Are you wondering how much it costs to get a full dump truck load of gravel delivered to your home or job site in 2025? Buying in bulk is the smartest way to cover large areas quickly, whether you’re installing a driveway, preparing for construction, or planning landscaping. This price-focused guide covers current dump truck gravel costs, what changes the price, and tips to save you money this season.
Gravel is popular because it’s affordable, easy to spread, and covers a lot of ground. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you can budget accurately and get the right load delivered no guessing, no hidden fees.
Understanding Dump Truck Load Sizes: How Much Gravel Do You Get?
A typical standard dump truck holds about 10 to 15 cubic yards of gravel. This amount fills a box measuring about 15 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 5 feet high. Larger trucks on commercial job sites can haul 20 yards or even more, but for most residential deliveries, 10–15 yards is the norm.
Each cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 2,500 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the type of stone and moisture. One truckload covers 1,000–1,500 square feet at a 3-inch depth, which is usually enough for a double-wide driveway or a larger parking area.
If your project calls for crushed stone, pea gravel, or decorative rock, the weight per yard can change. Always ask your supplier what their truck’s true capacity is before you order.
Average Dump Truck Load of Gravel Cost in 2025
This year, expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 for a standard dump truck full of basic gravel, including local delivery. The price depends on material type, delivery distance, your region, and service options:
- Standard crushed stone or driveway mix: $500–$1,000 per load
- Pea gravel or similar specialty types: $600–$1,200 per load
- Decorative or colored gravel: $900–$2,500 depending on rarity and local supply
- Commercial quantities (20+ yards): $1,200–$2,500, typically only for very large projects
Buying a full truckload is much more cost-effective than picking up small batches, especially for bigger areas.
Read More = How Much Gravel Can a Dump Truck Hold?
What Factors Affect the Price of a Dump Truck Load of Gravel?
Gravel Type and Quality
Material is the main driver of price. Basic crushed stone, recycled concrete, and driveway mixes usually cost less than river rock, pea gravel, or decorative gravel.
Distance From Quarry and Delivery Fees
How far your location is from the gravel pit or supplier matters a lot. Longer trips require more fuel and time, which means higher delivery charges.
Truck Size and Load Amount
Most suppliers quote a price by the full truckload. Some offer half loads, but the rate per yard may be higher. Always confirm how much gravel is actually being delivered.
Demand, Season, and Your Local Market
Prices rise during spring and early summer when construction and landscaping are busiest. Supply and demand in your city or rural area also affect cost. Remote locations or areas with few local pits will pay higher rates.
Optional Labor and Spreading Services
Many suppliers offer to spread the gravel for an extra fee. This service typically adds $50–$100 or more per load. If your delivery spot is tricky (steep hills, muddy sites), there may be surcharges.
How to Calculate the Right Dump Truck Load for Your Project
First, measure your area’s length and width in feet. Decide on your gravel depth—three inches is normal for driveways. Multiply length by width, then by depth (in feet), and divide by 27 to get cubic yards needed.
Sample Calculation:
- 50 feet long x 12 feet wide = 600 square feet
- 600 square feet x 0.25 feet (3 inches) = 150 cubic feet
- 150 / 27 = 5.55 cubic yards needed
- Rounding up, you’d order a half or full dump truck load to account for settling
Most suppliers help you calculate, or you can use a gravel calculator for exact results.
Comparing Gravel Types and Their Average Delivered Cost
| Gravel Type | Price per Ton | Cost per Truckload (10–15 yards) | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | $30–$50 | $500–$1,000 | Driveways, road base |
| Pea Gravel | $35–$65 | $600–$1,200 | Walkways, landscaping beds |
| River Rock | $50–$130 | $900–$2,000+ | Decorative projects |
| Recycled Asphalt | $25–$50 | $500–$1,000 | Driveways, base layer |
| Decorative Gravel | $75–$160+ | $1,200–$2,500+ | Premium landscapes |
Bulk buying often leads to a lower price per ton. For projects requiring more than one truck, ask about discounted rates.
Saving Money: Top Tips For Buying a Truckload of Gravel
- Choose a local supplier to cut down on delivery costs.
- Buy a full load at once; a half load usually costs more per yard.
- Pick standard, widely available gravel if looks aren’t the priority.
- Plan delivery in off-peak months for better rates.
- Ask for volume discounts if you’re prepping a large area.
Delivery Details: What To Ask Before Scheduling
Before booking, confirm your delivery area, truck size, minimum order amount, and any site restrictions. Some trucks can’t access narrow or steep driveways. Ask if the price includes dumping and spreading, or if there are extra charges for unusual jobs.
Knowing exactly how your order will be brought to you avoids surprise add-ons.
Read More = How Much Is a Ton of Gravel? 2025 Price Guide, Cost Factors, and Buying Tips
How to Get a Quote and Order the Right Load
Call two or three local gravel suppliers or use their online quote forms. Have your measurements ready, and specify your gravel type and desired delivery date. Compare per-yard and total costs, plus extra fees.
Once you place your order, clear the area where you want the gravel delivered and mark the spot for the driver. If you aren’t home on delivery day, make sure to give clear, written instructions.
Practical Example: Driveway Project Pricing
Say you want to resurface a single-car driveway that’s 40 feet long and 10 feet wide at three inches deep:
- 40 x 10 = 400 square feet
- 400 x 0.25 feet = 100 cubic feet
- 100 / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards
One half-load or a small truck is plenty. For a double-wide, the project jumps to about 7.5 cubic yards. If you opt for basic crushed stone at $40 per yard plus $100 for delivery, your total material price is about $300 to $400.
Is Buying in Bulk by Dump Truck Really Cheaper?
Absolutely. Bagged gravel and small pickup loads cost much more per ton. Bulk delivery gives you one flat rate, fewer trips, and lower per-yard cost. For large projects, this is always the most affordable way to go.
Try our Gravel Calculator for fast, easy estimates tailored to your project’s size, type, and depth.
If your plans call for a specific gravel type, like pea gravel or crushed stone, check out the Pea Gravel Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a standard dump truck load of gravel cost?
A typical load (10–15 yards) costs between $500 and $1,200 including delivery. Decorative gravel or delivery to remote locations will be on the higher end.
How many yards are in a dump truck load of gravel?
Standard dump trucks deliver about 10 to 15 yards of gravel per trip. Commercial-sized trucks can carry up to 20 yards or more.
Does the cost per yard drop if I order more?
Yes, ordering in bulk for big projects usually brings the price per yard down. Always ask your supplier about volume discounts before buying.
Read More = How Much Does a Truck Load of Pea Gravel Cost and What to Consider Before Buying?
Will I pay extra for delivery?
Delivery fees are usually included within a set radius, but may rise if you’re far from the supplier or need special unloading services.
Can one dump truck bring different types of gravel in one trip?
Most suppliers only deliver a single gravel type per truckload for safety and billing reasons, though some may divide the truck for smaller splits.
Is it harder to spread a full truckload?
A full load requires space to dump and enough manpower or equipment to spread. If the area is accessible, the driver can often dump as they drive along, saving labor.
Do gravel prices change by season or location?
Yes. Prices may jump in spring and early summer, and can be higher farther from gravel sources. It’s always wise to get updated quotes in your area.