Fill Dirt in Houston, MS

Prices vary with local supply and haul distance, but in West Mississippi delivered clean fill-dirt commonly runs about $8 to $22 per ton. Using a common conversion of roughly 1.2 tons per cubic yard, that works out to about $10 to $26 per cubic yard. Exact pricing depends on minimum order (Hello Gravel minimum is 3 tons), delivery distance, and site access, so get a quote for an exact price.

Fill-dirt is usually cheaper per ton than gravel, so it is cost-effective for raising grade or backfilling. For a driveway, however, fill-dirt is not a good long-term surface because it lacks drainage and stability—a gravel top or compacted base is needed. A common approach is inexpensive fill-dirt to build grade, then a layer of crushed stone or gravel for the driving surface.

A typical tri-axle dump truck used in our network carries about 10 to 12 cubic yards loose (roughly 12 to 18 tons depending on material and moisture). Smaller single-axle trucks hold about 6 to 8 cubic yards. Delivered load price to a residential address in rural Mississippi commonly ranges from about $200 to $600 per truckload, depending on haul distance, truck size, and site access.

For small jobs, the cheapest routes are often: pick up directly from a local supplier if you have a suitable vehicle and trailer, get leftover dirt from a nearby excavation or landscape contractor, or check municipal recycling yards and classifieds. Delivery saves time and labor but adds cost; compare the total cost of pickup (truck, time, fuel) versus small-load delivery through Hello Gravel. Always confirm the dirt quality before accepting free or cheap material.

Yes, fill-dirt is commonly used to raise low spots, build pads, and backfill behind foundations, but you must remove topsoil and organic material first for a stable base. Place fill in 4-6 inch lifts and compact each layer with a plate compactor or roller for good stability, and consider geotextile fabric where soils are soft or drainage is poor. For driveways, finish with a compacted stone or gravel surface and consider hiring a contractor for compaction and grading if you are not experienced.

As an example, a 20 ft wide by 50 ft long driveway (1,000 sq ft) with a 4u0022 fill-dirt base needs about 12.3 cubic yards (roughly 15 tons) of fill, and a 3u0022 gravel wearing course needs about 9.3 cubic yards (roughly 11 tons). Using local price ranges, fill-dirt might cost $150 to $330 and gravel $220 to $440, plus delivery and compaction costs of $100 to $400, so total installed material cost typically falls roughly between $500 and $1,200. Exact costs depend on site access, haul distance, and chosen stone, so request a detailed quote through Hello Gravel.

Hello Gravel partners with local suppliers and haulers that serve Houston and nearby West Mississippi communities; supplier names vary by zip code and seasonal availability. Typical minimum orders in our network start at 3 tons, with standard lead time of 2+ business days and a next-day option for orders placed before noon CST (additional fee). For specific supplier names, minimums, and exact lead times, enter your zip code on Hello Gravel or contact our team for a tailored quote.

Yes, local rules and site conditions can affect delivery. Common issues include narrow or steep driveways, weight-restricted roads or bridges, overhead wires, culverts that can be damaged by heavy trucks, and county driveway permit requirements for work near public roads. Put access notes in your order, confirm any permits with your city or county, and the driver will assess site safety on arrival; Hello Gravel can help flag potential access issues when you order.

Use this simple formula: Volume (cubic feet) = length x width x depth (feet). For a 20 ft x 50 ft area raised 6 inches (0.5 ft), that is 20 x 50 x 0.5 = 500 cubic feet, which equals about 18.5 cubic yards. With a typical conversion of 1.2 tons per cubic yard, that works out to roughly 22 tons, and you should order 10-20% extra to allow for compaction and settling. Hello Gravel offers an online material calculator and our team can provide estimates based on your dimensions and local material density.

The main cost drivers are haul distance from the supplier, truck size and number of loads, site access and offloading difficulty, and current local supply and demand. Other factors include tipping or disposal fees at some sites, the season (wet weather can slow deliveries), and any required permits or special handling. Providing clear site photos and notes when ordering helps us give a more accurate delivered price.