Fill-dirt in Pallmall, TN

Delivered fill-dirt prices in West Tennessee commonly vary with local supply and truck distance; expect a rough delivered range of about $10 to $35 per ton depending on source and season. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and standard delivery takes 2+ business days, while next-day orders (before noon CST) have an extra fee. Tailgate spreading is sometimes available at the driver's discretion but professional spreading and compaction are usually an additional contractor cost.

Use the formula: cubic yards = area (ft2) x depth (ft) / 27, then multiply by about 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard for fill-dirt to get tons. For example, raising a 50 x 100 ft area by 6 inches (0.5 ft) is about 92.6 cubic yards, which is roughly 120 to 130 tons. Always add 10% for compaction and settlement when ordering.

For general lot raising, contractors prefer clean, compactable fill-dirt with minimal organic material (subsoil) rather than topsoil. For driveway bases, fill-dirt can be used to build grade but is not a durable surface; most contractors place a compacted fill layer then top with crushed stone or recycled concrete for strength and drainage. If drainage or heavy loads are expected, ask suppliers for a granular or engineered fill option and mention your project at checkout.

Fill-dirt can perform well if properly compacted and drained, but West Tennessee soils often include clay pockets that hold water and can cause settling or poor drainage. The local freeze-thaw cycle is milder than northern climates, but seasonal wetting, drying, and settle still occur, so proper grading, compaction, and surface stone are important. Consider geotextile fabric or drainage improvements on sites with poor soils or standing water.

Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum order and commonly uses tri-axle dump trucks for deliveries. Tri-axle trucks typically carry roughly 10 to 18 tons of fill-dirt depending on material density and local weight limits, so smaller orders may be consolidated. Standard delivery is 2+ business days (next-day available before noon CST for a fee) and delivery fees vary by distance; ask about extra charges for long driveways, difficult access, or permits.

Permit requirements vary by purpose and scale; small deliveries for routine grading often do not require permits, but large fills that alter drainage, create new grades, or affect wetlands can require county or state permits. Contact Hardin County planning, local building inspections, or the county soil conservation district to confirm thresholds and any erosion-control rules before bringing in large volumes. If you are unsure, our team can help you flag potential permitting needs when you place an order.

Fill-dirt is usually the least expensive option per ton and is useful for raising grade or filling depressions, but it does not provide the drainage or load-bearing surface that crushed stone or recycled concrete does. Crushed stone or recycled concrete create a durable, well-draining base and generally last much longer under vehicle traffic. For driveways, many contractors use fill-dirt only to build grade and then cover it with compacted crushed stone for a long-lasting surface.

Hiring a pro for spreading and compaction is strongly recommended for structural fills or driveways because proper equipment and technique reduce settling and future maintenance. Typical rates depend on equipment and job size; expect to pay roughly $50 to $150 per hour for a small excavator or roller with operator, or a day rate of about $300 to $1,200 for equipment plus labor, though prices vary locally. Get at least two local quotes and plan to add roughly 10% material for compaction and settlement.

Calculation: 50 ft x 100 ft x 0.5 ft = 2,500 cubic feet, which is about 92.6 cubic yards. Using a typical fill-dirt density of 1.3 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard gives about 120 to 130 tons of material. We recommend ordering about 10% extra to cover compaction and settling, so plan on roughly 130 to 145 tons when placing your order.

A bare fill-dirt driveway will be prone to rutting, erosion, and washboarding and will require periodic regrading and additional material after heavy rains or seasonal cycles. With regular maintenance it can be usable, but for low-maintenance longevity you should add a compacted crushed stone or recycled concrete topping and install proper drainage. A properly built and surfaced driveway with good drainage can last many years, while an untreated fill-dirt surface will need more frequent attention.