One of the most common questions customers ask when arranging a delivery is: what size truck can safely access my site? The answer depends on your available space, access conditions, ground stability, and site safety factors.
Different products will require different vehicles, including tipper trucks for quarry materials, flat-bed trucks for bulka bag deliveries, and concrete agitator trucks for concrete supply.
At Lofts, we operate a range of truck and delivery vehicle types to suit different order volumes and site conditions. We coordinate quarry, concrete, and bulka bag deliveries across Melbourne and surrounding areas. Choosing the correct vehicle helps avoid delays, additional costs, and safety risks on delivery day.
This guide outlines the typical truck sizes used and what you should check before placing your order.
Tipper Truck Sizes for Quarry and Landscape Material Deliveries
These are the common tipper configurations used for bulk quarry and landscape material deliveries.
Tandem (Truck Only)
- Capacity: up to approximately 14 tonnes
- Suitable for tighter access sites
- Entry points must be wide enough for safe vehicle access, but if site conditions allow, drivers may reverse into the site to tip and then exit forward, where possible.
Tandem (Twin Steer)
- Capacity: up to approximately 17 tonnes
- Suitable for tighter access sites needing slightly more material.
- Entry points must allow safe vehicle access. Drivers may reverse into tip where site conditions allow.
3-Axle Truck and Trailer
- Capacity: up to approximately 30 tonnes
- Suitable for larger sites and higher-volume orders
- Requires significant space for the driver to manoeuvre and turn around on site.
4 Axle Truck and Trailer (Quad Dog)
- Capacity: up to approximately 39 tonnes
- Suitable for major projects and bulk supply
- Requires excellent access, wide entry, and large turning space.
- Extra caution is required in windy conditions.
Important: If access is narrow, steep, or restricted, a smaller truck or bulka bags may be required even if your order volume is large.
Learn more about quarry & landscaping materials
Bulka Bag Delivery (Flat-Bed Trucks)
Bulka bags are typically delivered using flat-bed trucks.
- Capacity: The maximum is usually 10 bags, but this will depend on product type and if pallets/spacing is required for unloading. If access is limited, sometimes a smaller truck or even a tipper can be provided on request.
- Requires a safe unloading space, including room for lifting equipment, clear overhead space and solid, flat ground.
Learn more about bulka bags
Concrete Agitator Truck Sizes
Concrete is delivered using agitator trucks (also known as concrete mixer trucks) of varying capacities. Truck selection depends on pour size and site access.
Mini Mix Agitators
- Maximum capacity: ~2.2 m³
- Suitable for small pours and restricted sites
Maxi Agitators
- Maximum capacity: ~5.8 m³
- Suitable for standard residential and trade pours
Twin Steer Agitators
- Maximum capacity: ~7.0 m³
- Suitable for larger pours with appropriate access
Concrete trucks are heavy vehicles and require firm, level ground, adequate overhead clearance, and safe positioning for discharge.
Learn more about ready mix concrete & stabilised Sand
Can a Delivery Truck Fit Down My Driveway?
Many customers ask whether a delivery truck can access a residential driveway. Across Melbourne, access can vary significantly and will therefore depend on factors such as driveway width, turning space, overhead clearance, and ground strength.
Customers should provide as much site access information as possible when placing an order. However, final access and tipping decisions are made by the driver on arrival, based on site conditions and safety requirements.
If access is restricted, delivery may need to occur kerbside or via alternatives such as smaller trucks or bulka bag deliveries, where available.
Why Truck Size Matters
Selecting the right truck size supports safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery. It helps ensure:
- Safe entry and exit from site
- Adequate turning and manoeuvring space
- Reduced risk of property or vehicle damage
- Faster unloading and placement
- Lower likelihood of driver waiting time fees, return fees or wasted material/labour.
All drivers assess site conditions on arrival and may refuse entry or tipping if conditions are considered unsafe.
Before confirming your delivery, review the following site conditions.
Access Width and Turning Space
Entry points and driveways must be wide enough to accommodate heavy vehicles, with sufficient space available on site for the truck to safely turn around (if not reversing) and exit without obstruction.
Ground Conditions
The ground should be firm and level. Soft, wet, or loose surfaces increase the risk of vehicles bogging and may also result in damage to driveways, paving, or landscaped areas due to the weight of heavy vehicles. In wet weather, delivery is at the driver’s discretion and may be limited to kerbside.
Overhead Clearance
Check for:
- Power lines
- Tree branches
- Building overhangs
Heavy vehicles must maintain safe clearance from overhead hazards and must not tip beneath power lines.
Level Tipping Area
Tipping must occur on level ground. Slopes, trenches, and open excavations must be clearly marked and barricaded.
Traffic and Spotters
Where hazards are present, suitable spotters and traffic controls should be in place. Clear communication with the driver is essential and the driver will not tip without a spotter if deemed unsafe to do so.
The truck capacities and access requirements listed above are typical industry guidelines. Actual vehicle size and payload may vary depending on the supplier, material type, and site conditions. Final delivery decisions are made by the driver based on safety and access at the time of delivery.
Reviewing the above before scheduling your delivery can help avoid additional costs or delays. If you believe a standard truck may not be able to access your site, please let us know when placing your order so we can arrange the most suitable delivery option available, such as a smaller truck or bulka bag delivery.
Lofts coordinates quarry, concrete, and bulka bag deliveries across Melbourne and surrounding areas, helping customers manage safe and efficient material deliveries based on their site access and project requirements.
For more information on safe and cost-effective deliveries, please view or download our guide here to share with your team.
Ready to arrange your delivery?
Need further guidance? Our experienced team is here to assist – give us a call or email us at sales@lofts.au for further assistance.