A truckload of firewood typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on wood type, moisture content, delivery distance, and your region
The price you pay for a truckload of firewood is not standardized across the country, and the term "truckload" itself means different things to different sellers. A full-size pickup truck holds roughly 4 to 6 cords of wood when stacked properly, while a larger dump truck or flatbed can hold 8 to 12 cords. Before you call a supplier, you need to know what you're actually buying — the volume measurement, the wood species, and whether the wood is seasoned (dry) or green (freshly cut).
Most residential firewood is sold by the cord, a unit equal to 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. A face cord, also called a rick, is one-third of a full cord and measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long by whatever depth the wood is stacked. When a seller says "truckload," they usually mean somewhere between 2 and 6 full cords, but you should always ask for the exact volume before agreeing to a price.
Key Takeaways
- A full cord of firewood measures 128 cubic feet when stacked and costs $100 to $300 depending on wood type and whether it is seasoned or green.
- Seasoned hardwoods like oak and maple cost more than softwoods like pine, but they burn hotter and produce less creosote buildup in your chimney.
- Green wood (freshly cut) costs less upfront but contains moisture that makes it burn poorly and creates dangerous chimney deposits.
- Delivery fees typically add $25 to $100 to your total, and stacking or splitting services add another $50 to $150 per cord.
- Always confirm the exact cord count and wood species before paying, because "truckload" is not a legal measurement and sellers define it differently.
How wood type and seasoning affect the price you pay
Hardwoods — oak, maple, ash, hickory, and birch — cost more per cord than softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce. Hardwoods burn longer, produce more heat, and leave less creosote (a flammable tar-like substance) in your chimney. Softwoods are cheaper and easier to split, but they burn faster, produce less heat, and deposit more creosote, which increases your fire risk if you don't have your chimney cleaned regularly.
Seasoned wood (dried for at least 6 to 12 months) costs 20 to 40 percent more than green wood, but it is worth the difference. Seasoned wood has a moisture content below 20 percent and ignites easily, burns hot, and produces minimal smoke. Green wood contains 50 percent or more moisture by weight, smolders rather than burns, wastes energy as steam, and creates heavy creosote deposits. If you buy green wood to save money, you will spend more on chimney cleaning and get less usable heat.
Regional availability also drives price. Areas with abundant local timber (the Pacific Northwest, parts of the South, and New England) have lower prices because suppliers do not have to transport wood far. Urban areas and regions with limited timber production pay significantly more because wood must be trucked in from farther away.
What to expect when you order delivery
Most firewood suppliers offer three service levels: delivery only, delivery plus stacking, or delivery plus stacking and splitting. Delivery alone means the wood is dumped in your driveway or yard, and you handle the rest. Stacking adds $50 to $150 per cord because it requires labor and time. Splitting (if the wood arrives in rounds rather than split pieces) adds another $50 to $150 per cord.
Delivery fees depend on distance from the supplier's location. A local supplier 5 to 10 miles away might charge $25 to $50 for delivery. Suppliers 20 to 30 miles away often charge $75 to $150. Some suppliers include delivery in their per-cord price, while others quote it separately — always ask for the total delivered price before committing.
Timing matters. Firewood ordered in summer or early fall is usually cheaper than wood ordered in late fall or winter, when demand spikes and suppliers raise prices. If you heat with wood, ordering in spring or summer and letting it season on your property through fall gives you the best price and the driest wood.
How to measure what you're actually receiving
When the truck arrives, you should be able to count the cords or face cords being delivered. A full cord stacked neatly measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. A face cord is 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and however deep the wood is stacked (usually 12 to 16 inches). If a supplier delivers what they claim is a "truckload" but you can see it does not fill the truck bed, ask them to specify the exact cord count in writing before they leave.
Some suppliers use volume estimates rather than precise stacking, which can work in their favor. A loosely stacked pile looks larger than a tightly stacked one, even if both contain the same amount of wood. Request that wood be stacked neatly so you can verify the volume, or ask the supplier to provide a written receipt stating the exact number of cords delivered.
Check the wood condition when it arrives. Seasoned wood should feel light, have visible cracks radiating from the center of the cut end, and produce a hollow sound when struck. Green wood feels heavy, has no cracks, and sounds dull. If you ordered seasoned wood and receive green wood, refuse the delivery or negotiate a lower price.
Regional price variations and what drives them
Firewood prices vary significantly by region based on local timber availability, transportation distance, labor costs, and heating demand. The Pacific Northwest and South typically have lower prices because timber is abundant and suppliers do not need to transport wood far. The Northeast and Upper Midwest have moderate to higher prices because heating demand is strong and the season for selling firewood is compressed into a few months. Urban areas in any region command premium prices because suppliers must cover transportation costs and compete for limited local supply.
| Region | Typical Price Per Cord (Seasoned Hardwood) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | $100–$200 | Abundant local timber, lower labor costs |
| Northeast (New England) | $150–$300 | High heating demand, established suppliers |
| Upper Midwest | $120–$250 | Moderate timber availability, seasonal demand |
| South | $100–$200 | Abundant softwood, lower demand in some areas |
| Urban areas (any region) | $200–$400 | Transportation costs, limited local supply, higher labor |
Prices fluctuate within these ranges based on the specific year, local weather, and individual supplier costs. A harsh winter increases demand and prices the following spring. A wet summer delays seasoning and reduces the supply of dry wood available in fall. Always get quotes from at least two local suppliers before ordering, because prices can vary by 30 to 50 percent even within the same town.
Questions to ask before you buy
Call or visit suppliers with these specific questions: What is the exact cord count in the truckload? Is the wood seasoned or green, and how long has it been drying? What species of wood is it? Is delivery included in the price, or is it a separate charge? Will the wood be stacked, or will it be dumped loose? What is your refund or replacement policy if the wood is not as described?
Get the answers in writing — a text message, email, or receipt — so you have proof if a dispute arises. Some suppliers will not provide written confirmation, which is a red flag. A reputable supplier is happy to document what they are selling because they stand behind their product.
Ask whether the supplier can deliver on a specific date or if you have to accept whatever day they show up. Some suppliers work on a rolling schedule and may not arrive for weeks after you order. If you need wood by a certain date, confirm the delivery window before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much firewood do I actually need for a winter?
A household that heats primarily with wood typically needs 3 to 5 full cords for a winter, depending on climate, home insulation, and how often you use the fireplace or stove. A household that uses wood as supplemental heat might need only 1 to 2 cords. The best approach is to order one truckload, use it through the season, and order more if you run out before spring.
Can I negotiate the price if I order multiple truckloads?
Yes. Suppliers often offer discounts for bulk orders because they make fewer trips and spend less time on delivery logistics. If you need 2 or more cords, ask whether they offer a per-cord discount. Discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent depending on the total volume and the supplier's current demand.
What is the difference between a face cord and a full cord?
A full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood (4 feet high, 8 feet long, 4 feet deep). A face cord is one-third of that volume — same height and length, but only 12 to 16 inches deep. A full cord costs roughly three times as much as a face cord. Always confirm which measurement a supplier is quoting before you agree to a price.
Is it worth buying wood from a big-box store instead of a local supplier?
Big-box stores sell firewood in bundles (usually 0.5 to 1 cubic foot per bundle) at prices that work out to $400 to $800 per cord — far more than a local supplier. Bundles are convenient for occasional fires but wasteful if you heat regularly. For regular use, a local supplier is always cheaper and delivers larger quantities more efficiently.
What should I do if the wood arrives wet or not as described?
Document the condition with photos and contact the supplier when ready. A reputable supplier will either replace the wood or refund your money. If they refuse, you have limited recourse unless you paid by credit card, which offers some buyer protection. This is why getting the wood type and condition in writing before delivery matters — it gives you proof of what you ordered.