How Much Does a Dump Truck Load of Gravel Cost?

Last Updated on December 16, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For major landscaping or construction projects requiring significant amounts of gravel, ordering full truckloads might just be the most efficient and cost-effective approach. But for anyone going for their first large-scale gravel order, figuring out how pricing works for dump truck loads can prove confusing. Just how many cubic yards or tons of gravel actually fit into one truck anyway? and How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost?

Keep reading to find out more about dump truck gravel capacity, cost ranges for full loads, price structure details, key pricing factors, additional charges, cost-savings tips, and final recommendations. Whether you’re prepping for a long driveway, drainage system, or expansive landscaping endeavor, grasp how gravel dump truck load rates are calculated so your budget foundations prove solid.

How Much Does a Dump Truck Load of Gravel Cost?

The cost of a dump truck load of gravel is between $300-$800+ for a standard 15-ton/300 cu ft load depending on product types, delivery distances, reputations, and regional factors. A more average range is $400-$600 per full truckload. Specialty landscape gravel varieties and decorative types often exceed $700 per 15-ton truckload.

While $500 for 20 tons of basic gravel may sound high when the gravel itself costs little, delivery charges account for most of the pricing. Rural delivery locations, specialty materials, smaller haulers, and custom orders also increase quotes. Nonetheless, per-ton/yard savings manifest at scale across bigger orders.

HomeGuide states that gravel prices per truck load are around $1,350. According to them, bulk crushed stone and gravel prices range from $10 to $50 per ton on average. Gravel delivery, on the other hand, costs $10 to $25 per ton or is free with a 5-ton minimum order of up to 5 miles.

Green Roof Landscape Supply offers Crush and Run aggregate in 6-ton and 15-ton loads. Prices range from $558 to $592 per load.

Acme Sand & Gravel offers customers the choice to pick up materials at their stockyard or have them delivered. Material prices include one-time bulk loading per visit, with a $19 minimum for most products. Materials are priced based on what you can haul per visit from their yard.

It’s important to note that prices and availability may vary based on location and other factors, so it’s advisable to visit the official websites or contact the companies directly for the most current information.

What’s the Gravel Carrying Capacity of Dump Trucks?

Standard full-size dump trucks can reliably haul 15-25 tons of dense materials like gravel. Maximum capacities range from 15 tons (300 cu ft) for smaller trucks up to 40+ tons (800+ cu ft) for the largest heavy-duty models.

With gravel priced by the ton, your costs depend partly on required project amounts. Most standard full-size dump trucks safely handle 15-20 tons per haul, equating to 300-400 cubic feet depending on gravel density and how loads are mounded.

You might also like our articles about the cost of dump truck leasing, Menards truck rental, or semi truck rental.

Knowing target project cubic yardages and allowing for compaction during driving will help estimate required truck trips and thus overall spending. Don’t overorder initially as leftover gravel proves usable for future needs.

How is the Gravel Truck load Cost Structured?

• Gravel Material Price: The underlying rate per ton/yard according to gravel varieties —crushed, pea, marble, etc. Basic gravel starts around $15/ton. Decorative types prove pricier.
• Delivery/Transportation Fee: Since most buyers lack trucks large enough to self-haul, this covers fuel, driver time, equipment costs, etc. Fees often run $100-$200.
• Surcharges: For overflow tons exceeding standard truck capacities or other special requests, extra delivery and material fees apply per ton/yard.

Combining the gravel cost, delivery rate, surcharges, taxes, and overflow should give you the total quoted pricing. Request all-inclusive estimates containing probable overflow to avoid budget shortfalls.

Factors Influencing Gravel Truckload Pricing

Several important factors contribute to total dump truck gravel load pricing, including:

• Gravel types — costs escalate from crushed up to specialty landscape and custom decorative varieties.
• Delivery locations — longer rural routes increase transportation fees over urban/suburban regions.
• Regional material availability — local quarry/transport costs dictate area pricing.
• Supplier reputation — bigger established haulers may cost more but offer volume discounts and reliability.
• Order size — requests exceeding standard truck capacity trigger overflow delivery/gravel fees.
• Fuel prices — during high fuel costs, energy-related surcharges may accompany quotes.

Since gravel pricing fluctuates across regions and suppliers, obtain multiple quotes rather than assuming universal rates. Local cost discrepancies spanning hundreds of dollars happen routinely.

Additional costs related to gravel ordering

Beyond core delivery quotes, anticipate additional possible fees:

• Labor — Some suppliers include load shoveling/spreading help, others just dump meaning extra worker hiring costs to spread gravel.
• Equipment rentals — Heavy machinery like a Bobcat often proves necessary for large loads.
• Site preparation/grading — Properly clearing/contouring areas to receive gravel also carries charges, potentially requiring grading machinery.
• Landscaping supplies — Containing pea gravel layers with borders, underlying weed barriers, and decorative rocks requires further investments.
• Taxes/fees — Some regions levy sales taxes, environmental fees, fuel taxes, and other charges on deliveries.

Reducing the Cost of Gravel Truckloads

You still have several savings approaches if quoted dump truck gravel delivery rates exceed your budget:

1. Compare quotes across multiple local suppliers rather than accepting the first bid.
2. Purchase gravel by the cubic yard instead allowing control of load sizes instead of paying full truck overages.
3. Coordinate with neighbors/friends on similar projects to place larger combined orders unlocking volume discounts.
4. Ask about new customer specials or seasonal discounted delivery rates.
5. Explore loose gravel instead of pricier bagged varieties.

For major projects, having full truckloads of gravel dumped onsite streamlines workflows tremendously despite higher upfront costs. Just ensure your quote accounts for any overflow fees and ancillary charges to avoid budget pitfalls down the line. With realistic cost expectations set, you’re now equipped to create stunning landscapes and structures with this foundational building block.