How many yards of gravel can a dump truck hold?

Dump trucks can be used to transport bulk materials like gravel, soil, and sand. It’s crucial to know how much gravel a dump truck is capable of carrying if you are planning a project involving gravel. This information is useful for estimating costs, planning deliveries and ensuring that your project runs smoothly. Dump truck capacity is usually measured in cubic yards. Several factors can affect how much gravel the truck holds.
Understanding Dump Truck Sizes
Dump trucks are available in different sizes and can be used to transport a variety of materials. The design, weight, and dimensions of the dump truck will determine its capacity. Here are some of the most common dump truck types and their average capacity for gravel:
- Standard Dump Truck
- They are used for smaller jobs and can carry between 10 and 16 cubic yards. They are ideal for residential areas and smaller jobsites because of their compact size.
- Semi-Trailer Dump Truck
- These large dump trucks can haul up to 30 cubic yards worth of gravel. These trucks are used in large construction projects that require significant amounts of material.
- Super Dump Truck
- Super dump trucks are equipped with additional axles that can support heavier loads. They can transport up to 26-30 cubic yards of gravel. The trucks are designed to maximize the payload, while still adhering to weight restrictions.
- Articulated Dump truck
- In mining and heavy construction, articulated dump trucks are often used. They can carry up to 40 cubic yard of gravel depending on the model.
- Small Dump Trucks and Pickup Truck Beds
- Smaller dump trucks and pickup truck beds are ideal for DIY projects or smaller loads. They can hold up to 5 cubic yards.
Factors Influencing Gravel Capacity
The size of the dump truck will determine how much gravel it can carry. Included are:
- Material Weight
- Gravel is available in different types such as crushed stone, river rock and pea gravel. Each has varying densities and weighs. You can use gravel for example:
- The weight of pea gravel is approximately 2,600-2,800 pounds per cubic yard.
- Crushed stone can range from 2,400 to 2,900 lbs per cubic yard.
- The weight of river rock is between 2,300 and 2,700 pounds.
- Weight restrictions may limit the carrying capacity of a truck if it is heavier gravel.
- Gravel is available in different types such as crushed stone, river rock and pea gravel. Each has varying densities and weighs. You can use gravel for example:
- Truck Weight Limits
- Gross vehicle weight ratings on trucks determine how much they can hold. Overloading can lead to safety risks, fines and vehicle damage.
- Moisture Content
- Gravel that is high in moisture can weigh more and affect the capacity of a truck. It’s important to take into account that wet gravel weighs more than dry gravel when calculating the load.
- Compaction and Setting
- The volume of loose gravel can be greater than that of compacted gravel. The amount of gravel that a truck can carry may vary depending on how it’s loaded.
Calculate the Gravel Required for Your Project
Follow these steps to determine how many truckloads of gravel you will need:
- Measuring the Area
- Calculate the width, length and depth of the area you intend to cover with gravel. If you are covering a driveway 20 feet long by 10 feet wide and 0.5 foot deep, then the volume would be:The cubic foot is equal to 20 ft by 10 ft by 0.5 ft.
- Convert from Cubic Yards
- Divide the total cubic yards by 27 (since a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet).100 / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
- Calculate the number of truck loads
- Divide the total cubic yard requirement by the dump truck’s capacity. If the truck has a capacity of 10 cubic yards, for example:7 cubic yards / 10 cubic yards/truck = ~0.4 truckloads.
How to Order Gravel
- Order extra material: You should always order slightly more than you calculated to allow for compaction and settling.
- Communication is key: Be sure to communicate clearly with your supplier. Provide accurate measurements and specifications of the project so that the correct amount and type gravel will be delivered.
- Plan your delivery: Make sure the area can be accessed by the truck size.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Safety and legal compliance is paramount when transporting gravel.
- Stick to the weight limits: Overloaded trucks can be dangerous for drivers and other road users. Avoid fines and accidents by staying within the legal weight limit.
- Secure the load: Gravel should be covered or contained properly to prevent spillage, which could cause road hazards.
- Check Delivery Areas – Make sure that the area is free of obstructions and strong enough to hold the weight of the vehicle.
The amount of gravel that can be transported by a dumper truck depends on the size of the vehicle, its weight limit, and what type of material is being moved. These factors will help you determine the number of truckloads required for your project, and allow for efficient planning and execution. You can avoid delays and unnecessary costs by accurately calculating the gravel you need and taking into consideration the characteristics of the dump trucks. Dump trucks are an essential tool for hauling bulk materials and gravel, whether you’re doing a small DIY project or a large construction.
This article was written by an expert at One Choice Logistics. https://onechoicelogistics.net, your premier aggregate hauling company near you, ensures your construction projects stay on schedule by providing reliable aggregate transportation, supply, and dump truck services throughout the United States, with a strong presence in Florida. They specialize in hauling crushed stone, gravel, and sand throughout South Florida, West Palm, and Tri-County. The fleet of high-quality dump trucks ensures timely deliveries for your project. One Choice Logistics, a trusted partner in aggregate hauling services throughout Florida, is committed to safety, precision and customer satisfaction.