How Many CCA-Treated Fence Posts Fit on a Truck?

When it comes to planning a fence project or a bulk order, one of the most common questions is: “How many fence posts fit on a truckload?”. The answer isn’t as simple as one number — it can vary depending on the size, treatment, and more. At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we specialize in CCA-treated posts that meet industry standards for quality and durability, and we want to help you understand why bulk wood fence posts in truckload quantities can change from time to time.

Why Truckload Quantities Vary

1. Post Length – Longer posts take up more space on the truck deck. A load of 8-foot fence posts will naturally carry more pieces than a load of 12-foot or 14-foot posts.

2. Post Diameter – Larger diameter CCA-treated posts are heavier and bulkier, reducing the overall count that can fit safely on a load.

3. Post Style – If you’re debating between tapered or non-tapered posts and want the best value for your money, it’s important to understand how they affect freight. Non-tapered posts allow for significantly more posts per truckload because their uniform diameter makes them easier to stack evenly. Tapered posts, on the other hand, take up more irregular space, which reduces the number that can fit on a load. Considering your post choice carefully can help maximize both efficiency and cost savings.

4. Weight Limits – Every truck has a legal weight restriction. Even if the posts physically fit, drivers must follow Department of Transportation (DOT) weight regulations. Furthermore, weight restrictions vary from state to state. For example, Michigan is one of the few states in the United States that can run an 8 axle semiload, which significantly allows more weight. However, most states only allow a tandem axle, which can carry up to 48,000 lbs of bulk fence posts for delivery.

5. Treatment Process – Freshly CCA-treated posts will weigh significantly more due to the higher moisture content immediately after the treatment process. As the posts cure and dry over time, they naturally lose some of that excess weight while still maintaining the same level of preservative protection. This is why truckload weights can fluctuate depending on whether the posts are fresh from the cylinder or have had time to sit.

6. Frost Laws – Each state has their own laws when it comes to frost laws. In Michigan, frost laws play an important role in how we deliver bulk materials and CCA-treated posts during the spring season. Frost laws are seasonal weight restrictions placed on trucks when the ground begins to thaw after winter. As the frost comes out of the soil, roads become softer and more vulnerable to damage, so the state reduces how much weight trucks can legally carry. This means fewer posts can fit on each truckload during frost law season, which can affect delivery schedules and freight costs. At West Branch Wood Treating, we carefully plan around frost laws to ensure safe, compliant, and timely deliveries for our customers

7. Weather – Weather also plays a big role in the overall weight of CCA-treated posts. Has it been raining or snowing heavily recently? Posts that are stored outside naturally absorb extra surface moisture, which can make them weigh more than usual. Even though the preservative treatment itself doesn’t change, added moisture from rain or melting snow increases the overall weight of each post.

Example of Bulk Wood Fence Posts Truckload Capacities

5” x 8’ CCA perfect posts → higher post count per load. We can usually fit approximately 24 bundles or 1,512 posts in the state of Michigan, or 15 bundles or 945 pcs out-of-state.

5” x 12’ CCA perfect posts → fewer posts due to length and weight, approximately fitting. We can usually haul around 16 bundles or 1,008 posts in-state, or 12 bundles or 756 posts out-of state.

Mixed loads → when orders combine sizes, the count depends on how the posts are stacked and balanced

Tip: Always plan your order with delivery logistics in mind. If you’re unsure, give us a call — our team will make sure you get the right posts, in the right quantities, delivered on time. These numbers also vary, so always contact us for exact truckload estimates.

Why CCA-Treated Posts Are the Right Choice

Choosing CCA-treated fence posts means choosing strength, longevity, and reliability. Unlike untreated or lightly treated posts, CCA posts are:

• Resistant to rot, decay, and insects
• Designed for farm fencing, agricultural use, and structural projects for in-ground contactuse
• Backed by decades of proven performance across the industry

Key Takeaways

Overall, the number of fence posts that allows for delivery will vary based on several factors including regulations, treatment, size, and more. The good news? West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we’ll work with you to maximize your truckload while staying safe and compliant. Plus, when you purchase fence posts in bulk, you’ll not only save on freight but also get the best value for your project.