How to Calculate Truck Loads for Material Transport
Material transport planning uses density to convert volume to weight, then divides by truck payload to find how many trips are needed. Formula: Total Weight = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³); Trips = ⌈Total Volume ÷ Volume per Trip⌉; Volume per Trip = Truck Payload (kg) ÷ Density.
The last trip load rate shows how full the final truck is. If it's under 50%, switching to a smaller truck for that delivery can reduce cost. For example, if a 15-ton truck's last trip is only 30% loaded, a 5-ton truck may handle it more economically.
Actual densities vary with moisture content and material gradation. Use site-measured bulk densities for critical project planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total including the truck's own weight. Payload is GVW minus the truck's curb weight — what you can actually load. Always check the truck's rated payload capacity.
Soil is a mix of clay, sand, and gravel with more air voids than pure sand, resulting in lower bulk density. Compaction level also affects density — loosely dumped soil is around 1,300–1,500 kg/m³; compacted fill can reach 1,700 kg/m³.