What most states require
Firewood sales in the US typically fall under state weights-and-measures law, modeled on the framework in NIST Handbook 130. The common core requirement is that a seller must state, in writing, the quantity sold in terms of a cord or a clearly defined fraction of a cord — not just an ambiguous term like "load," "rick," or "pile" with no cubic-foot equivalent attached.
The exact wording, penalties, and enforcement agency vary by state — usually the state department of agriculture or a weights-and-measures division — so the specifics on your receipt should be checked against your own state's rule.
What a compliant invoice looks like
A properly written invoice states the quantity as a number of cords or a decimal fraction of a cord (e.g., '0.75 cord' or '3/4 cord'), and ideally the species and whether the wood is green or seasoned. If a regional term like face cord, rick, or stove cord is used, a compliant invoice ties it to an explicit depth or cubic-foot figure — for example 'face cord, 16 in cut, 42.7 ft³' — rather than leaving the term to carry an assumed meaning.
If your invoice states a cord fraction but you want to double-check the underlying cubic footage, run it through the cord to cubic feet converter.
- Quantity stated as a number of cords or a decimal/fraction of a cord — never just "a load" or "a pile."
- Any regional term (face cord, rick, stove cord) tied to an explicit depth or cubic-foot figure.
- Species named, so weight and heat-content claims can be checked later.
- Green or seasoned stated, since that affects both price and how soon the wood is usable.
- Seller name, date of delivery, and price — the basics that make the invoice enforceable if a dispute comes up.
When a receipt just says "1 load"
A receipt with no quantity language beyond a price and a word like 'load' or 'pile' is a red flag in states that require cord-based disclosure — it leaves you with no documented basis to dispute a short delivery later. Ask for a corrected invoice with a stated cord quantity before paying, or at minimum note the seller's verbal quantity claim in writing yourself (a text message confirming 'you told me this is a full cord' is enough to establish what was promised).
If a seller refuses to provide any written quantity, that alone is worth reporting to your state's weights-and-measures or agriculture office, independent of whether the delivery itself turns out to be short. See how to measure a delivery before the truck leaves to check the stated quantity against what actually arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Does every state require a written firewood quantity?
Most states that actively regulate firewood sales do, following the general approach in NIST Handbook 130, but enforcement and exact wording vary — check your own state's weights-and-measures or agriculture department for the specific rule.
Is a verbal quote enough if nothing is written down?
A verbal quote can still be evidence of what was promised, but a written, dated invoice with a stated cord quantity is far stronger if a dispute ever needs to go to a state office.
What agency handles firewood quantity disputes?
Typically your state's weights-and-measures office or department of agriculture — the same body that enforces scale and pump accuracy generally has authority over firewood cord-quantity claims.
Does the price per cord of firewood vary by state?
Yes, significantly — regional wood availability, transport distance, and local demand mean prices differ from state to state and even county to county. This site does not track live regional pricing; instead, run whatever quote you actually receive through the price comparator on the homepage to see its cost per million BTU, which is comparable no matter where you live.
