A standard concrete truck carries about 10 cubic yards of concrete.
A typical concrete mixer truck holds 10 cubic yards of concrete, which equals approximately 270 cubic feet. This volume is enough to cover a 10x10-foot area with a 3-inch thick slab. Most trucks have a maximum capacity of 10-12 cubic yards, though some larger trucks can carry up to 14 cubic yards.
Concrete Truck Capacity Comparison
| Truck Type | Capacity (cubic yards) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Truck | 10 | Residential projects |
| Large Truck | 12-14 | Commercial projects |
| Small Truck | 6-8 | Small jobs, hard-to-reach sites |
Factors Affecting Concrete Truck Capacity
- Weight restrictions: Federal weight limits restrict total truck weight to 80,000 pounds including truck, driver, and cargo
- Concrete density: Standard concrete weighs about 4,000 pounds per cubic yard
- Travel distance: Longer hauls may result in less concrete delivered due to water evaporation and settling
Calculating Your Concrete Needs
To determine how many truckloads you need, calculate your project volume in cubic yards using this formula: (Length × Width × Thickness in feet) ÷ 27. Always order 5-10% extra to account for waste and variations in slab depth.