How many m3 in a concrete truck?

A standard UK ready-mix concrete truck carries 6 m³ (some companies offer 8 m³ trucks). Mini-mix trucks carry 1-4 m³ for smaller jobs or restricted access. Always round up your order volume — it's better to have a small amount left over than to run short mid-pour. Add 10% to your calculated volume for wastage and over-dig.

What is a part-load surcharge?

If you order less than a full 6 m³ truck, most ready-mix companies charge a part-load surcharge (typically £30-60). This covers the cost of the truck making a delivery that isn't at full capacity. If your total order is, say, 8 m³, you'll get one full load (6 m³) and one part load (2 m³) with a surcharge on the second delivery.

Should I use a concrete pump?

A concrete pump is needed when the truck can't get close enough to discharge directly (within about 3m via the chute). Pumps cost £400-600 for a 4-hour minimum hire. For large pours (10+ m³) or difficult access, pumps actually save time and labour costs. For small slabs with good access, wheelbarrows from the chute are cheaper.

How much waste allowance for concrete?

Add 10% waste allowance for most jobs. This covers over-dig in foundations (uneven trench bottoms), spillage during placement, and small variations in levels. For carefully formed slabs, 5% may suffice. For deep trenches in clay (where the sides may crumble), allow 15-20%. It's always cheaper to order slightly more than to get a top-up delivery.

What slump should I specify when ordering?

Specify the slump class when ordering: S2 (50-90mm) for floor slabs and general use, S3 (100-150mm) for foundations, trench fill and pumped concrete. Pumped concrete needs S3 minimum. Never add water on site to increase slump — this weakens the concrete. If you need a more workable mix, ask the batching plant to adjust the mix design.

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Ready-Mix Order Calculator — Loads, Part-Load & Pump

Calculate ready-mix concrete order volume, truck loads, part-load surcharges and pump hire comparison.

Required Concrete Volume

Calculated volume before wastage

Truck Capacity

6 m³ standard, 8 m³ large

Concrete Price

Part-Load Surcharge

Use Concrete Pump?

For restricted access or large pours

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the order volume, number of truck loads, part-load surcharges and pump hire costs for a ready-mix concrete delivery.

Order volume

Order Volume = Required Volume × (1 + Wastage%)
Full Loads = floor(Order Volume / Truck Capacity)
Part Load = Order Volume - (Full Loads × Capacity)

Costs

Part-load surcharge applies when the final delivery is less than a full truck. Pump hire is typically charged at a minimum 4-hour rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.