A dump truck load of fill dirt typically holds between 10 and 14 cubic yards, though the exact amount depends on the truck size and how densely the material is packed

Fill dirt is topsoil, clay, sand, or rock removed from construction sites and sold for grading, foundation work, or landscaping. When you order it by the truckload rather than by the bag or bucket, you are paying for whatever volume that specific truck can carry — and that volume varies. A standard dump truck holds roughly 10 to 14 cubic yards. A larger truck might hold 16 to 18 cubic yards. A smaller one might hold 8 to 10. The weight matters too: wet dirt weighs more than dry dirt, so a truck that could carry 14 cubic yards of dry fill might carry only 12 cubic yards of wet fill before hitting its weight limit.

The price per load ranges widely depending on where you live, the type of fill dirt, how far the truck has to travel, and whether the dirt is screened or unscreened. In many areas, a single load costs between $50 and $150, though urban areas and regions with limited dirt suppliers often charge more. Some suppliers charge by the cubic yard instead — typically $5 to $15 per yard — which can actually be cheaper if you need only a few yards. Before you order, ask the supplier three things: the exact cubic yardage their truck holds, whether that is measured loose or compacted, and whether the price includes delivery to your site or just to the edge of your property.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard dump truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards of fill dirt, but truck size and soil moisture affect the exact amount.
  • Price per load ranges from $50 to $150 depending on location, soil type, distance, and whether the dirt is screened.
  • Some suppliers charge by the cubic yard instead of by the load, which may cost less if you need a small amount.
  • Confirm with your supplier how many cubic yards their truck holds and whether delivery is included in the quoted price.
  • Wet fill dirt weighs more than dry fill dirt, so a truck may carry fewer cubic yards if the soil is saturated.

How to measure the cubic yards you actually need

Before you call a supplier, figure out how many cubic yards of fill dirt your project requires. The math is straightforward: measure the length, width, and depth of the area you want to fill, all in feet. Multiply length times width times depth. Divide that number by 27 — that is how many cubic feet are in one cubic yard. The result is the cubic yardage you need.

Example: you have a low spot in your yard that is 20 feet long, 15 feet wide, and you want to raise it 6 inches (0.5 feet). Twenty times 15 times 0.5 equals 150 cubic feet. Divide 150 by 27 and you get 5.6 cubic yards. Round up to 6 cubic yards to account for settling. If your supplier's truck holds 12 cubic yards, one load will cover your project with dirt left over — which you can use elsewhere or ask the supplier to remove.

If your project is oddly shaped, break it into rectangles, calculate each one separately, and add them together. If you are filling a slope or a hole with uneven sides, add 10 to 15 percent extra to your total, because fill dirt settles and compacts over time.

What type of fill dirt to order

Unscreened fill dirt is the cheapest option. It contains whatever was dug up — clay, sand, rocks, sometimes roots or debris. It works fine for raising grade, filling low spots, or creating a base layer under pavement. It is not ideal if you plan to plant grass or gardens on top, because the rocks and clay can interfere with root growth.

Screened fill dirt has been run through a machine that removes rocks larger than a certain size (usually 1 to 2 inches) and sometimes removes clay. It costs more — often $10 to $20 extra per load — but it compacts more evenly and works better if you are grading for a building foundation or preparing ground for landscaping. If you plan to seed grass or plant shrubs, screened fill is worth the extra cost.

Topsoil is not technically fill dirt — it is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil. It costs more than fill dirt but is necessary if you are creating a garden bed or lawn. Many suppliers sell both, so ask which product suits your project. If you are filling a foundation trench, use fill dirt. If you are creating a planting area, use topsoil.

Delivery and site access issues

Before you order, think about where the truck will go. A loaded dump truck weighs 20 to 30 tons. It needs a driveway or access road that can support that weight without rutting or cracking. If your driveway is gravel, asphalt, or concrete, ask the supplier whether their truck can safely use it. Some suppliers will not deliver to sites with narrow driveways, steep grades, or soft ground.

Also consider where the truck will dump the dirt. The driver will back up to your site and raise the bed, letting the dirt slide out the back. The pile will land in a roughly 20-by-10-foot area and will be several feet high. Make sure that spot is clear of power lines, septic systems, underground utilities, or structures. If you are unsure where your utilities are buried, call 811 before the truck arrives — they will mark them for free.

If your site is difficult to access, some suppliers offer smaller loads via pickup truck or will charge a delivery fee. It costs more, but it may be the only option if your driveway cannot handle a full dump truck.

Timing and seasonal considerations

Fill dirt is easier to work with when it is dry. If you order during or right after heavy rain, the dirt will be wet and heavy, and it may be harder to spread and compact. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to order, because the ground is not frozen and the soil moisture is moderate. Winter orders are possible but may be delayed if the ground freezes or snow blocks access. Summer is fine, but very dry dirt can be dusty and harder to compact.

Delivery times vary by supplier and season. Some can deliver within a few days. Others have a waiting list during busy seasons. If your project has a important date, ask the supplier about their current lead time before you commit to a date.

Comparing load pricing versus cubic yard pricing

Some suppliers quote by the load. Others quote by the cubic yard. Neither is inherently better — it depends on how much you need. If you need 6 cubic yards and a load is 12 cubic yards for $100, you are paying $8.33 per cubic yard. If another supplier charges $12 per cubic yard but you can order exactly 6 yards, you pay $72 total — less than half. Always ask for the per-cubic-yard price so you can compare fairly.

Also ask whether the quoted price includes delivery. Some suppliers include delivery within a certain radius (say, 10 miles). Others charge a flat delivery fee ($25 to $50) or charge per mile beyond a certain distance. A load that seems cheap may become expensive once delivery is added. Get the full price in writing before you commit.

What to do when the truck arrives

When the dump truck arrives, walk the site with the driver and point out exactly where you want the dirt dumped. Make sure the ground is firm enough to support the truck — if it sinks or gets stuck, you may be charged a recovery fee. Once the dirt is dumped, the driver will leave. The dirt is now your responsibility to spread and compact.

If the load looks significantly smaller or larger than you expected, speak up when ready. Measure it if you can — a cubic yard is roughly 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. If the load is clearly short, contact the supplier that day. Most will not return to add more dirt if you wait a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 10 cubic yards is enough for my project?

Measure the length, width, and depth of the area in feet, multiply them together, and divide by 27. That gives you cubic yards. If your area is 30 feet long, 20 feet wide, and you want to fill it 4 inches deep, that is 30 × 20 × 0.33 ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards. Round up to 8 to account for settling.

Can I order a partial load if I only need 5 cubic yards?

Some suppliers will sell you a partial load, but you usually pay nearly the full-load price. It is often cheaper to order a full load and use or store the extra dirt. Ask your supplier about partial-load pricing before you decide.

What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

Fill dirt is subsoil — clay, sand, and rock with little organic matter. Topsoil is the upper layer with nutrients and organic material. Use fill dirt for grading and foundations. Use topsoil for gardens and lawns. Topsoil costs more but is necessary if you plan to plant.

Will the dirt settle after I spread it?

Yes. Fill dirt settles 10 to 15 percent over time, especially if it is wet when delivered. Order extra to account for this, and plan to add more dirt a few weeks after the initial delivery if the area sinks noticeably.

Do I need a permit to have fill dirt delivered?

Permit requirements vary by city and county. Some places require a grading permit if you are significantly changing the slope of your land. Call your local building department or planning office before you order to confirm whether your project needs one.