Concrete is an essential material used for various construction projects, including foundation slabs for houses, driveways, sheds, roads, patios, swimming pools, and walkways. For large construction projects, mixing concrete manually can be laborious, time-consuming, or, in the worst-case scenario, impossible. As such, many contractors often rent concrete trucks or mixers to ensure that the required amount of pre-mixed concrete is readily available at the worksite.
Knowing concrete truck prices and rental rates is crucial if you're planning to rent a concrete truck for your construction project. Continue reading to learn more about concrete pump truck rental prices.
Discover rates for a wide range of machinery and equipment in our comprehensive machine hire rates guide.
What is a concrete truck?
A concrete truck is a heavy vehicle with a built-in mixer that transports and delivers pre-mixed concrete to a job site. The revolving drum keeps the mix fresh and prevents it from drying during transport.
Depending on the project, concrete can be mixed in transit or on-site. Older models use a tip-and-pour system, while modern trucks often feature pumps for faster, more precise pouring.
Whether you're working on a driveway, foundation, or large construction job, a concrete truck ensures efficient, large-scale mixing with minimal effort.
What is the cost to hire a concrete truck?
Hiring a concrete truck is the most efficient option for large-scale projects. In Australia, rental rates range from $200 to $300 per hour, plus the cost of pre-mixed concrete, which is charged per cubic metre and includes GST.
For example, if a concrete truck costs $250 per hour and pre-mixed concrete is $250 per cubic metre, the total cost to supply and deliver one cubic metre could be $450 to $550. Furthermore, the overall concrete pump truck rental prices will depend on various factors such as:
- Truck and mixer size – Larger trucks cost more.
- Concrete volume needed – Bulk orders may reduce costs.
- Hire duration – Hourly or project-based rates apply.
- Power type – Gas and electric mixers vary in price.
- Concrete pump hire rates – Additional charges apply if a pump is required for efficient pouring.
Also, the price of concrete may fluctuate based on supplier rates, location, and demand, so it's always recommended to compare quotes.
*These prices are a baseline across Australia but may vary depending on individual contractors, the supply, and other factors.
What is the average cost of concrete?
The average cost of concrete in Australia ranges from $200 to $350 per cubic metre (m³), depending on the strength and type required. Higher-strength concrete, such as 40 MPa, is at the higher end of this range.
Several factors impact concrete pricing, including:
- Location – Prices vary by region based on supply and demand.
- Concrete strength & type – Higher MPa mixes and specialised blends cost more.
- Additives & admixtures – Fibres, accelerators, and retarders can increase costs.
- Order size – Bulk orders may receive discounted rates.
If you’re purchasing concrete regularly or in large quantities, suppliers may offer discounted rates, so it’s worth comparing multiple quotes.
How much is a cubic metre of concrete?
Concrete is sold per cubic metre (m³) because, in its liquid form, it is measured by volume. Before ordering, confirm your concrete supply needs to avoid shortfalls or surplus. To determine the amount you need:
- Measure the length, width, and depth of the slab or area.
- Multiply these dimensions to calculate the total cubic metres required.
For example, a 3m x 2m x 0.1m slab would need 0.6m³ of concrete (3 x 2 x 0.1 = 0.6m³).
Pro tip: Always order 5-10% more concrete than calculated to account for spillage and variations.
How much does concrete cost per square metre?
Be aware that some concreters prefer to offer quotes for the cost of concrete per m2. Depending on your location, you may expect to spend:
- $60 to $85 per m² – Standard concrete
- $65 to $90 per m² – Reinforced concrete
- $100 to $150 per m² – Exposed aggregate finish
These rates generally include materials and labour, but additional factors like site accessibility, project complexity, and reinforcement requirements may affect pricing.
Key Takeaways:
- Concrete costs range from $200 to $350 per cubic metre.
- Per square metre pricing varies based on finish and reinforcement.
- Always order slightly more than calculated to avoid shortages.
- Compare supplier quotes to secure the best deal.
What are the benefits of renting a concrete mixer or truck?
Whether you're pouring a driveway, slab, or foundation, renting a concrete truck or mixer is often the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Instead of dealing with manual mixing or expensive equipment purchases, hiring a concrete truck ensures you get the right amount of pre-mixed concrete delivered directly to your site—saving time, effort, and money. Pro tip: To prevent delays, ensure clear site access for trucks to deliver concrete smoothly.
Key benefits of hiring a concrete truck
- Cost-Effective – Buying a concrete truck is a huge investment, and unless you need it for ongoing projects, renting is far more economical. You get the concrete you need when you need it without maintenance or storage costs.
- Available in Different Sizes – From small-scale residential jobs to large commercial pours, concrete trucks come in various sizes and capacities to suit your project. You can hire the right truck size for efficient delivery without overpaying for unnecessary capacity.
- No Long-Term Maintenance – Unless you’re a contractor using concrete trucks regularly, owning one isn’t practical. Hiring a concrete truck eliminates the cost of upkeep, servicing, and storage, so you only pay for what you need.
Renting a concrete mixer or truck gives you flexibility, convenience, and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for builders, tradies, and homeowners alike.
How much does pre-mix concrete cost?
The cost of pre-mix concrete varies based on factors such as location, mix type, and order size. However, prices range from $200 to $350 per cubic metre. When ordering, suppliers may also consider the maximum calculated pumping distance, especially for large-scale projects requiring extensive concrete pumping.
When ordering pre-mixed concrete, suppliers will need details including:
- Delivery location – Determines transport costs and availability.
- Purpose of the concrete – Whether it’s for a driveway, pathway, foundation, or another application.
- Required volume (in cubic metres) – Helps suppliers estimate the right mix and quantity.
- Concrete class – Options include normal class (standard strength) or special class (for specific durability or performance needs).
Order a little extra to avoid shortages
It’s always a good idea to order 5-10% more concrete than your calculations suggest. This accounts for spillage, variations in depth, and minor miscalculations. Most contractors recommend rounding up your order to ensure you don’t run short mid-pour.
Concrete truck rental – dry hire vs. wet hire
When hiring a concrete truck, you have two rental options:
- Wet Hire – Includes both the concrete truck and an experienced operator to handle the mixing and pouring.
- Dry Hire – You rent only the truck, meaning you or someone on your team will need to operate it.
Wet hire is ideal for large projects where precision and expertise are essential, while dry hire suits contractors with licensed operators on-site. Some suppliers may require that customers cost traffic management for projects where road access is affected by concrete truck operations.
What is the cost of hiring a concrete mixer truck driver?
Operating a concrete mixer truck requires experience and licensing. In 2025, the average hourly pay for a concrete mixer truck driver in Australia ranges from $30 to $40 per hour, depending on location, experience, and job requirements.
If opting for wet hire, factor in the driver's hourly wage in addition to the concrete truck rental cost to get an accurate total price.
Minimum load Costs
Most concrete suppliers require a minimum order of 3 to 4 cubic metres per delivery. If your order is below this, a short load fee of around $80 per cubic metre may apply. Some suppliers also charge a flat fee for small deliveries, typically ranging from $120 to $150. To secure your booking and avoid delays, it’s recommended to provide reasonable notice when scheduling concrete delivery.
Cost for unloading or returned concrete
If you have surplus concrete, some rental services allow returning it using the concrete truck. However, this often incurs a disposal fee, typically around $150 to $210 per cubic metre. Concrete pumping rates may also apply if additional pumping services are required to move excess concrete to a secondary location.
Tip: To avoid these fees, accurately calculate your concrete needs and consider slightly over-ordering to prevent shortages without significant excess.
Find concrete trucks for hire with iseekplant
Looking for a concrete truck? iseekplant makes it easy to find and hire the right truck for your project. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, contractor, or builder, we connect you with thousands of suppliers offering pre-mixed concrete delivery or on-site mixing options.
Use our Get a Quote Tool to compare prices from professional concrete truck rental services across Australia. Our team is here to help you find a cost-effective solution that fits your project needs and budget. Get in touch today!