A typical truckload of gravel costs between $1,200 and $2,000, depending on the type of gravel, how far it travels, and your location

The price you pay for a truckload of gravel is not fixed. A standard dump truck holds roughly 10 to 14 cubic yards of gravel — the exact amount depends on the truck's size and how densely the material is packed. Crushed limestone or crushed granite costs less than decorative river rock or marble chips. A delivery 5 miles from the supplier costs less than one 30 miles away. Regional availability matters too: gravel is cheaper in areas with active quarries nearby and more expensive in places where it must be trucked in from a distance.

Most suppliers quote by the cubic yard, not by the truckload. A cubic yard of standard crushed stone or limestone typically runs $25 to $50 per yard, while decorative gravel can reach $75 to $150 per yard. Multiply that by the number of yards in your truck, add a delivery fee (often $50 to $150 depending on distance), and you have your total. Some suppliers charge a minimum delivery fee or require a minimum order — often 5 to 10 cubic yards — so a small load may cost more per yard than a full truck.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard dump truck holds 10 to 14 cubic yards, and most suppliers price gravel by the cubic yard rather than by the truckload.
  • Crushed stone and limestone are the least expensive options at $25 to $50 per cubic yard, while decorative gravels cost $75 to $150 per yard or more.
  • Delivery fees and minimum order requirements vary widely by supplier and distance, so the total cost depends on where you live and how far the gravel must travel.
  • The weight of gravel affects both the truck size needed and the cost, since heavier materials like crushed stone weigh more per cubic yard than lighter pea gravel.

How truck size and gravel type change the price

Not all dump trucks are the same size. A small single-axle truck might carry 8 to 10 cubic yards, while a larger tandem-axle truck can hold 12 to 14 cubic yards or more. Some suppliers also use smaller trucks for short-distance deliveries or larger trucks for bulk orders. The type of gravel you order affects both the weight and the volume, which can shift the truck size needed and the final cost.

Crushed stone and limestone are the workhorses of gravel. They are dense, compact well, and cost the least — typically $25 to $40 per cubic yard. They work for driveways, road base, and fill. Pea gravel is smaller, rounder, and lighter, so a truck holds more volume but the price per yard is similar or slightly higher ($30 to $50). Marble chips and river rock are decorative and cost $75 to $150 per cubic yard or more because they are sorted, washed, and less common. A truckload of marble chips will cost significantly more than a truckload of crushed stone, even if both trucks carry the same volume.

Weight matters because trucks have legal weight limits. A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons, while pea gravel weighs about 1.4 to 1.6 tons. A 14-cubic-yard truck of crushed stone can weigh 18 to 21 tons — close to or at the legal limit. If you order a heavier material or a larger truck, the supplier may not be able to fill it completely without exceeding weight limits, which means you pay for a full truck but receive fewer cubic yards.

Delivery fees and minimum orders

Delivery is rarely free, and the fee structure varies. Some suppliers charge a flat delivery fee of $50 to $150 regardless of distance. Others charge by the mile, typically $3 to $5 per mile one way. A few include delivery within a certain radius (often 5 to 10 miles) and charge extra beyond that. Always ask whether the quoted price includes delivery or if it is added on top.

Many suppliers impose a minimum order, often 5 to 10 cubic yards. If you need only 3 cubic yards, you may have to pay for 5 and either take the extra or pay a surcharge for a partial load. Some smaller suppliers or landscape material yards will deliver smaller quantities for a higher per-yard price or a separate small-load fee. It is worth calling a few suppliers to compare, because a yard that specializes in small residential orders may cost more per yard but have no minimum, while a large quarry may have a steep minimum but a lower per-yard price if you can use the full load.

Regional price variation and where to find suppliers

Gravel prices vary significantly by region. Areas with local quarries or gravel pits — common in the Midwest, parts of the South, and near mountain ranges — have lower prices because suppliers do not have to transport material far. Coastal areas, deserts, and regions far from quarries pay more because gravel must be shipped in. A truckload in rural Ohio might cost $1,200, while the same load in a suburb of Boston or Los Angeles could cost $1,800 or more.

To find suppliers and get real quotes, search online for "gravel delivery near me" or "landscape material suppliers [your city]." Call at least three suppliers and ask for a quote that includes the cubic yardage, price per yard, truck size, delivery fee, and any minimum order. Ask whether the price changes seasonally — some suppliers charge more in spring and summer when demand is high. Also ask about payment terms: some require payment before delivery, others accept payment on delivery, and a few offer net-30 terms for regular customers.

How to calculate how much gravel you need

Before you call a supplier, measure the area you want to cover and decide how deep you want the gravel. Measure length and width in feet, then multiply to get square feet. Divide by 9 to convert to square yards. Then multiply by the depth in inches and divide by 36 to get cubic yards.

For example: a driveway 20 feet wide and 50 feet long is 1,000 square feet, or about 111 square yards. If you want 4 inches of gravel, multiply 111 by 4 and divide by 36, which gives you about 12 cubic yards. A standard truckload would cover that with little left over. If you are unsure of your math, most suppliers will calculate for you if you give them the dimensions and depth.

Keep in mind that gravel settles and compacts over time, especially under vehicle weight. A 4-inch layer may settle to 3 inches within a few months. Many contractors recommend ordering 10 to 15 percent extra to account for settling and future top-ups, or plan to add more gravel the following year.

When to negotiate or look for alternatives

If a full truckload is more than you need, ask suppliers whether they offer shared or split loads. Some will combine your order with another customer's to split the delivery cost. You may pay slightly more per yard but save on the delivery fee. Another option is to order from a landscape supply yard or building material store rather than directly from a quarry — they often sell smaller quantities at a higher per-yard price but with lower or no minimums.

If the quoted price seems high, get quotes from at least two other suppliers before deciding. Prices can vary by $300 to $500 for the same load depending on the supplier's overhead, distance, and current demand. Also ask whether the supplier offers any discounts for cash payment, off-season orders, or repeat customers. Some will negotiate on price if you are flexible on delivery timing or willing to pick up material yourself (though this requires renting or owning a truck).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a truckload of gravel weigh?

A standard truckload of crushed stone or limestone weighs 18 to 21 tons, depending on the truck size and how densely the material is packed. Lighter materials like pea gravel may weigh slightly more per cubic yard but occupy similar volume. Weight limits affect how full a truck can be, so the supplier may not be able to deliver a full 14-cubic-yard truck if it would exceed legal weight limits.

Can I get a partial truckload delivered?

Yes, but it usually costs more per cubic yard. Most suppliers have a minimum order of 5 to 10 cubic yards. If you need less, you may pay a small-load surcharge or a higher per-yard price. Some landscape supply yards specialize in smaller orders and may have no minimum but charge $60 to $100 per cubic yard instead of $30 to $50.

Does the price include spreading or installation?

Delivery price almost never includes spreading. The truck will dump the gravel in your driveway or yard, and you or a contractor must spread and level it. Some suppliers offer spreading as an add-on service for an additional fee, typically $15 to $30 per cubic yard. Always confirm what "delivery" means before you order.

What is the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel?

Crushed stone has sharp, angular edges and compacts tightly, making it ideal for driveways and road base. Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, better for decorative use or areas where you walk barefoot. Crushed stone is usually cheaper and lasts longer under vehicle weight, while pea gravel shifts and spreads more easily but looks more polished.

How often do I need to add more gravel?

Gravel settles and spreads, especially on driveways and high-traffic areas. Most driveways need a top-up every 1 to 3 years, depending on climate, traffic, and the original depth. Ordering 10 to 15 percent extra initially and keeping some in reserve for future use is more cost-effective than ordering a full new truckload each time.