Dump trucks are used to haul a wide range of materials, including gravel, sand, cinder, and rock. But have you ever considered how these different materials may affect how the hauling experience will play out? As the team at Rojac Trucking in Wailuku, HI, explains, understanding material weights and dump truck capabilities will help you set the right expectations for your project.

Dump Truck Capacity

While you might be tempted to assume that a dump truck’s carrying capacity is largely dependent on its volume, this isn’t the only factor you need to consider. The hauling ability of dump trucks is largely based on the weight they can support. 

On average, most dump trucks are able to carry approximately 14 tons (or 28,000 pounds) of materials. This is usually equivalent to (or slightly less than) the weight of the truck itself. So, a dump truck that can carry 14 tons of materials will weigh a total of 28 tons when fully loaded.

Material Weights

A dump truck’s weight capacity means certain materials will take more trips (or require more trucks) to haul to or from a work site. For example, while water has a weight of 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, solid limestone is much heavier, with a weight of 4,480 pounds per cubic yard. 

This variance in weight means that to transport 10 cubic yards of material, you would need two dump trucks, while only one would be needed to transport the water. Even if a dump truck has the volume to transport a material, ensuring that a load doesn’t go over the weight limit is necessary to prevent equipment damage.

Do you need dump trucks for your next construction or land clearing project? Serving Maui since 1979, locally owned and operated Rojac Trucking has the right equipment for all your materials delivery and hauling needs. To learn more about what this trucking company will do for you, visit them online or call (808) 986-1100 today.