- The Upfit Insider
- Posts
- How Many Tons Can a Dump Truck Haul? (Real Charts + DOT Limits)
How Many Tons Can a Dump Truck Haul? (Real Charts + DOT Limits)
Not guesses — real-world load limits, weight tables, and capacity breakdowns by dump truck type. Plus a free PDF to keep your specs sharp.
Leyhan Hansen
July 04, 2025
Get real-world numbers — not fluff. This article includes accurate tonnage capacity by truck type, weight charts, and a free printable PDF.
Why Most Dump Truck Specs Are Useless (And Cost You Money)
Search online and you’ll find answers like:
“Dump trucks haul 10 to 25 tons.”
That’s like saying a shoe fits sizes 7–13.
If you run dump trucks — or spec them for your company — you need more than averages.
This article gives you:
Tonnage ranges by axle type
Empty vs. loaded truck weights
How to match volume (yd³) to weight (tons)
Free download chart to reference offline
How to spec smarter and avoid DOT fines
Let’s get into it.
Dump Truck Load Capacity by Axle Type (Preview)
Here’s a snapshot of tonnage limits by dump truck type:
|
Empty vs. Loaded Dump Truck Weights
Tonnage is only half the story. You also need to know your gross weight range.
|
Volume vs. Weight: Don’t Get Burned on Cubic Yards
Many spec sheets only talk about cubic yards — not how much that actually weighs.
Here’s how material density affects your load:
Material Type | Density (lbs/yd³) | Tonnage per 10 yd³ |
|---|---|---|
Mulch (dry) | 400–800 | 2–4 tons |
Gravel (wet) | 3,000+ | 15 tons |
Asphalt Millings | 2,800–3,200 | ~14–16 tons |
Pro tip:
A 14 ft steel body holding 15 yd³ of gravel can weigh over 22 tons.
That’s pushing your legal limit fast — especially if you spec’d a 33K GVWR chassis.
Tri-Axle vs. 10-Wheeler: Which One’s Right?
Tri-Axle
✅ Better weight distribution
✅ Legal for heavier loads (25–30 tons)
✅ Required for many DOT paving bids
10-Wheeler
✅ Shorter wheelbase, better for tight turns
✅ Often cheaper and lighter
⚠️ May be limited to ~66K lbs depending on axle spacing
Verdict: If you’re hauling asphalt, stone, or millings — go tri-axle.
If you’re in tight cities with short runs — go 10-wheeler and stay legal.
18-Wheeler Dump Trucks: Power + Capacity
These semi-style dump trucks can carry 30–40 tons depending on trailer length, axle count, and local bridge formulas.
They’re ideal for:
Long-distance hauling
High-volume quarry or mill runs
Municipal contracts needing fewer loads per day
But they’re not for every job:
Require special licensing
Poor maneuverability
Expensive to upfit and insure
Related Article →
Operators are quitting over frame cracks, fines, and overloaded bodies.
Learn how to spec smarter so they stay longer.
Only 85 Founding Member Spots Left
Founding Members get:
✅ Full archive after 10 articles
✅ All premium spec guides (like this one)
✅ Lifetime price: just $5/month
🔒 This offer disappears after 100 members.
Final Thoughts
Spec for weight, not just cubic yards
Know your GVWR and DOT limits
Use tri-axles when millings and heavy stone are involved
Download the chart — or print it for your team
👉 Don’t guess. Spec smart. Avoid fines.
Join the only community built for upfitters, dealers, and work truck pros.
—
Leyhan
Founder, The Upfit Insider
Reply