Fill Dirt in Ontario Ranch, CA

Prices vary with supplier, hauling distance, and whether the material is screened/clean. In the Riverside-San Bernardino area a delivered truckload typically runs in the range of about $200 to $800, depending on load size and quality; smaller orders that hit Hello Gravel's 3-ton minimum will be toward the low end while larger tri-axle loads push higher. Ask for a quote through Hello Gravel to see exact pricing for your zip code and delivery date.

Hello Gravel commonly uses tri-axle dump trucks that carry roughly 10 to 12 cubic yards per load (about 12 to 15 tons, depending on moisture and soil type). As a rule of thumb, one 10-yard load at 2 inches depth covers about 1,600 sq ft, and at 4 inches covers about 800 sq ft; adjust for actual truck size and soil compaction when planning.

To cover 1,000 sq ft you need about 6.2 cubic yards at 2 inches and about 12.3 cubic yards at 4 inches. Using local delivered rates as a guide (material plus delivery), expect a ballpark of roughly $125 to $550 total depending on the supplier and finish; request a quote for an exact figure and add any optional spreading/compaction labor costs.

Fill-dirt is cheaper than crushed rock but is not a good long-term driveway base because it compacts poorly and has poor drainage, which leads to rutting and settling in Southern California weather. Crushed rock or engineered base materials cost more up front but provide proper drainage and compaction for a stable driveway. For a lasting driveway, plan on a gravel or crushed-rock base with proper compaction rather than relying on plain fill-dirt.

Costs depend on driveway width and desired base depth; for example, a 20 ft long by 10 ft wide driveway with a 4-inch fill-dirt base needs about 2.5 cubic yards. Material and delivery for that base could run roughly $50 to $150, and you should add costs for gravel topping, compaction, and any spreading labor (typically several hundred dollars total for a small driveway once gravel and labor are included). Get a site-specific quote because access, truck placement, and spreading requirements change the price.

Yes, suppliers can usually dump fill-dirt over existing grass, but drivers and local crews will assess access and safety on arrival and may decline if conditions are unsafe. Risks include smothering or killing turf, uneven settlement over time, and extra effort needed for future removal; you may also pay extra if the driver must spread or move material by hand. We recommend removing grass or preparing the surface and consulting a supplier about spreading and compaction options before delivery.

Buying in bulk by the truckload from local quarries or suppliers is usually the most cost-effective per cubic yard. Contractor pickup can save money if you have a truck and loading access, but for convenience and scheduling Hello Gravel's platform lets you compare local supplier rates and delivery options quickly. For exact local supplier recommendations and rates, check your zip code on the site or contact our team for quotes.

Tonnage-to-volume varies with moisture and soil composition, but 12 tons of fill-dirt typically equals about 8 to 11 cubic yards. At 2 inches depth that amount will cover roughly 1,300 to 1,900 sq ft; at 4 inches it will cover about 650 to 950 sq ft. Use these ranges as planning estimates and confirm with your supplier for a precise conversion.

Plain fill-dirt and conventional gravel do not harden like concrete. If you need a hardened surface, contractors use engineered solutions such as soil-cement, stabilized base, or compacted aggregate with a paver or asphalt topping; these require mixing, compaction equipment, and professional installation. These treatments cost more than loose fill—prices vary widely—so get a contractor estimate that includes material, compaction, and any permits needed.

Suppliers will need your delivery address (or zip), the project dimensions (length, width, depth), preferred drop location and access details (gate widths, overhead clearances, surface type), whether you want tailgate spreading or compaction, and any permit or HOA restrictions. Also note Hello Gravel's minimum order (3 tons) and desired delivery date; providing photos of the site speeds up accurate quoting and scheduling.