Did you know? Your load weight will vary depending on the type of material you will be hauling. Each material type has a differentiating weight due to its density and rate of water absorption. For example a load of asphalt weights 2,700 LBS per cubic yard vs a load of loose branches weights 250 LBS per square yard. To ensure that you do not overload your truck, here is a quick chart that outlines the average weight of various types of construction and refuse materials.
Disclaimer: All of the weights listed below are an approximation as the material density can vary greatly in some cases. Please consult with your local highway regulations, truck manufacturers specifications and use a truck scale accordingly to ensure safe operation of your commercial vehicle.
| Material Type | LBS / Cubic Yard | KG / Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | 2,700 LBS | 1224.7 KG |
| Brush / Branches (loose) | 250 LBS | 113.4 KG |
| Brush / Branches (chipped – 3″ screen) | 600 LBS | 272.2 KG |
| Concrete (gravel or stone mix) | 4,050 LBS | 1,837.1 KG |
| Concrete (average wet mix) | 3,730 LBS | 1,691.9 KG |
| Clay (dry) | 2,300 LBS | 1,043.3 KG |
| Clay (wet) | 2,970 LBS | 1,347.2 KG |
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 LBS | 1224.7 KG |
| Earth (loose) | 2,050 LBS | 929.9 KG |
| Earth (packed) | 2,565 LBS | 1,163.5 KG |
| Earth (shaken) | 2,350 LBS | 1,065.9 KG |
| Earth (moist) | 2,700 LBS | 1,224.7 KG |
| Earth (wet) | 3,375 LBS | 1,530.9 KG |
| Garbage (dry) | 400 LBS to 800 LBS | 181.4 KG to 362.9 KG |
| Garbage (wet) | 1,240 LBS | 562.5 KG |
| Grass Clippings (loose, green) | 350 LBS | 158.8 KG |
| Grass Clippings (compacted, green) | 650 LBS | 294.8 KG |
| Gravel (dry) | 2,565 LBS | 1,163.5 KG |
| Gravel (wet) | 3,375 LBS | 1,530.9 KG |
| Iron (cast) | 12,150 LBS | 5,511.2 KG |
| Iron (wrought) | 13,100 LBS | 5,942 KG |
| Leaves (loose, dry) | 150 LBS | 68 KG |
| Leaves(vacuumed, dry) | 400 LBS | 181.5 KG |
| Leaves (wet or compacted) | 550 LBS | 249.5 KG |
| Limestone (solid) | 4,480 LBS | 2,032.1 KG |
| Limestone (crushed) | 2,565 LBS | 1,163.5 KG |
| Paper (solid – average) | 1,565 LBS | 709.9 KG |
| Plywood Sheets | 800 LBS | 362.9 KG |
| Roofing Debris | 450 LBS to 750 LBS | 181.5 KG to 340.2 KG |
| Sand (dry) | 2,750 LBS | 1,247.4 KG |
| Sand (wet) | 3,300 LBS | 1,496.9 KG |
| Snow (packed) | 1,350 LBS | 612.4 KG |
| Steel (cast) | 13,250 LBS | 6,010.1 KG |
| Steel (rolled) | 13,365 LBS | 6,062.3 KG |
| Stone (crushed – average) | 2,700 LBS | 1,224.7 KG |
| Street Sweeping Debris | 865 LBS | 392.4 KG |
| Tires (shredded) | 950 LBS | 430.9 KG |
| Tires (whole – auto & pickup) | 220 LBS | 99.8 KG |
| Tires (whole – truck) | 480 LBS | 217.7 KG |
| Water (fresh) | 1,700 LBS | 771.1 KG |
Before you load your truck make sure to check your GVRW, the capacity of your lift system and local highway load restrictions. Please operate your roll off truck safely by adhering to all of the local provincial and state highway regulations.
