If you’re planning a construction project, landscaping job, or large-scale material delivery, understanding how many cubic yards are in a truckload is essential. The amount of material a truck can carry depends on the truck size, material type, and weight capacity.
Whether you’re ordering gravel, sand, soil, mulch, or concrete, knowing the truck’s capacity helps you estimate costs, avoid over-ordering, and ensure a smooth project. This guide will break down truck sizes, cubic yard measurements, and factors that affect how much a truck can carry.
What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume that measures 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet, totaling 27 cubic feet. It is commonly used to measure bulk materials like soil, gravel, and mulch.
Cubic Yard Formula
To visualize a cubic yard, imagine a box that is:
- 3 feet long
- 3 feet wide
- 3 feet high
This equals 27 cubic feet of material.
Truck Sizes and Their Capacity in Cubic Yards
Different trucks have varying load capacities. Below are common truck types and how many cubic yards they can carry.
1. Pickup Truck (1/2 Ton or 3/4 Ton)
- Capacity: 1 to 3 cubic yards
- Best for: Small home improvement projects, mulch, topsoil, or small gravel loads
- Weight Limit: 1,500–2,500 pounds
A standard pickup truck can carry around 1–2 cubic yards of lighter material like mulch but only ½ to 1 cubic yard of heavier materials like sand or gravel.
2. Dump Truck (Small – 5 to 10 Yard Capacity)
- Capacity: 5 to 10 cubic yards
- Best for: Medium-scale landscaping or construction projects
- Weight Limit: 10,000–20,000 pounds
Smaller dump trucks typically haul 5 to 10 cubic yards of loose material, depending on its weight.
3. Standard Dump Truck (10 to 16 Yard Capacity)
- Capacity: 10 to 16 cubic yards
- Best for: Large commercial landscaping or construction projects
- Weight Limit: 25,000–30,000 pounds
A standard dump truck can carry around 10–16 cubic yards of lighter material but fewer yards of denser materials like sand or gravel.
4. Tri-Axle Dump Truck (16 to 20 Yard Capacity)
- Capacity: 16 to 20 cubic yards
- Best for: Large-scale commercial projects and bulk material deliveries
- Weight Limit: 30,000–40,000 pounds
Tri-axle trucks can transport 16 to 20 cubic yards, depending on material density. These are commonly used for gravel, sand, or dirt deliveries.
5. Semi-Trailer Dump Truck (25+ Yard Capacity)
- Capacity: 25 to 30+ cubic yards
- Best for: Industrial construction, road building, and large excavation projects
- Weight Limit: 40,000+ pounds
For extremely large jobs, semi-trailer dump trucks can handle 25 to 30 cubic yards of material in one trip.
How Material Type Affects Load Capacity
Different materials have different weights and densities, which impact how much can fit in a truckload.
| Material | Cubic Yards per Truckload (Standard Dump Truck, 10-16 Yards) | Weight per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 10 – 16 cubic yards | 500 – 1,000 lbs |
| Topsoil | 8 – 12 cubic yards | 1,200 – 2,000 lbs |
| Sand | 6 – 10 cubic yards | 2,700 – 3,000 lbs |
| Gravel | 6 – 10 cubic yards | 2,500 – 3,000 lbs |
| Concrete | 2 – 4 cubic yards | 3,500 – 4,000 lbs |
Since heavier materials like sand, gravel, and concrete weigh more per cubic yard, trucks carry fewer yards of these materials compared to lighter materials like mulch.
How to Calculate How Many Truckloads You Need
To determine how many truckloads you need for your project:
-
Calculate the volume of material needed
- Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
-
Match it to truck capacity
- Divide the total cubic yards by the truck’s maximum capacity.
Example Calculation
If you need 50 cubic yards of topsoil and plan to use a standard dump truck (10 cubic yards per load):
50 cubic yards ÷ 10 cubic yards per truck = 5 truckloads
This means you’ll need 5 full truckloads to deliver your material.
Tips for Ordering Bulk Material by Truckload
- Check material weight – Heavier materials may reduce truck capacity.
- Confirm truck access – Ensure the delivery site has enough space for large trucks.
- Order extra for settling – Some materials like soil and mulch settle over time, so ordering a bit extra helps.
- Ask about delivery fees – Many suppliers charge per mile or per trip.
The number of cubic yards in a truckload depends on the truck size, material type, and weight limit. Understanding these factors helps you accurately estimate how much material you need, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient project.
For small projects, a pickup truck may be sufficient, while larger jobs may require a standard or tri-axle dump truck. Always check truck capacity and material density before placing an order to avoid over- or under-ordering.