How Much Does Crushed Stone Delivery Cost?
Last Updated on September 24, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Crushed stone is an affordable and versatile material for construction and landscaping work. But delivering it from local quarries and aggregate suppliers to your project site carries costs. What exactly impacts crushed stone delivery pricing?
In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the many factors that determine crushed stone delivery costs. You’ll learn how transportation distance, order size, material types, and accessibility influence pricing. We’ll outline national averages as well as regional cost comparisons. You’ll also discover tips for calculating needs and finding the best supplier quotes.
How Much Does Crushed Stone Delivery Cost?
Crushed stone delivery can cost from $35 to $120 per ton.
Typical delivery rates around the country range:
- $35 to $75 per ton within 25 miles
- $55 to $120 per ton for 50+ mile delivery
However, regional stone availability and demand dynamics can alter costs significantly.
According to Wirtz & Daughters, the price for bulk crushed stone is approximately $120.00 per ton, with delivery fees starting at $100 per load. They require a minimum order of three tons for delivery, and prices for specific types of stone vary; for example, #57 Stone Gray is priced at $55.75 per ton plus delivery.
Another source, Rolfe Corporation, lists their prices for crushed stone as follows: $30.00 per cubic yard for 3/4″ crushed stone and $38.00 per cubic yard for 3/8″ crushed stone. They note that delivery prices can vary by location and quantity, indicating that customers should request a quote for accurate delivery costs.
According to HomeGuide, the average cost for gravel delivery ranges from $10 to $25 per ton, with free delivery available for orders over five tons within a certain radius. This source also mentions that the total cost can increase based on distance, adding about $10 per mile beyond the initial delivery area.
Mass Mulch provides a detailed price chart for crushed stone and gravel with delivered prices.
For example, their 3/4″ crushed stone is priced at $62.00 per yard, and they offer various pricing tiers depending on the quantity ordered. For larger orders, prices can reach up to $1,051.89 for 18 yards.
Lastly, ProMatcher reports average costs for gravel delivery across different regions in the U.S., with prices around $39.86 per ton for pea gravel and similar rates for crushed stone. They emphasize that local conditions and specific project requirements can significantly affect final costs.
Overview of Crushed Stone Delivery
Crushed stone is a quarried aggregate product used for:
- Crushed stone is a quarried aggregate product available in various types
- It has applications including driveways, drainage, foundations, landscaping, and concrete/asphalt mixes
- Delivery to worksites involves supplier transportation charges
Having it trucked from local suppliers to your property or worksite involves delivery charges you must account for.
You might also like our articles about the cost of crushed limestone, class 5 gravel, or crushed asphalt.
Factors Impacting Delivery Pricing
Several factors determine the total fees charged for crushed stone delivery:
- Distance between supplier and delivery site
- Total weight/volume of materials ordered
- Type of crushed stone (limestone, granite, etc.)
- Delivery vehicle used – dump truck vs flatbed
- Accessibility of the delivery location
- Additional services like spreading or equipment rentals
Delivery Distance
Mileage from the quarry to delivery site is a major cost driver:
- Delivery fees are typically charged per loaded mile
- Longer distances mean higher per-ton/per-yard transportation costs
- Utilizing local quarries within 50 miles reduces mileage expenses
Cost Range By Distance
- 0-25 miles – $35 to $70 per ton
- 25-50 miles – $45 to $85 per ton
- 50+ miles – $65 to $120+ per ton
Selecting closer crushed stone suppliers saves substantially on freight.
More Stone For Lower Per-Unit Costs
Purchasing higher quantities reduces per-ton/per-yard prices through:
- Bulk order discounts offered by some suppliers
- More efficient per-load transportation costs
- Avoiding multiple separate delivery fees
Average Per-Ton Rates by Order Size
- 1–5-ton order – $70 to $120 per ton
- 5–10-ton order – $50 to $100 per ton
- 10–20-ton order – $40 to $80 per ton
- 20+ ton order – $30 to $70 per ton
Carefully estimate needs upfront to maximize bulk order savings.
Stone Type
Crushed stone comes in a wide variety of types, each with unique properties and price points:
- Limestone – $30 to $70 per ton
- Granite – $40 to $80 per ton
- Decorative river rock – $50 to $120 per ton
- Recycled concrete – $25 to $50 per ton
- Pea gravel – $45 to $85 per ton
The desired characteristics and aesthetics guide appropriate material selection and pricing.
Delivery Vehicle Type Matters
Dump Truck Delivery
- Carry 10-25 tons per load
- Quickly unload via tilting bed
- Cost range – $100 to $250 per load
Flatbed Trailer Delivery
- Accommodate pallets or smaller amounts
- More time-consuming loading/offloading
- Cost range – $75 to $175 per load
Required load type and size determines optimal transportation method and pricing.
Additional Fees
Extra fees that increase total delivery pricing:
- Fuel or energy surcharges during periods of high fuel costs
- Special equipment needs like conveyors or cranes
- Restricted access locations requiring smaller vehicles
- Additional mileage for multiple project site deliveries
- Rush orders requiring dedicated urgent deliveries
- Ordering less than the minimum advertised load amount
Secure all-inclusive quotes encompassing any special project circumstances.
Exact Crushed Stone Needs
To calculate required tons accurately:
- Precisely measure project area length x width
- Multiply by the desired depth to determine cubic volume
- Use crushed stone density (2,500-3,000 lbs. per cubic yard) to convert volume to equivalent tons
Accurate measurements ensure you order just what you need without overspending or having to make supplemental orders.
Getting Reliable Quotes
To obtain the most accurate price quotes:
- Provide exact project location and access details
- Specify crushed stone type and precise quantity required
- Inquire about minimum order sizes and potential hidden fees
- Request per-ton pricing for the exact amounts needed
Thorough upfront communication allows suppliers to give reliable delivery cost estimates.
Compare Supplier Options
Find the optimal value by:
- Researching highly-rated local quarries and aggregate producers
- Obtaining bids from at least 3 suppliers for comparison
- Verifying companies’ reputations, capacities, and equipment
- Leveraging bulk order discounts where feasible
Take time to thoroughly evaluate multiple crushed stone providers before deciding on one.
Save on Crushed Stone Delivery
Smart techniques to lower stone delivery costs:
- Place large orders to qualify for bulk quantity discounts
- Use suppliers located within 25 miles to minimize mileage
- Coordinate with neighbors to combine small orders into bulk
- Schedule off-peak season or weekday delivery times
- Ensure easy big-rig access to your delivery site
- Consolidate needs into one delivery instead of multiple trips
Careful planning keeps your crushed stone project budget on track.
Other Important Costs
Aside from delivery, other expenses to account for:
Site Preparation – Grading, excavation, clearing for stone delivery and spreading
Material Spreading – Laborer fees for unloading and distributing crushed stone
Base Materials – Sand, gravel, or landscape fabric to underlay crushed stone
Erosion Control – Retaining walls, edging, mulch to contain loose stone
Don’t overlook these supplemental project costs when budgeting.
Crushed Stone Alternatives
For certain applications, you may want to evaluate substitutes:
Pea Gravel
- Smaller and smoother aesthetic for pathways, landscaping
- Less prone to shifting and dust than crushed stone
River Rock
- Larger rounded decorative stones for gardens, drainage
- More expensive than crushed stone
Recycled Concrete
- Eco-friendly reuse option for graveled driveways
- Cheaper than quarried virgin stone
Sand
- Softer alternative for play areas or volleyball courts
Compare characteristics to select optimal materials based on form and function.
Final Words
While delivery fees vary based on distance and quantity, crushed stone delivery typically costs between $35 to $120 per ton. Carefully estimating needs, finding local suppliers, and ordering bulk amounts reduces costs. Use this detailed pricing guide knowledge to maximize value on upcoming crushed stone projects.
Answers to Common Questions
How do I know how much crushed stone I need?
Measure your project’s length x width to get the area size. Multiply the area by the desired depth to calculate cubic volume. Use the stone density (2,500 – 3,000 lbs. per cubic yard) to estimate the equivalent tonnage you need delivered.
What are the disadvantages of crushed stones?
Crushed stone can shift over time, requiring refilling and leveling. It also lacks cohesive strength unless compacted. Angular gravel may be uncomfortable for bare feet. Dust from limestone requires monitoring. Proper base and drainage is needed to prevent erosion.
Can you reuse crushed stone?
In many cases, yes. Leftover or surplus crushed stone can be saved and reused for future landscaping or construction projects. However, contamination may limit reuse for concrete or asphalt mixes. Test for quality before using remnants for critical structural applications.
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