Booking the wrong truck size costs money either way. Too small means an extra trip, and too big means paying for empty space. This guide helps you work out the size you need in three steps, using the 3, 7 and 10 ton trucks common in Dubai.
Step 1: Work Out the Weight
Find the weight of one item, multiply it by the quantity, and add any pallets or crates. The supplier's invoice or packing list often shows the total.
Step 2: Compare It With the Payload
| What you are moving | Weight of one | 3 ton truck holds | 7 ton truck holds | 10 ton truck holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement bag | 50 kg | 60 | 140 | 200 |
| Concrete block | About 20 kg | 150 | 350 | 500 |
| Full pallet | Up to 1,000 kg | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Light pallet | About 500 kg | 6 | 14 | 20 |
| Sand | About 1.6 t per m³ | 1.9 m³ | 4.4 m³ | 6.2 m³ |
These figures are calculated from the payload alone, and typical weights vary by product. Check your own numbers and stay under the limit.
Step 3: Check Space and Shape
Weight is only half the answer. Furniture, foam, cartons and tyres fill a truck long before they reach its payload. For light goods, the truck's body size matters more than its tonnage, so send photos or a packing list and ask us to confirm.
Long items like steel bars and pipes must fit the body length. Tall items must clear bridges and building entrances. Always measure them.
Quick Rules
- Leave a margin if you are close to the limit, rather than loading to the last kilo
- One larger trip often costs less than two smaller ones, especially over long distances
- Narrow access can make a smaller truck better, even if it takes more trips
- A heavy single item also needs a safe way to lift it at both ends
Still Not Sure?
WhatsApp us a photo of the load with the pickup and delivery locations, and we will tell you which of our trucks fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 3 ton mean on a truck?
It refers to the payload: the weight of cargo the truck can carry, which is about 3,000 kg. It is not the weight of the truck itself.
How many pallets fit on a 3 ton truck?
By weight, 3 full pallets at 1,000 kg, or more if they are lighter. Body space may set a lower limit, so check the pallet sizes.
Is a pickup the same as a truck in Dubai?
People in Dubai often call a 3 ton truck a '3 ton pickup'. Both terms usually mean the same vehicle, so check the payload when you book.
What happens if my load is over the limit?
Do not overload it. It is unsafe and can cause legal trouble. Book a larger truck or split the load.