The cost of a pickup truck load of firewood varies by wood type, moisture level, and local market conditions. Buyers typically pay for wood by load or by volume, with most common ranges reflecting 1/3 to 1/2 of a cord. The main cost drivers are wood species, seasoning, seller sorting, and whether the load includes delivery. Price considerations also include mileage and overhead that sellers must cover to offer a pickup load.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup Load (no delivery) | $60 | $120 | $180 | Assumes ~1/3–1/2 cord of hardwood or mixed wood |
| Hardwood per Load | $90 | $150 | $230 | Oak, maple, hickory, etc.; higher for seasoned vs fresh-cut |
| Softwood per Load | $60 | $100 | $160 | Pine, spruce; often cheaper than hardwood |
| Delivery (optional) | $25 | $60 | $120 | Depends on distance and access |
| Per Cord Benchmark | $120–$200 | $180–$320 | $280–$420 | Assumes pickup load ≈ 1/3–1/2 cord |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for a pickup truck load of firewood depend on wood type, seasoning, and local pricing. The typical scenario is a partial cord or a standardized pickup load, which translates to roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of a full cord. Assumptions: region, wood type, moisture content, and whether the load includes any delivery or stacking.
Cost Breakdown
Material costs usually account for the bulk of the price, including wood species, moisture, and cut size. Labor and handling contribute to the rest, especially if the seller splits, stacks, or loads the wood into the buyer’s vehicle. A simple pickup load often excludes delivery, installation, or long-distance transport.
| Columns | Materials | Labor | Delivery | Permits | Overhead | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost Share | 60–70% | 15–25% | 0–15% | 0% | 5–10% | 0–5% |
| Notes | Hardwood pricier; seasoning adds value | Split, stack, and loading labor | Delivery adds cost; no delivery if buyer picks up | Usually not a factor for small loads | Shop or company overhead | Tax varies by state |
Pricing By Region
Regional price differences can shift the overall cost by as much as 15–30% between markets. In the Southwest, prices may be more influenced by softwood availability and local demand, while the Northeast often shows higher hardwood pricing during cold months. Rural areas with abundant timber may offer lower rates, whereas urban markets with higher labor costs may see elevated prices.
Local Market Variations
In urban or suburban zones, a pickup load of seasoned hardwood might run about 140–200 dollars, with delivery pushing toward 60–120 dollars. In rural markets, the same load could be closer to 90–150 dollars. Seasonal demand, such as late fall and early winter, tends to push prices higher, while spring and mid-summer tend to offer modest discounts.
What Drives Price
Key drivers include wood species, seasoning level, and load size. Hardwood varieties like oak or hickory command higher prices than softwoods such as pine or fir. Seasoned wood (dried to reduce moisture) is priced above freshly cut, since it burns more efficiently and produces less creosote. Load size varies by seller method and vehicle capacity, with some sellers advertising fixed pickup loads while others quote by volume (load count, face cords, or fractions of a cord).
Material Type And Prep
Hardwood demands a higher cost per load due to density and burn quality. Softwood may be cheaper but can produce more ash and creosote if not seasoned. Prep time like splitting into desirable sizes and ensuring uniform stacks adds to labor costs when buyers request specific cuts or sizes.
Seasoning And Moisture
Seasoned wood typically costs more upfront but saves buyers on efficiency and heat output. Wet or green wood can be cheaper per load but yields less usable heat and higher moisture content, potentially making it less desirable in cold-season use.
Access and Delivery Logistics
Delivery, stacking, and accessible driveway or alleyways impact total price. Difficult access sites require additional labor or equipment, increasing the per-load cost. Buyers who pick up directly from a seller can avoid delivery charges, but may incur fuel costs if the pickup trip is longer than expected.
Ways To Save
Smart buying can reduce the cost of a pickup load without compromising heat output or wood quality. Consider combining orders with neighbors, choosing softwood for short-season use, or negotiating bundled deals that include delivery or stacking services. Compare multiple nearby sellers to identify the best-price balance between wood type and load reliability.
Bulk And Seasonal Discounts
Some sellers offer discounts for bulk purchases, especially before winter. Off-peak pricing can apply in spring and summer when demand is lower. If a seller offers a bundled deal with delivery or stacking services, the per-load cost can drop when bundled rather than purchased separately.
Delivery Trade-Offs
Delivery adds cost but saves time and effort. If a buyer has a reliable vehicle and capacity, picking up may be the most economical option. Conversely, a small additional delivery fee may be worthwhile if it avoids the need to transport and stack several heavy loads.
Quality Versus Convenience
Choosing a mix of hardwood for long burns and softwood for quick heat can optimize total fuel costs over a season. Buyers should specify cut length (e.g., 16″ or 24″) to avoid extra handling fees from sellers who charge for custom cuts.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for different needs and markets. Each scenario includes specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals.
Assumptions: region, wood type, moisture, pickup vs delivery, and load size.
Basic Scenario
Specs: Mixed softwoods, green to lightly seasoned, 16″ lengths; pickup only. Labor: 0.5 hour loading; no delivery. Total: 1/3 cord equivalent; per-load price ranges from $60 to $90 in rural markets. Edge case is a seller offering a bare minimum with no stacking or packaging.
Mid-Range Scenario
Specs: Mixed hardwoods (oak and maple), seasoned, 18–20″ lengths; buyer picks up; some stacking done by seller. Labor: 1 hour; delivery optional. Total: 1/2 cord equivalent; price range typically $120–$180 without delivery, $180–$240 with delivery.
Premium Scenario
Specs: Premium hardwood (hickory, maple), fully seasoned, 16″ lengths; seller provides stacking and loading into buyer’s vehicle. Labor: 1.5–2 hours; delivery included in some markets. Total: 1/2 to 2/3 cord; price range often $180–$230 for pickup, $240–$320 including delivery in high-demand regions.