If you're shopping for a dump truck in the Atlanta area, you likely already know that there is no singular payload capacity. Dump trucks come in all shapes and sizes to meet the needs of different industries and business demands. An average payload is typically between 10 and 20 tons,1 but it depends on the brand, truck type, and configuration.
This guide serves as an entry point to dump truck specifications. We'll discuss the available range of payload capacities, cubic yardage, and how to shop with your hauling needs in mind. For example, we'll give you a better idea of payload demands for asphalt versus mulch.
The comprehensive world of dump trucks is vast. Fleet dealerships such as Jim Ellis Commercial are an excellent resource for dump truck information. We take pride in offering expert guidance to all of our customers, empowering business owners to choose a dump truck with total confidence.
| Truck Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Dump Truck | 10-20 tons1 |
| Transfer Dump Truck | 20-30 tons1 |
| Side Dump Truck | 20-40 tons1 |
| Single-Axle Dump Truck | 5-15 tons1 |
| Tri-Axle Dump Truck | 15-25 tons1 |
| Super Dump Truck | 20-26 tons1 |
As noted in the chart above, different dump truck styles have varying payload capacities. To ensure that your business can haul adequate tonnage, refer to your owner's manual or give us a call!
Weight is one way to measure a dump truck's utility, but so is actual cubic space. Many business owners have a typical "quota" of material mass they must transport on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This chart enumerates typical cubic yardage for some of the most common types of dump trucks on the market.
While these figures are averages, they should help you select a dump truck with the right bed size.
| Truck Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Dump Truck | 10-15 cubic yards |
| Transfer Dump Truck | 15-25 cubic yards |
| Side Dump Truck | 20-30 cubic yards |
| Single-Axle Dump Truck | 5-10 cubic yards |
| Tri-Axle Dump Truck | 15-20 cubic yards |
| Super Dump Truck | 15-26 cubic yards |
Now, onto what you can haul. The following chart shows the typical tonnage required by a dump truck for common worksite materials like topsoil and concrete. While not an exact science, it can help you understand what type of capacity to pinpoint in a truck.
Please let our team know if you don't see your specific haul in the chart below; we can get into more specifics for you.
| Material | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Sand & Gravel | 10-20 tons1 |
| Asphalt | 20-30 tons1 |
| Mulch | 3-10 tons1 |
| Clay | 10-20 tons1 |
| Topsoil | 10-15 tons1 |
| Concrete | 15-20 tons1 |
The first contributing factor to a dump truck's payload capacity is its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including its curb weight, passengers, fuel, cargo, and other items. In short, the payload capacity is the GVWR minus the curb weight.
GVWR is an imperative part of a dump truck's capacity because it helps you understand how much your vehicle can haul without compromising safety. If the material density pushes capacity over the edge, then the truck can be overburdened even if there appears to be space left in its bed.
Speaking of safety, there are also state weight regulations to consider. For instance, in Georgia, you can't exceed certain limits on axle weight, gross weight (80,000 pounds, at the time of writing this), and axle configuration. Other states may have their own set of safety regulations for dump trucks.
There is a very clear distinction between tons and cubic yards. A ton is a measurement of weight, while a cubic yard is a measurement of volume. A dump truck's payload capacity will help you determine how much weight it can haul. The cubic yardage of a dump truck tells you how much physical material it can fit in the truck bed. Both are very important for successful transportation of goods.
Let's say you have to move 10 cubic yards of material and your truck's bed fits 20 cubic yards; you might think that you are absolutely safe to do so. However, if the material is very dense and exceeds your dump truck's payload capacity, you risk overloading the bed. That's why it's essential to consider a model's size and payload, and how both fit your business needs, before committing to it.
With so many options on the market, how do you know a dump truck is right for your business? The Jim Ellis Commercial team is terrific at directing customers to trucks that align seamlessly. For example, we're "in the know" about the very best construction trucks out there.
We're also ready to point out the best landscaping trucks in stock, based on our extensive knowledge of commercial vehicles.
The right decision comes down to several factors, including the types of hauling and towing jobs you typically complete and the average road conditions you deal with on a day-to-day basis. Not all dump trucks are built equal.
From flatbed trucks to cargo vans, we'll be here throughout your decision-making process until you feel satisfied with the final choice.
Seeking a dependable Atlanta area dealership for dump trucks, towing trucks or other powerful commercial vehicles? You've come to the right place! Jim Ellis Commercial is well-known for stocking a wide inventory, drafting favorable financing options, and providing customer service that's backed by extensive expertise.
Our commercial vehicle financing is one of the many reasons why we're highly sought after. We aim to provide flexible leasing and financing opportunities, as well as generous incentives and a trade-in program.
Our services extend further with vehicle upfit options, fleet vehicle maintenance and repair, and locations throughout the Atlanta region. To get started working with us, please call or visit Jim Ellis Commercial; our team will point you in the right direction!
A dump truck can haul up to 25 tons,1 or even 26 in some cases.1 If you're looking for the strongest dump trucks for sale while shopping at our Georgia-based dealer, a Super Dump Truck is the first model type to consider. However, there are plenty of muscular options to explore here in our showroom at Jim Ellis Commercial.
If you're scanning the internet for "how many cubic yards in a dump truck," we can answer that question here, over the phone, or in person! It depends on the type of dump truck. For example, a Single-Axle Dump Truck usually holds between five and 10 cubic yards, while a Side Dump Truck can hold up to 30 cubic yards.
Once again, it depends on your chosen model and configuration. Generally, dump trucks can usually haul between 10 and 20 tons1 of gravel. If this is a major business need for your company, please get in touch with our experienced sales team about which dump truck makes sense for you. We'll show you some good dump trucks for asphalt.
Dump trucks come with a variety of payload capacities, ranging from one to 25 or even 26 tons1 for heavy-duty models. Our commercial dealership stocks landscaping trucks, construction trucks, and other truck types that address a wide range of business demands; we encourage you to contact our team for a professional consultation on which payload capacity serves you best.
A Single-Axle Dump Truck capacity is typically lower than that of a Tandem-Axle Dump Truck capacity. Single-axle models come with two rear wheels, while tandem-axle models come with four. If you require lighter hauling jobs for your Georgia business, you want a single-axle. If you need to move larger, heavier items, go with a tandem-axle.
"GVWR" stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which refers to the total amount of weight a vehicle can handle if you consider the weight of the vehicle itself, including passengers, fuel, cargo, and other additive factors. In fact, the payload capacity is the figure you get when you subtract the curb weight of the vehicle from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Those seeking the largest dump truck payload capacity available should look at a Super Dump Truck, which can broadly haul between 20 and 26 tons1 when properly equipped. Our Georgia-based dealership team can help you maximize your business' output with the best deal on the highest payload capacity possible, so get in touch with our sales team today.
1Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
