A guide to truckload hay pricing, storage, and savings.
If you go through a whole lot of hay, you’ve probably wondered at some point:
Would I save money buying hay by the truckload?
Sometimes, absolutely.
Elston’s has been helping customers purchase hay by the truckload for decades. And when you’re feeding a lot of animals, buying in bulk can mean considerably better pricing per bale — not to mention fewer trips to restock.
But a truckload is exactly what it sounds like: A whole lot of hay. You need enough animals to go through it, enough space to store it properly, and a good understanding of what you’re buying. And because hay prices and availability are always changing, the math isn’t quite as simple as comparing one price tag to another.
So, when does buying hay by the truckload actually make sense? Here are a few things to consider before you place that big ol’ order.
How many bales are in a truckload of hay?
As a general guideline, a full truckload is approximately 512 bales, while a half truckload is approximately 256 bales. Now, those aren’t hard-and-fast numbers… the actual quantity depends on the type of hay, bale size, weight and the particular load.
Still, it gives you a pretty good idea of the volume we’re talking about.
Why buy hay by the truckload?
The biggest reason is pretty simple: Better pricing.
Purchasing hay in larger quantities allows us to offer a better per-bale price than you’d typically pay buying individual bales at retail. Now much better?… that all depends…
Hay pricing changes constantly based on the type of hay, availability, market conditions, bale weight and other factors. And because of that, we don’t publish a standard truckload price or promise a certain percentage of savings.
If you’re interested in buying a Truckload of hay, give us a call at (760) 789-5020 and ask for Wayne. We can tell you what’s available and what the numbers look like right now.
Who does truckload hay make sense for?
A truckload might be a good fit if you:
- Go through a lot of hay on a regular basis
- Have enough space to properly store several hundred bales
- Want to get a better price per bale by buying in bulk
- Have the space and access to handle a large delivery
- Know you’ll go through the hay before it sits around too long
That might include ranches, boarding facilities, farms, equestrian facilities or larger private properties with multiple animals.
Buying more isn’t automatically better.
If you don’t have the right storage set-up, or won’t go through the hay, saving money on the purchase of buying a whole truckload doesn’t make sense. And that’s exactly when a half truckload can be a good option.
At approximately 256 bales, a half load may give you some of the advantages of purchasing in volume without requiring the space or hay consumption of a full truckload.
Make sure you can store your hay properly.
Before ordering hundreds of bales, think about where they’re going to go. Hay needs appropriate storage to protect it from moisture and weather and to maintain its quality. You’ll also want to consider whether your property has adequate access and space to receive a large quantity of hay.
If you’re not sure whether your setup will work, talk to us before you order.
So, is a truckload worth it?
asking. And you don’t have to figure out the math on your own, either. Tell us what you’re feeding, approximately how much hay you use and what you’re looking for. We’ll talk through current availability, pricing and whether a half or full truckload makes sense.
After all, the goal isn’t to sell you the most hay we can. It’s to help you find the smartest way to feed your animals.
Interested in truckload pricing with delivery anywhere in the USA?
Learn more about Elston’s Hay Truckload Service, or call our Ramona store at (760) 789-5020 and ask for Wayne. He’ll talk you through current availability and pricing.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/