Fill-dirt in Bensalem, PA

Typical delivered prices for fill-dirt in Bensalem range from about $12 to $28 per ton, depending on whether the material is clean/screened, truck travel distance, and job size. Local truck fees, tipping location difficulty, and whether you need spreading or compaction can push costs higher. Get an exact quote for your zip code on Hello Gravel to see current local pricing.

Hello Gravel connects you to local suppliers and contracted haulers that serve Bensalem; enter your zip code to see available options. For spreading and compaction, contact local landscapers or excavation contractors in Bucks County and ask for references, proof of insurance, and examples of similar fill projects.

Use cubic yards first: 1 cubic yard of loose fill-dirt typically weighs about 1.2 to 1.5 tons. Typical orders: shed pad (6 inches) 10'x10' = about 0.8 yd3 (roughly 1–2 tons), driveway raising (100' x 12' x 6u0022) ≈ 22 yd3 (about 26–33 tons), and general yard fill for minor grading often runs 5–30 yd3 (6–45 tons). Use Hello Gravel’s calculator for exact amounts based on your dimensions and desired compacted depth.

Plain fill-dirt can be susceptible to frost heave and poor drainage in Bensalem’s freeze-thaw climate, especially where wet clay soils are present. To reduce movement, place fill in thin lifts (4–8 inches), compact each lift, and provide drainage (filter fabric and a gravel layer) where standing water or clay exists. For structural pads or driveways, consider a granular base or engineered fill instead of using fill-dirt at the surface.

Use fill-dirt mainly to raise grade or backfill; it is cost-effective but not ideal as a driving surface because it compacts with fines and holds moisture. Crushed stone gives better drainage, load-bearing capacity, and longer life as a driveway base or surface. Bank-run gravel is a middle ground for basic driveways but is less consistent than crushed stone; for driveways in Bensalem’s wet conditions, a crushed stone base with a top layer of 3/4u0022 stone is usually best.

Small jobs (single small pad or minor grading) often run $300–$1,200 for a skid steer plus operator and plate compactor, depending on access and time. For larger jobs expect hourly equipment rates around $100–$150 for a skid steer and $50–$80 for an operator, plus additional labor at roughly $40–$75 per hour. Ask contractors for line-item estimates including hauling, spreading, compaction, and disposal of excess material.

Compacted fill-dirt used as a base will settle and may rut or wash out over a few seasons if not capped with a gravel surface; lifespans vary widely based on traffic and drainage. Regular maintenance includes regrading low spots, adding fresh material to eroded areas, and re-compacting annually or after heavy storms. For longer life, capping with crushed stone and installing proper drainage is recommended.

Local rules can apply: Bensalem Township and Bucks County may require permits or erosion control plans for large fills, grading near streams, or work in regulated floodplain or wetland areas. Before a major delivery, contact Bensalem Township Building/Zoning and the county conservation district to verify permit requirements and any erosion or sediment control measures. For small residential deliveries, permits are less common but always check if you’re changing lot grades or moving large volumes.

For most Bensalem uses, screened or “clean” fill-dirt with limited organic matter is best for stability and compaction; mixes containing some sand and small gravel improve drainage. For structural fill or pad work, use a compactable, engineered fill or granular base material topped with crushed stone to prevent water retention. Always tell suppliers if your project is a foundation, lawn, or drainage correction so they can recommend the right gradation.

Standard Hello Gravel delivery is 2+ business days, with next-day available for orders placed before noon CST for many areas. Same-day or very short-notice deliveries may be possible depending on local supplier and truck availability in West Pennsylvania, but they are not guaranteed; contact our sales team or check the site for rush options and any additional fees. Note that tailgate spreading is at the driver’s discretion and should be requested at checkout.