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Answer · Concrete

Ready-mix vs bagged concrete: when does the truck win?

Updated April 26, 2026

Quick answer

Ready-mix wins above 1 cubic yard (~45 bags of 80 lb) once you account for time and short-load fees. Below 1 yard, bagged concrete is usually cheaper. Between 1–2 yards is a tie that depends on your local short-load fee ($50–$120). Above 2 yards, the truck wins every time, on cost, on quality, and on the fact that the slab cures as one continuous piece with no cold joints.
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The cost crossover

Real cost comparison, bagged ($5/80 lb bag) vs ready-mix ($180/yd³ + $80 short fee)
Project sizeBagged totalReady-mix totalWinner
0.25 yd³ (12 bags)$60$125Bagged
0.50 yd³ (23 bags)$115$170Bagged
0.75 yd³ (34 bags)$170$215Bagged
1.0 yd³ (45 bags)$225$260Bagged (tight)
1.25 yd³ (57 bags)$285$305Tie
1.5 yd³ (68 bags)$340$350Tie
2.0 yd³ (90 bags)$450$440Ready-mix
3.0 yd³ (135 bags)$675$620Ready-mix
5.0 yd³ (225 bags)$1,125$980Ready-mix wins by $145

Prices vary by region. Short-load fees apply below ~3 yards. Above 5 yards most suppliers waive them entirely.

Formula

Cost crossover

bagged_cost = bags × $5
ready_mix_cost = yards × $180 + short_load_fee

Crossover ≈ where the two equal.
With $80 short fee and $5/bag (80 lb at 0.6 ft³),
bags-equivalent of 1 yd³ = 45 bags = $225.
Ready-mix cost at 1 yd³ = $180 + $80 = $260.
Crossover: ~1.25 yd³.
Below 1 yard, bagged is straightforwardly cheaper. The break-even shifts down if you don't have a wheelbarrow + mixer setup, or up if your local short-load fee is high.

Cost isn't the whole story

What you actually pay for with each option
FactorBaggedReady-mix
Materials cost (1.5 yd³)$340$350
Time required (1–2 people)8–12 hours1.5 hours
Mixer rental$60/day$0
Wheelbarrow loads (1.5 yd³)~300–30 (depends on access)
Cold joint riskHigh (multi-batch)Zero (one pour)
Strength consistencyVariable per batchLab-controlled
Cleanup20+ empty bagsHose off chute

Worked example

10 × 10 × 4 in shed pad, true cost

1.23 yd³ slab, the classic backyard project that's right at the threshold.

  1. 1. Bagged: 62 × 80 lb bags$310
  2. 2. + mixer rental (1 day)$370
  3. 3. + 8 hr of weekend laborPriceless / $0
  4. 4. Ready-mix: 1.5 yd³ + short fee$350
  5. 5. + 1.5 hr to place + finish,

→ Ready-mix wins on time and zero cold joints, for ~$20 more total.

Why ready-mix is structurally better

A 1-yard pour from a truck is one continuous slab with consistent strength and no joints between batches. 45 bags mixed by hand is 20+ separate batches, each with slightly different water content, mix time, and set state. The boundary between batches becomes a cold joint, a weak seam that cracks under load and admits water. For driveways, garages, or any slab carrying weight, the truck is the right answer.

What's a "short load" fee?

Most ready-mix suppliers have a 1-yard minimum and charge a short-load fee of $50–$120 for any order under 3 yards. This covers the truck driver's time on a partial delivery. Suppliers waive the fee at 3+ yards because they make their margin on volume.

Other factors that swing the decision

  • Truck access: if a 30,000 lb concrete truck can't get within 30 ft of the pour site, you're moving every yard by wheelbarrow. At that point, bagged might be easier.
  • Pour speed: the truck unloads in 30 minutes. You have to be ready, forms in place, rebar tied, screed and bull float on hand.
  • Weather window: ready-mix waits for nobody. Once the truck arrives, you're pouring. With bags you can spread the work across days.
  • Finishing labor: 1+ yards of fresh concrete needs 2–3 people to screed, float, and edge before it sets. Don't pour a truckload solo.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

✗ Mixing 60+ bags by hand on a hot day with no mixer.

Fix: First 10 bags will be set before the last 10 go in. You'll have cold joints and a weak slab. At 60+ bags, rent a mixer or call ready-mix.

✗ Ordering ready-mix without forms and rebar ready.

Fix: Truck waits ~30 min for free, then meter starts at $2/min. Have everything staged 24 hours ahead, forms, rebar tied, screed, bull float, edger, finishers.

✗ Calling for a 0.75 yd³ truck.

Fix: Most suppliers have a 1-yard minimum. Order 1.5 yd³ and use the extra for a step or footing. Or stay with bags below 1 yard.

✗ Choosing ready-mix when truck access is impossible.

Fix: If you can't get the chute within 30 ft of the form, every yard is a wheelbarrow trip. Calculate: 1 yd³ = ~14 wheelbarrow loads. At that point, just bag it.

→ Run bag and yard counts side-by-side for your project

Frequently asked questions

When is ready-mix cheaper than bags?
Above 1.5 cubic yards (~70 bags of 80 lb), ready-mix wins on raw cost once short-load fees are included. Below 1 yard, bags are cheaper.
What's a short-load fee?
A $50–$120 surcharge from ready-mix suppliers on orders below 3 cubic yards. It covers the truck driver's time for a partial delivery. Most suppliers waive it above 3 yards.
How much does a yard of ready-mix cost?
Typically $150–$220 per cubic yard delivered, depending on region and mix design. 4000 PSI mix runs $5–$15 more than 3000 PSI.
Can I order less than 1 yard of ready-mix?
Most suppliers have a 1-yard minimum. A few specialty 'mini-mix' trucks deliver as little as 0.25 yard but charge a premium ($100+/yd above standard). Below 1 yard, bagged is usually the better play.
How long does a ready-mix truck wait?
About 30 minutes free, then $2–$5 per minute. Have your forms, rebar, screed, and finishing crew ready 24 hours before delivery.
Is ready-mix concrete stronger than bagged?
Per cubic yard, the strength is similar. But ready-mix is one continuous pour with no cold joints, while bagged concrete has weak seams between batches. Structurally ready-mix is more reliable for driveways and footings.
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