, trucks rarely carry a full 10 yards because of weight limits.
Concrete Weight Matters
Concrete weighs approximately:
4,000 pounds per cubic yard
So:
10 cubic yards × 4,000 lbs = 40,000 pounds of concrete
When you add:
- Truck weight (25,000–35,000 lbs)
- Driver
- Fuel
You quickly reach federal road limits of around 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
That’s why many deliveries are limited to 8 or 9 cubic yards per load.
How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck for Residential Projects?
For most residential jobs, deliveries fall into predictable ranges.
Common Projects & Concrete Needs
| Project | Typical Yards Needed |
|---|---|
| Driveway (2-car) | 10–16 yards |
| Patio (12×12 ft) | 2–3 yards |
| Sidewalk (4×50 ft) | 3–4 yards |
| Garage Slab (20×20 ft) | 8–10 yards |
Example:
A 20 ft × 20 ft slab at 4 inches thick requires about:
- Convert inches to feet → 4 inches = 0.33 ft
- 20 × 20 × 0.33 = 132 cubic feet
- Divide by 27 → 4.9 cubic yards
Always add 5–10% extra for waste.
How Do You Calculate How Many Yards You Need?
Here’s a simple step-by-step method:
Step 1: Measure Length (L)
Example: 20 feet
Step 2: Measure Width (W)
Example: 20 feet
Step 3: Measure Depth (D)
Example: 4 inches = 0.33 feet
Step 4: Multiply
L × W × D
20 × 20 × 0.33 = 132 cubic feet
Step 5: Convert to Cubic Yards
Divide by 27
132 ÷ 27 = 4.89 cubic yards
Step 6: Add Extra
Add 10%
4.89 × 1.10 = 5.38 cubic yards
Order 5.5 to 6 yards
Can a Cement Truck Pour Partial Loads?
Yes.
Concrete suppliers often allow partial loads. However:
- Short-load fees may apply
- Smaller deliveries cost more per yard
For example:
- Full truck (8 yards): lower cost per yard
- 3-yard delivery: higher per-yard rate
It’s more economical to combine small jobs if possible.
What’s the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?
Many people ask about “cement trucks,” but technically:
- Cement is a powder ingredient
- Concrete is cement + sand + gravel + water
In the U.S., the terms are used interchangeably in everyday language.
How Many Yards Are In A Small Cement Truck?
Smaller trucks are common in urban areas or tight job sites.
Typical capacity:
4 to 6 cubic yards
Advantages:
- Easier maneuverability
- Less risk of driveway damage
- Ideal for small patios or footings
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost per yard
- More trips for larger projects
How Long Does It Take to Pour a Full Truck?
A standard truck unloads at:
1 cubic yard per minute
So:
- 8 yards = ~8 minutes
- 10 yards = ~10 minutes
However, actual time depends on:
- Crew size
- Site access
- Pump or chute usage
Concrete typically begins setting within 90 minutes, so preparation is critical.
How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck for Commercial Jobs?
Commercial construction often uses:
- Multiple truck deliveries
- Larger 12–14 yard capacity trucks
- Continuous pouring schedules
Example:
A 10,000 sq ft warehouse slab at 6 inches thick requires:
- 10,000 × 0.5 ft = 5,000 cubic feet
- 5,000 ÷ 27 = 185 cubic yards
That’s roughly:
185 ÷ 9 yards per truck = 21 truckloads
Factors That Affect Cement Truck Capacity
Several variables determine actual load size:
1. State Road Regulations
Weight laws vary by state.
2. Axle Configuration
More axles = higher allowable weight.
3. Concrete Mix Design
High-strength mixes can weigh slightly more.
4. Jobsite Distance
Long distances may reduce load size to prevent spillage or compliance issues.
Pros vs Cons of Ordering a Full Truck
Advantages
- Lower cost per yard
- Fewer delivery fees
- Faster completion
Disadvantages
- Risk of over-ordering
- Requires adequate crew
- Potential waste
Planning accurately is essential.
FAQ: How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck?
How many yards are in a cement truck in the U.S.?
Most trucks carry 8–10 cubic yards, though legal weight limits often reduce loads to 8–9 yards.
How much does 10 yards of concrete weigh?
Approximately 40,000 pounds, depending on mix design.
Can I order less than 5 yards?
Yes, but short-load fees may apply.
How many bags of concrete equal one truck?
One cubic yard equals about 45–60 80-lb bags.
So 8 yards would equal roughly 360–480 bags.
How many yards are in a small cement truck?
Small trucks usually carry 4–6 cubic yards.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete?
For small projects under 1 yard, maybe.
For anything larger, delivery is typically cheaper and more consistent.
Final Thoughts
So, How Many Yards Are In A Cement Truck?
In most cases, expect 8 to 10 cubic yards per truck, with 8–9 yards being the most common delivered amount due to weight limits.
Understanding capacity helps you:
- Avoid delays
- Prevent waste
- Control costs
- Plan labor effectively
Before ordering, calculate your volume carefully and add 5–10% extra. A few minutes of math can save hundreds of dollars.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your contractor, neighbor, or DIY friends planning their next concrete project.
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