Concrete Truck Load Size and Minimum Orders Explained
By Apex Reign · Published 2026-10-10
How Big Is a Concrete Truck Load?
The standard ready-mix truck legally carries 9-11 cubic yards on US roads (10 is the practical working number). Some companies run 'mini-mix' trucks with 1-4 yard drums aimed at residential work - often the cheapest option for small pours.
Minimums and Short-Load Fees
Full-size plants typically set a 2-5 yard minimum. Below it, prices jump:
| Order | Typical Response |
|---|---|
| 5-10 yards | Standard pricing |
| 2-4 yards | Slightly higher per yard |
| 1-2 yards (full-size truck) | +$40-75/yard short-load fee |
| Under 1 yard (full-size truck) | Often refused, or $300+ |
Three Ways Around the Fee
- Batch projects. Doing a patio now and a pad next month? Pour both in one truck.
- Call a mini-mix operator. Their whole business is small loads; ask, don't assume.
- Top with bags. Order 4.5 yards from the truck, finish the last half yard with 45 bag mixes? No - that's a cold joint. Instead: re-size the pour to a joint line so the deficit becomes a planned seam.
Before calling, run your exact yardage in our concrete calculator - knowing your number to the tenth of a yard changes the conversation.
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