How Much Does Concrete Delivery Cost?
Ready-mix concrete delivery costs $100–$200 per cubic yard, plus short-load fees and surcharges. A typical driveway (10–12 yards) runs $1,200–$2,400 delivered. Use our calculator to estimate your project's total delivery cost in seconds.
Cost Calculator
Cost breakdown
| Item | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete | $100 | $180 | per cubic yard |
| Short load fee (<10 yards) | $50 | $150 | per delivery |
| Saturday delivery surcharge | $50 | $100 | per load |
What affects the cost
These are the main variables that shift the final price up or down.
Volume ordered
High impactReady-mix concrete costs $100–$180 per cubic yard. Larger orders (10+ yards) typically receive better per-unit pricing than small loads.
Concrete mix type
High impactStandard 3000 PSI concrete is the baseline. High-strength (4000 PSI) adds $15–$30/yard; specialty mixes (fiber-reinforced, air-entrained) add $20–$40/yard.
Short load fee
High impactOrders under 10 cubic yards incur a short load fee of $50–$150 per delivery to cover truck setup and travel time.
Delivery day
Medium impactSaturday deliveries cost $50–$100 extra. Weekday deliveries are standard pricing.
Distance from plant
Medium impactConcrete plants typically include delivery within a 10–15 mile radius. Beyond that, expect additional mileage charges of $10–$20 per mile.
Site access and conditions
Medium impactDifficult access, narrow driveways, or poor site conditions may require pump trucks or hand-off fees ($100–$300 extra).
Regional market rates
Medium impactConcrete prices vary by region. Urban areas and regions with high labor costs typically charge 10–20% more than rural areas.
How concrete delivery cost calculator pricing works
Ready-mix concrete is batched at a plant and delivered via truck mixer, keeping the concrete workable during transport. You specify the volume in cubic yards, concrete strength (PSI), and delivery date. The calculator factors in per-yard pricing, short-load fees (for orders under 10 yards), and weekend surcharges. Most plants include delivery within 10–15 miles; beyond that, mileage charges apply.
Concrete Delivery Cost Breakdown
Ready-mix concrete is priced primarily by the cubic yard, with additional fees based on order size, timing, and site conditions.
Ready-Mix Concrete Pricing
Standard 3000 PSI concrete—suitable for driveways, patios, and foundations—costs $100–$180 per cubic yard. The national average is around $140/yard. High-strength 4000 PSI concrete (used for heavy-traffic areas or structural applications) runs $115–$200/yard. Specialty mixes—fiber-reinforced, air-entrained, or colored—range from $120–$220/yard. Pricing varies by region; urban markets and areas with high labor costs tend to be 10–20% higher than rural regions.
Short Load Fees
Orders under 10 cubic yards trigger a short load fee of $50–$150 per delivery. This covers the truck's setup time, travel, and the cost of not filling the mixer to capacity. A 5-yard order, for example, might cost $500–$900 in material plus a $75 short load fee, totaling $575–$975. Ordering 10+ yards eliminates this fee and improves per-yard pricing.
Delivery Day Surcharges
Weekday (Monday–Friday) deliveries are standard. Saturday deliveries incur a $50–$100 surcharge to cover weekend labor. Most plants do not offer Sunday deliveries. If your project timeline is flexible, scheduling weekday delivery saves $50–$100 per load.
Distance and Site Access
Concrete plants typically include delivery within a 10–15 mile radius of the plant. Beyond that, expect $10–$20 per mile in additional charges. Difficult site access—narrow driveways, steep grades, or poor ground conditions—may require a pump truck or hand-off service, adding $100–$300 to your bill. Always confirm site access with your supplier before ordering.
Example Project Costs
Small Patio (5 cubic yards, standard mix, weekday):
- Material: 5 × $140 = $700
- Short load fee: $75
- Total: ~$775
Driveway (10 cubic yards, standard mix, weekday):
- Material: 10 × $140 = $1,400
- Short load fee: $0 (no fee at 10+ yards)
- Total: ~$1,400
Large Foundation (20 cubic yards, 4000 PSI, Saturday):
- Material: 20 × $165 = $3,300
- Saturday surcharge: $75
- Total: ~$3,375
How to Estimate Cubic Yards
Calculate the volume of your project to determine cubic yards needed:
- Driveway: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft, typically 4–6 inches = 0.33–0.5 ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. A 20×10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep = 2.5 cubic yards.
- Patio: Same formula. A 15×15 ft patio at 4 inches = 3.3 cubic yards.
- Foundation or slab: Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. A 30×40 ft slab at 6 inches = 22.2 cubic yards.
- Footings or posts: Diameter² × 0.785 × Depth ÷ 27 (for cylindrical holes).
Always round up and add 5–10% for waste and settling.
Money-Saving Tips
- Order 10+ yards. Eliminate the short load fee and negotiate better per-yard pricing.
- Combine projects. If neighbors are pouring concrete, split a delivery to reach the 10-yard minimum.
- Schedule weekday delivery. Save $50–$100 by avoiding Saturday surcharges.
- Confirm site access. Avoid pump truck fees by ensuring the truck can reach the pour location.
- Pre-arrange finishing. Have finishers ready when the truck arrives; demurrage (waiting) fees apply after 15–30 minutes.
- Shop multiple plants. Prices vary by supplier and region; get 3–4 quotes.
Regional Price Variations
Concrete prices fluctuate by region due to fuel costs, labor availability, and local demand:
- Northeast: $140–$170/yard (higher labor, urban demand)
- Midwest: $120–$150/yard (moderate pricing)
- South: $110–$140/yard (lower labor costs)
- West: $130–$180/yard (fuel surcharges, urban markets)
Always request a local quote for accuracy.
Timing and Scheduling
Most concrete plants require 24–48 hours' notice for delivery. During peak seasons (spring and summer), book 1–2 weeks in advance. Winter deliveries may be restricted in cold climates. Confirm the plant's service area and any weather-related limitations before placing your order.
When to hire a pro
Hire a concrete contractor or supplier when you're ready to pour a driveway, patio, foundation, or slab. Obtain delivery quotes at least 2–3 weeks before your project start date, especially during peak season. Confirm site access, parking for the truck, and finishing crew availability before scheduling. If your site is difficult to access or you need pump truck service, discuss this with the supplier upfront to avoid surprise fees.
Frequently asked questions
Ready-mix concrete is batched at a plant and delivered in a truck mixer, staying workable during transport—ideal for large projects. Pre-mixed bags (60–80 lbs) are mixed on-site with water, suitable only for small repairs or patches. Ready-mix is more economical for projects over 1 cubic yard.
Ready-mix concrete typically remains workable for 90–120 minutes in normal conditions, but hot weather or additives can reduce this to 45–60 minutes. Cold weather can extend workability to 3+ hours. Always have your finishing crew ready before the truck arrives.
Pump trucks are needed if the truck mixer cannot reach the pour location (narrow driveways, backyards, or elevated areas). Pump truck rental costs $100–$300 per load, depending on distance and complexity. Discuss site access with your supplier to determine if pumping is necessary.
Yes, but orders under 10 cubic yards incur a short load fee of $50–$150. For very small repairs (under 1 yard), consider bagged concrete or hiring a contractor who can combine your order with others to avoid the surcharge.
PSI (pounds per square inch) measures concrete strength. Standard 3000 PSI is suitable for driveways and patios. High-strength 4000 PSI is for heavy-traffic areas or structural applications. Consult local building codes or your contractor for your specific project.
Yes. Beyond the per-yard price, watch for short load fees ($50–$150), Saturday surcharges ($50–$100), mileage charges beyond 10–15 miles ($10–$20/mile), pump truck fees ($100–$300), and demurrage charges for delays over 30 minutes ($50–$100 per 15 min).