Most dump trucks carry between 5 and 20 cubic yards by volume. Small single axle trucks carry about 5 to 6 yards, tandem axle trucks about 10 to 14, and large tri axle and quad axle trucks about 16 to 20 or more.
Typical dump truck sizes
Small single axle dump trucks, often called 5 yard or 6 yard trucks, carry about 5 to 6 cubic yards. Tandem axle trucks, the most common for residential deliveries, carry about 10 to 14 cubic yards. Tri axle and quad axle trucks carry about 16 to 20 cubic yards or more, and semi end dump trailers carry more still.
These are volume figures. Always confirm the exact bed size with the hauler.
Volume versus weight
A truck can be full by volume or full by weight. A tandem truck may hold 12 cubic yards of mulch easily, but only 8 to 10 cubic yards of wet dirt before it hits its weight limit.
The table shows what common loads weigh at different volumes, so you can check against the truck payload.
Heaped and struck loads
A struck load is level with the sides. A heaped load stands above them and can add 10 to 30 percent where it is allowed. Ask whether a quote is for a struck or heaped load.
How many truckloads do I need?
Divide your order by the truck capacity and round up. A 25 cubic yard job needs three tandem loads of about 10 yards each, or two larger trucks.
Typical dump truck capacities
| Truck type | Typical cubic yards |
|---|---|
| Small single axle | 5 to 6 |
| Tandem axle | 10 to 14 |
| Tri axle | 14 to 18 |
| Quad axle | 16 to 20 |
| Semi end dump | 20 or more |
Mixed fill load weight at 2,400 pounds per cubic yard
| Cubic yards | US tons | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.20 | 2,400 |
| 2 | 2.40 | 4,800 |
| 5 | 6.00 | 12,000 |
| 8 | 9.60 | 19,200 |
| 10 | 12.00 | 24,000 |
| 12 | 14.40 | 28,800 |
| 14 | 16.80 | 33,600 |
| 16 | 19.20 | 38,400 |
| 20 | 24.00 | 48,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How many yards are in a tandem dump truck?
About 10 to 14 cubic yards by volume.
How many yards are in a 10 wheel dump truck?
Often about 10 to 14 cubic yards, but the bed size varies. Ask the hauler.
How many yards of dirt can a dump truck carry?
It is usually limited by weight, not volume. A tandem often carries fewer yards of wet dirt than its bed size suggests.
How many wheelbarrows are in a truckload?
A 10 yard load is about 90 loads of a 3 cubic foot wheelbarrow.