Ever looked at a concrete truck and wondered, “Is that enough for my whole project?” You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions people ask before ordering concrete. A standard concrete truck usually holds 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete.
Most trucks in the US and many other countries are loaded with 10 cubic yards, but for safety and road limits, they often deliver 8–9 cubic yards per trip.
What is a cubic yard (in simple terms)?
A cubic yard is just a way to measure volume.
Think of it like this:
- 1 cubic yard = a box that is 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet high
Concrete is sold this way because it’s easy to match the amount to slabs, driveways, and footings.
Why concrete trucks don’t always deliver the full 10 yards
Even though a truck can hold around 10 cubic yards, it doesn’t always carry that much. Here’s why:
- Weight limits: Concrete is very heavy
- Road rules: Overloaded trucks aren’t allowed
- Safety: Less risk of spills and tipping
That’s why many suppliers cap deliveries at 8 or 9 cubic yards, even if the drum can hold more.
Standard concrete truck capacity (quick breakdown)
- Maximum drum capacity: 10–11 cubic yards
- Typical delivery amount: 8–10 cubic yards
- Most common order size: 9 or 10 cubic yards
Always confirm with your local supplier, as rules can vary by area.
Pros & cons of a full concrete truck
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fewer trips needed | Heavier load may cost more |
| Saves time on big pours | Harder to access tight spaces |
| Often cheaper per yard | Risk of leftover concrete |
Real-world examples
- Small patio (10×10 ft, 4 inches thick):
Needs about 1.25 cubic yards → no full truck needed - Driveway (20×20 ft, 4 inches thick):
Needs about 5 cubic yards → half a truck - House foundation slab:
Often needs 10+ cubic yards → one full truck or more
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Can a concrete truck carry more than 10 cubic yards?
The drum might hold more, but most trucks are limited to about 10 cubic yards due to weight laws.
How many wheelbarrows are in a concrete truck?
One cubic yard equals about 45 standard wheelbarrows.
So a 10-yard truck equals around 450 wheelbarrows 😅
Is it cheaper to order a full concrete truck?
Usually yes. Concrete companies often charge extra for short loads.
What happens if I order too much concrete?
You still pay for it. Extra concrete is usually dumped or wasted, so measuring correctly matters.
Final verdict
A standard concrete truck typically delivers 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete, with 10 cubic yards being the most common maximum. For small projects, you won’t need a full truck, but for driveways, slabs, and foundations, one full load is often just right.
Best tip: Always measure your project and confirm delivery limits with your local supplier before ordering.