If you’ve ever had a quote through for a concrete pump and spotted the word “meterage” sitting there on the breakdown, you wouldn’t be the first to scratch your head. It’s one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot in our industry, but rarely gets explained, so on this week’s Ramcrete blog, we’re doing just that.

Whether you’re booking your first pump or your fiftieth, understanding meterage means you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why. No surprises, no confusion, just the truth on what meterage actually means, how it’s calculated and why it’s the fairest way to price a concrete pour.

So, What Actually Is Meterage In Concrete Pumping?

Put simply, meterage is the charge for the concrete you pump, calculated per cubic metre (m³). Most concrete pump hires work on a two-part pricing structure: a standing charge (sometimes called a base rate) which covers the pump, the operator, and their time on site, plus a meterage charge for the actual volume of concrete that goes through the pipeline. This is the pricing standard which we follow here at Ramcrete.

Think of it a bit like a taxi fare. There’s the cost of the cab turning up and being available to you, and then there’s the cost of the miles you actually travel. Meterage is the “miles” of the concrete pumping world, and it’s one of the main factors that make up your total concrete pump hire cost.

Why Do Concrete Pumping Companies Charge Meterage?

It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to wear, tear and time.

Every cubic metre of concrete that passes through a pump puts strain on the machine. The pipeline, the hopper, the hydraulics, the boom, they’re all working hard, and that work adds up. A pump that’s moved 50m³ in a day has done a fraction of the job of one that’s moved 500m³, even if both jobs took roughly the same time to set up and pack away.

Meterage charges mean the cost reflects the actual job, not just the time the pump spends on site. This keeps things fair for everyone:

• Smaller pours aren’t subsidising the cost of larger ones.
• Bigger pours aren’t paying over the odds just because the standing time was short.
• Engines run the entire time a Concrete Pump is used, the more concrete being poured, the more diesel gets taken into account.
• You only pay for what you use, with full visibility on how the final invoice is worked out.

It also accounts for the genuine cost of doing business, maintenance, parts, and keeping our fleet in the kind of condition that’s earned us multiple industry awards and a stack of accreditations over the years. None of that happens by accident, and meterage plays its part in keeping our pumps road-ready, site-ready, and ready to perform when you need them most.

“We wanted  a system that was fair for every job, so in 2022 we introduced a meterage fee per m3 pumped. This means costs scale with the actual amount of concrete pumped. Simple, transparent and fair.”

Vicki Suret, Head of Client Services

Why It’s Worth Understanding

We get it, nobody wants to feel like they’re being charged for something mysterious. But meterage isn’t a hidden extra; it’s simply the fairest way to price a job based on what’s delivered. Understanding it means you can budget more accurately, compare concrete pump hire quotes properly, and ask the right questions when you’re planning a pour.

And that’s really what it comes down to for us. With depots up and down the country, three decades in the business, and a good few well-earned accreditations along the way, we’ve built our reputation on being upfront and fair, whether that’s about our pumps, our people, or our pricing.

Got a Pour Coming Up?

If you’re planning a project and want a clear, honest quote with meterage explained, our team is only a phone call away. We’ll talk you through exactly what you need, what it’ll cost, and why. No nasty surprises.

Get in touch at 01628 782860 today, and let’s get your concrete moving.

Meterage FAQ

Is meterage the same as the concrete pump hire cost?

Not quite. Meterage is one part of your total concrete pump hire cost, it’s the charge for the volume pumped. Your overall quote will also include the standing charge for the pump and operator, plus any extras like additional pipeline or out-of-hours work.

Does every concrete pumping company charge meterage?

Most do, as it’s the standard and fairest way to price a job based on what’s actually delivered, rather than just time on site. Rates and the way it’s structured can vary between suppliers, so it’s always worth asking for a clear breakdown.

Can I reduce my meterage charge?

Getting an accurate volume estimate before booking is the best way to avoid paying for more than you need.

Is meterage charged in addition to the concrete itself?

Yes. Meterage covers the cost of pumping, not the concrete itself, which is typically supplied and charged separately by your concrete supplier.

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