How Much Is One Truckload of Concrete in Bakersfield, CA?

Posted on 2025-11-08 02:12:55

When homeowners in Bakersfield, CA ask how much a truckload of concrete costs, they’re usually trying to translate a project into a single, simple number. The truth is that a “truckload” is a moving target: most standard ready‑mix trucks carry 8–10 cubic yards, smaller “short‑load” trucks carry 2–4 yards, and the price depends on the mix strength (PSI), additives, travel distance, delivery window, and whether a pump is required. This guide explains realistic costs for a full and partial truck in Bakersfield and nearby cities like Shafter, Oildale, Rosedale, and Lamont, plus the planning steps that save money without sacrificing a durable finish in our heat and clay soils.

Quick Answer: Typical Bakersfield Pricing

As a rule of thumb in Bakersfield (2025 market conditions):

Full truckload (8–10 yards, 3,000–4,000 PSI): $1,350–$2,100+ for the concrete itself, depending on mix design and haul. That’s roughly $170–$210 per yard as a blended estimate before options. Short load (2–4 yards): Concrete per yard is higher (to cover plant and trucking time), and there is often a short‑load fee of $150–$300+. Expect $220–$320 per yard in small quantities. Heat‑sensitive windows (dawn/night in summer): May carry premiums because those slots are in highest demand. Booking a week or two early avoids rush pricing.

These numbers are for the concrete only— not including site prep, forming, rebar, finishing, or optional pumping. Your total project cost will bundle those line items. The most cost‑effective way to think about a pour in Bakersfield is to plan yardage first, then select a mix and delivery window that protect the slab in our climate.

How Many Yards Fit in a Truck—and How Much Do You Need?

Most standard mixers in Bakersfield carry about 8–10 yards at a time. Smaller short‑load trucks and volumetric mixers carry less but are perfect for patios, walkways, and small repairs. To estimate how many yards you need, multiply length × width × thickness (in feet) and divide by 27. Add a 5–10% contingency for waste, spillage, and variations in subgrade.

ProjectTypical SizeThicknessYardage (approx.) 2‑car driveway20' × 24'5"~7.4 yd³ (order 8 yd³) Backyard patio12' × 20'4"~3.0 yd³ (order 3.25–3.5 yd³) Walkway network200 sq ft total4"~2.5 yd³ (short load) Garage slab24' × 24'5"~8.9 yd³ (full truck)

In expansive clay zones like Rosedale and Oildale, we often recommend thicker sections under tire paths or aprons, which can push yardage up slightly. Ordering a touch extra is cheaper than paying for a second partial delivery that doesn’t match the finish.

What Drives the Price of a Truckload in Bakersfield

Mix strength (PSI) and additives: Driveways and heavy‑use slabs typically use 3,500–4,000 PSI. Heat‑season pours may add retarders to slow the set; some jobs use plasticizers for workability without extra water, or fibers for micro‑crack control. Each add‑on marginally increases price but protects quality. Distance and access: The longer the haul from the plant to west Bakersfield or Lamont, the higher the delivery cost. Cul‑de‑sacs, narrow gates, or landscaping may require a pump truck (commonly $450–$900), which is an additional cost separate from the concrete. Scheduling window: Dawn and evening deliveries are premium slots in summer because they protect finishing time and surface quality. Booking 7–10 days ahead for residential, or 2–3 weeks for larger flatwork, often locks in the best price and hour. Return time and standby: Trucks have an allowed unload window (often around 60–90 minutes). Long site delays can trigger standby fees. Make sure forms, steel, and tools are ready before the truck arrives.

Full Truckload vs Short Load—Which Is Cheaper?

Per‑yard pricing is lowest when you order close to a full truck. But many Bakersfield projects are not 8+ yards. Short‑load fees exist to cover dispatching and washout time for small deliveries. If you’re close to a full load, consider combining scopes (e.g., driveway + steps or a patio) to reach the 7–10 yard concrete services bakersfield sweet spot. That spreads mobilization time across more square footage and often improves per‑yard cost.

How We Plan a Cost‑Efficient Truckload in Bakersfield

At Bakersfield Concrete Contractors, we schedule around the climate:

Right quantity: We calculate yardage from a site measure and add 5–10% contingency to avoid a mismatched second delivery. Right hour: Summer pours happen near sunrise or after sunset to preserve workability and finish quality. Right mix: We recommend 3,500–4,000 PSI, low water‑cement ratio, and plasticizer/retarder as needed for the weather. Right access: If a mixer can’t reach, we book a pump truck at the same time we schedule the ready‑mix. Ready site: Base compacted, forms set, rebar tied, and tools staged before the truck backs up the chute.

Sample Cost Scenarios (Bakersfield & Nearby Cities)

ScenarioYardageKey DetailsApprox. Concrete Cost* Small patio in Lamont3.0 yd³4" slab, fiber, short‑load fee$800 – $1,050 2‑car driveway in Bakersfield8.0 yd³5" slab, 3,500–4,000 PSI$1,400 – $1,800 Garage slab in Shafter9.0 yd³5" slab, rebar, longer haul$1,600 – $2,000 Backyard patio + steps in Oildale4.0 yd³Mix of 4" and thickenings; short‑load$1,000 – $1,300

*Concrete only. Does not include demo, grading, base, forms, rebar, finishing, saw cuts, curing, sealing, or pumping.

Is a Pump Truck Worth It?

Where access is tight, a pump protects lawns, landscaping, and hardscapes. In Bakersfield heat, a pump also shortens placement time, preserving finish quality before the surface dries. While it’s an added cost ( $450–$900 typical), it often prevents the need for a second trip and avoids re‑work caused by wheelbarrow delays.

How to Reduce the Cost of a Truckload Without Cutting Quality

Book early: Secure dawn/night slots 7–10 days out (2–3 weeks for large flatwork). Avoid rush surcharges. Combine pours: Add walkways, steps, or pad extensions to approach a full load. Optimize access: If the mixer can reach safely, skip the pump. If not, plan a pump to finish quickly in the cool window. Choose broom finish: Durable and budget‑friendly. If you want decorative later, stain or resurface after full cure. Use plasticizer, not water: Better workability without weakening the mix (keeps long‑term repair costs down).

Case Study: West Bakersfield Dawn Pour (Driveway + Steps)

A homeowner in west Bakersfield needed a 20' × 24' driveway at 5" plus three 4' steps. We calculated 7.8 yards and ordered 8.5 yards to include contingency and thickenings. The truck delivered at 5:45 a.m. in July with a retarder; we completed placement and finishing by 8:15 a.m., cut joints the same morning, and applied curing compound. The broom finish turned out clean, and the homeowner avoided a second partial delivery that would have added both cost and color‑match risk.

Related Services (Internal Links)

Concrete Driveways (Bakersfield) Concrete Patios (Bakersfield) Retaining Walls (Bakersfield) Concrete Foundations (Bakersfield) Pool Decks (Bakersfield) Concrete Repair (Bakersfield) Concrete Steps (Bakersfield)

Professional Insight

As tempting as it is to ask for the cheapest “truckload,” the better question in Bakersfield is, “What’s the right yardage and mix for my project at the right time of day?” When we plan those three variables—quantity, specification, and schedule—the slab finishes stronger, the crew works in cooler conditions, and you avoid costly callbacks or mismatched top‑offs. That’s how you save money across the whole project, not just on a per‑yard rate.

Next Steps

We’ll calculate your yardage, secure the best‑hour delivery window, and coordinate placement so your slab cures right from day one. Start here:

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Bakersfield Concrete Contractors — 10702 Spirit Falls Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93312 • (661) 382-3504 • Local experts in concrete foundations, retaining walls & repairs.