2025 Gravel Prices Per Truckload: Cost Calculator, Delivery Rates & Coverage Guide

Planning a driveway, foundation, or landscaping project? A standard truckload of gravel typically costs between $500 and $1,000, covering 100 to 200 square feet depending on depth. The final price depends on your gravel type, location, truck size, and delivery distance.

Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. Whether you need crushed stone for a sturdy driveway base or decorative river rock for garden borders, knowing what to expect makes your project planning much smoother.

Quick Answer: A 10-13 ton dump truck load of gravel costs $500-$1,000 on average, with delivery fees adding $50-$200 depending on distance.

Dump truck load sizes and costs

Different truck types carry varying amounts of gravel, which directly affects your total cost. Single-axle dump trucks handle smaller loads perfect for residential projects, while larger trucks work better for commercial jobs.

A single-axle truck carries 5 to 7 tons of gravel and typically costs $200 to $500 per load. These trucks work well for small driveways or garden projects where access might be tight. For more information on smaller quantities, check out our guide on 5 tons of gravel pricing.

Tandem-axle trucks are the most common choice for homeowners. They carry 12 to 15 tons and cost $400 to $900 per load. This size handles most residential driveways and moderate landscaping projects efficiently.

For larger projects, tri-axle trucks carry 18 to 22 tons at $600 to $1,200 per load. These work best for long driveways, parking areas, or commercial applications where you need substantial material coverage. If you’re planning a major project, our comprehensive guide on 100 tons of gravel costs can help you understand bulk pricing.

Gravel delivery costs and factors

Delivery fees significantly impact your total project cost, often adding $50 to $200 to your gravel purchase. Most suppliers charge a base delivery fee plus additional costs based on distance from their facility. For a detailed breakdown of gravel delivery pricing, explore our ultimate guide.

The base delivery fee typically ranges from $50 to $150, covering the truck, driver, and basic service. This fee applies regardless of how close you are to the supplier, though some offer free delivery within a certain radius.

Distance charges add $2 to $5 per mile beyond the free delivery zone. If you live 20 miles from the nearest quarry, expect an additional $40 to $100 in mileage fees. Rural locations often face higher delivery costs due to longer travel distances.

Special circumstances can increase delivery costs. Difficult access, steep driveways, or tight spaces may require smaller trucks or additional labor, adding $25 to $75 to your bill. Weekend or rush deliveries also carry premium charges. Understanding delivered gravel costs helps you plan your budget more accurately.

Cost-Saving Tip: Order during off-peak seasons (fall and winter) when demand is lower and suppliers offer better rates.

Coverage calculations and project planning

Understanding how much area your gravel will cover helps you order the right amount and avoid costly shortages or excess material. Coverage depends on the depth you need and how well the gravel compacts.

One ton of gravel covers approximately 80 square feet at 3 inches deep or 40 square feet at 6 inches deep. For a typical two-car driveway measuring 20 by 24 feet (480 square feet), you would need about 18 tons for a 4-inch depth.

Different projects require different depths. Decorative applications like garden paths need only 2 to 3 inches, while heavy-duty driveways require 4 to 6 inches for proper support and drainage.

Always order 10 to 15 percent extra material to account for compaction, settling, and minor measurement variations. This buffer ensures you complete your project without delays or additional delivery fees. For help calculating costs by volume, see our guide on gravel pricing by the yard.

Best gravel types for your project

Choosing the right gravel type affects both performance and cost. Each material serves specific purposes and comes with different price points per ton.

Crushed stone, particularly #57 grade, costs $15 to $30 per ton and works excellently for driveways and concrete bases. Its angular edges lock together well, creating a stable surface that handles vehicle traffic effectively. Learn more about current gravel prices per ton to compare different materials.

Pea gravel ranges from $40 to $75 per ton and offers a smooth, rounded appearance perfect for walkways and decorative areas. While more expensive, it provides better drainage and a more attractive finish for visible applications.

River rock costs $50 to $90 per ton but delivers natural beauty with varied colors and textures. It works wonderfully for landscape beds, dry creek beds, and areas where appearance matters more than structural strength.

Material Selection: Match your gravel choice to your project’s primary function – structural support requires angular crushed stone, while decorative areas benefit from rounded materials.

Getting the right gravel for your project doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding truck sizes, delivery costs, and coverage requirements, you can budget accurately and choose materials that meet your specific needs. Remember to factor in delivery fees and order slightly more material than your calculations suggest to ensure project success.

Hello Gravel connects you with trusted local suppliers to get competitive pricing and reliable delivery. Our calculator helps you determine exactly how much material you need, while our network ensures you get quality gravel delivered on schedule.

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