The average cost of concrete delivery is $119 to $147 per cubic yard for a full 10-yard truckload of ready-mix concrete. A short load of less than 10 yards is priced higher at around $172 per cubic yard. The cost of having concrete delivered can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the amount of concrete needed, the type of concrete, and the distance the concrete needs to be transported.

Concrete with specialized mixes or additives costs more, as do smaller loads of concrete that make up less than a full load. Also, the further the concrete must travel, the higher the costs for fuel surcharges and extended delivery times.

The minimum amount of concrete that can be delivered varies depending on the concrete supplier, but generally falls into one of these categories:

• Full truckload: A full truckload typically consists of 10 cubic yards of concrete. Some suppliers may have larger trucks that can deliver up to 10 cubic yards in a single load.
• Short load: For smaller projects, some suppliers offer "short load" deliveries of 1 to 6 cubic yards. The minimum for a short load is usually 1 cubic yard but may be higher depending on the supplier and location.
• Minimum order: Many concrete suppliers have a minimum order requirement, often 1 cubic yard, plus a delivery surcharge. Ordering less than the minimum may result in additional fees.

The most common size for a standard concrete truck is around 10 cubic yards, but larger concrete trucks can hold up to 12 cubic yards of concrete.

Smaller "mini" concrete trucks may be available for smaller projects, with capacities of around 1 to 4 cubic yards.

For a standard concrete truck holding 10 cubic yards, the actual pouring time is usually around 30 to 60 minutes. Larger projects with multiple trucks may take several hours to pour all the concrete needed, while smaller "short load" deliveries of 1 to 6 cubic yards can be poured in 15 to 30 minutes.

However, the concrete pouring process involves more than just the time it takes to discharge the concrete from the truck. Preparation work like grading the site, preparing the subbase, and building forms needs to be done in advance.

Also, the concrete needs time to set up and harden before it can be walked on, usually 24 to 48 hours after pouring. Full curing takes about 28 days for a 4-inch-thick slab, with an additional month of curing time for every additional inch of thickness.

Consider these key factors to choose a reliable and experienced concrete delivery company that will help ensure the success of your construction project:

• Experience: Look for a company that has been in the concrete delivery business for many years, as they are more likely to have the skills and expertise to properly formulate and mix the concrete for your project.
• Reputation: Check the company's online reviews and ratings on HomeGuide and Google and ask for referrals from past customers to assess their reputation for quality service and reliability.
• Pricing: Compare the prices and fee structures from multiple concrete delivery companies to find one that fits your budget but be wary of prices that seem too low as they may indicate inexperience or hidden charges.
• Insurance: Ensure the concrete delivery company has proper insurance coverage, including workers' compensation and general liability, to protect you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during the delivery.
• Additional services: Determine if the company offers any additional services beyond just concrete delivery, such as installation, which could be beneficial for your project.
• Responsibility: Ask if the company can provide referrals to reputable installation contractors if they do not offer those services themselves, to ensure the entire project is handled professionally.

Asking these important questions can help ensure you choose an experienced, reputable, and reliable concrete delivery service:

• How long have you been in the concrete delivery business?
• Can you provide references or examples of past projects you have delivered for?
• Can you provide me with a detailed breakdown of the pricing, including the cost per cubic yard of concrete and any delivery or other fees?
• Do you have proper insurance coverage, including workers' compensation and general liability, to protect me in case of accidents or property damage during the delivery?
• Do you offer any additional services beyond just concrete delivery, such as installation or referrals to reputable contractors?
• What is the process for placing an order? Can I schedule a "will call" or "firm" delivery, and what are the unload time requirements?
• What types of concrete mixes do you offer, and can you recommend the best mix for my specific project needs?
• How do you determine the right quantity of concrete to order, and will you take back any unused concrete?
• Can you provide me with a delivery time window, and what are the potential charges if the truck has to wait on site?