Volume capacity
Bed volume is measured in cubic yards. Truck types range from small single-axle trucks to tri-axles, quad-axles and end-dump trailers, each with different bed volumes. Ask the carrier for the specific capacity.
Weight capacity
Legal payload depends on gross vehicle weight rating, axle count and state bridge formulas. Dense materials reach the weight limit before the bed is full.
Material weight
- Mulch: about 0.3 tons per cubic yard.
- Topsoil: about 1.0–1.2 tons per cubic yard.
- Gravel and stone: about 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Values vary with moisture and compaction.
Estimating loads
Measure the area, calculate cubic yards, multiply by density for tons, then divide by the truck's limiting capacity and round up. The Dump Truck Load Calculator does this automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't the truck be filled to the top with stone?
A full bed of dense stone can exceed legal weight. Trucks are loaded to the lower of their volume or weight limit.