Ready-mix producers set a minimum load, commonly 4 to 6 cubic yards, and charge a short-load fee below it because the truck and driver cost the same either way. Crews also use the term for the small final truck that tops off a pour. Ordering accurately enough to avoid one at the end of a slab is a skill dispatchers notice.
Heard on the job
It's only three yards for the pad, so we're paying a short load charge either way, might as well pour the stoop too.
Also heard as
- short-load fee
- small-load charge
Related terms
Yard
One cubic yard of concrete, 27 cubic feet, the unit used for every US ready-mix order and invoice.
Batch ticket
The delivery ticket that travels with every ready-mix truck, showing mix, quantity, time batched and water allowed.
Pour
The act of placing concrete, or one placement itself, in everyday jobsite speech.