What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is concrete produced in a batching plant according to a set recipe and then transported to the construction site by truck-mounted transit mixers. The process ensures precise proportioning of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures, resulting in a more consistent and reliable product than site-mixed concrete. Once delivered, the concrete must be placed and finished before it reaches initial set, typically within 90 minutes of batching.
Ready mix is the preferred choice for large concrete pours where uniformity, speed, and structural integrity are priorities. Projects ranging from driveways and patios to foundations and structural slabs all benefit from the quality control that a central batching plant provides.
Ready Mix vs Bags: When to Use Which
Choosing between ready mix concrete and bagged concrete depends primarily on project volume. Use the table below as a general guide:
| Volume Needed | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 cubic yard | Bagged concrete | Ready mix short-load fees make small orders expensive; bags are cheaper and flexible |
| 1–3 cubic yards | Either | Ready mix is convenient but short-load fees apply; bags require significant labor to mix |
| Over 3 cubic yards | Ready mix | Far faster to place, more consistent quality, and lower cost per yard than bags |
How to Order Ready Mix Concrete
Ordering ready mix concrete involves more than just specifying a volume. Follow these steps for a smooth delivery:
- Calculate your volume accurately. Use the calculator above, then add 10 percent for waste. Most suppliers sell in quarter-yard increments, so round up to the nearest 0.25 yards.
- Specify the mix design. Tell the dispatcher the required compressive strength (e.g., 3,000 psi), slump (workability), and any special admixtures such as air entrainment for freeze-thaw areas or fiber reinforcement.
- Confirm site access. A standard ready mix truck is 8 feet wide and can weigh 60,000 pounds loaded. Ensure the delivery route can support the weight and that the truck can reach within a reasonable distance of the pour area.
- Schedule 2–3 days in advance. During peak season, book even earlier. Confirm the delivery window the day before and have all forms, reinforcement, and finishing tools ready.
- Have enough crew. Concrete must be placed and finished before it stiffens. Plan on one person per cubic yard for most residential pours, plus a dedicated finisher.
Most suppliers allow the truck to wait on site for a limited time (often 30 minutes) before charging waiting fees. Have your forms, rebar, and tools fully prepared before the truck arrives.
Ready Mix Concrete Prices
Ready mix concrete prices vary by region, season, and mix design. As a general benchmark, standard residential concrete (3,000 to 4,000 psi) costs approximately $125 to $165 per cubic yard in most US markets. Higher-strength mixes or specialty admixtures will increase the per-yard price by $10 to $30.
Short-load fees apply to orders under 5 cubic yards and typically range from $50 to $200 depending on the supplier. Delivery charges vary by distance from the plant, generally $15 to $25 per mile beyond the standard delivery radius. Some suppliers include delivery within a certain radius in the base price.
Always get quotes from two or three local ready mix suppliers before committing. Prices can vary by 15 to 20 percent between suppliers in the same market, and some offer discounts for full truck loads (typically 9 to 11 cubic yards) that eliminate short-load fees entirely.