Fill Dirt in Shackelford County, TX

Expect a broad range depending on supplier distance and truck routing: roughly $8 to $25 per short ton delivered for typical non-engineered fill-dirt in Shackelford County. Factors that change price include the supplier location (many come from Abilene or nearby counties), minimum order size, and whether you need next-day delivery; get an exact quote from Hello Gravel for your zip code.

Shackelford County has limited active quarries, so most suppliers operate from nearby hubs like Abilene, Eastland, or Brown County. Typical minimum orders from local haulers/suppliers are 3 to 10 tons, while a full truck delivery (tri-axle) usually carries 10 to 15 tons; Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons and we can connect you with nearby suppliers and exact minimums.

Fill-dirt mixed into heavy clay or over caliche can be challenging to compact uniformly — clay is sticky and holds moisture, while caliche layers reduce drainage and make compaction spotty. For reliable results, place fill-dirt in lifts (4 to 8 inches), control moisture (pre-wet or allow to dry to near-optimum), and use a mechanical compactor or roller; for structural work, consider geotechnical guidance.

For grading and raising yard elevation, use 'select' fill-dirt that is well-graded with mostly fine to small granular particles (fines with occasional small rock) and low organic content. For driveway bases, do not rely on loose fill-dirt as the wearing surface — place fill-dirt to set grades and compact it, then add a 4 to 8-inch compacted base of crusher-run or crushed stone for durability and drainage.

Using a typical fill-dirt density of about 1.3 short tons per cubic yard, expect approximately: 2" depth = ~8 tons; 4" depth = ~16 tons; 6" depth = ~24 tons per 1,000 sq ft. Densities vary with moisture and caliche content, so allow a contingency of 5% to 15% extra material when ordering.

Yes — West-Central Texas heat and dry spells cause shrinkage in clay-rich fills, which can increase settlement and create surface cracks if material is not compacted to the right moisture content. To reduce issues, compact in controlled moisture windows, consider light irrigation before compaction if too dry, and allow time for settlement before finishing landscaping or paving.

For a driveable surface or structural pad, crusher-run or crushed limestone screenings are the better choice because they have angular particles that lock together and compact well. Use fill-dirt primarily for raising grades, backfill, and non-wearing subgrade layers; if you must use fill-dirt under a driveway, compact it in lifts and cap it with a 4 to 8-inch crushed stone base.

Yes — local rules can affect large grading, fill near septic systems, and anything changing drainage patterns. Always call Shackelford County permitting or your city (for in-city projects), request utility locates via 811 before any digging, and check with the county if your work affects floodplain, drainage easements, or septic setbacks; for permit questions, Hello Gravel can help you connect with local officials.