The cost of a tri axle load of gravel in the United States varies by material type, distance, and delivery requirements. This guide provides practical price ranges and the main drivers to help buyers estimate a realistic budget. It covers delivery, load size, and common add-ons to reflect typical job sites.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel material (ton) | $8 | $15 | $25 | Common quarried aggregate; varies by type |
| Delivery fee (per load) | $60 | $120 | $300 | Includes fuel surcharge and short-haul radius |
| Tri-axle load capacity | 12–14 tons | 15–20 tons | 22+ tons | Based on truck spec and compaction |
| Haul distance | 0–10 miles | 10–20 miles | 20+ miles | Longer trips raise fuel and time costs |
| Spreading/compacting | $0 | $0.50 | $2 | Per square foot or per cubic yard prepared |
| Permits/fees | $0 | $20 | $100 | Depends on local rules |
Overview Of Costs
Actual project costs combine material, delivery, and site work. For a typical tri axle load, expect combined price ranges from roughly $1,200 to $3,500 depending on volume and distance. The per-ton price often falls in the $8–$25 range, while total charges reflect delivery hops, loading time, and any site preparation. Assumptions: region, material type, and delivery radius.
Cost Breakdown
In practice, the total price breaks down into material, delivery, and service charges. The table below shows a typical spread for a single tri axle load with standard aggregates and mid-range conditions. Assumptions: standard crusher gravels, normal driveway/road access.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8/ton | $15/ton | $25/ton | Density and type drive costs |
| Delivery | $60 | $120 | $300 | Distance-based |
| Labor/Spreading | $0 | $0.50/ft2 | $2/ft2 | Spread and compact may be extra |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $20 | $100 | Depends on jurisdiction |
| Taxes & Contingency | $0 | $10 | $80 | Optional cushion |
Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include material type, load size, and delivery distance. A gravel mix with higher hardness or specialty blends costs more per ton. Labor hours and crew availability also shift the total; heavier loads may require longer equipment use. Two niche-specific thresholds to watch: (1) material hardness for per-ton pricing; (2) haul distance impacting fuel surcharges.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to transportation costs and local supply. In the Southeast, gravel tends to be slightly cheaper per ton than in remote rural markets, while the Northeast may add premium for winter logistics. Typical deltas: Urban +5% to +15%, Suburban ±0% to +10%, Rural -5% to +15% compared to national averages.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes for tri axle gravel loads. Each scenario assumes standard material, a single delivery hop, and basic spreading if needed. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Basic Scenario
Specs: 12 tons of standard limestone gravel, 8 miles delivery, no spreading. Labor minimal.
Labor: 0–1 hour; Crew: 1 person. Per-hour rate: $60; Total hours: 1.5. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Price range: Materials $96–$300, Delivery $60–$120, Labor $0–$90, Taxes/Fees $0–$20. Estimated Total: $216–$530.
Mid-Range Scenario
Specs: 16 tons, 12 miles, light spreading and compaction included.
Materials: $15/ton; Delivery: $120; Spreading: $0.50/ft2; Labor: 2 hours @ $70.
Estimated Total: $240–$480 (materials) + $120 (delivery) + $400 (labor/spread) +$40 (fees) = $800–$1,040.
Premium Scenario
Specs: 22 tons, 20 miles, specialty high-density gravel with compacted placement and compaction testing.
Materials: $25/ton; Delivery: $300; Spreading/compaction: $2/ft2; Permits/fees: $100; Labor: 4 hours @ $75.
Estimated Total: $550 (materials) + $300 (delivery) + $2,200 (spread/compaction) + $100 (permits) + $300 (labor) = $3,450.
Note: These figures reflect typical U.S. pricing contexts for tri axle gravel loads and do not account for unusual site constraints or peak-season surcharges.
What Drives Price
Extreme conditions and job scale alter pricing significantly. Large projects with long driveway runs, tight scheduling, or difficult access raise both delivery and labor costs. Consider batching orders to reduce trips, and coordinate delivery with other site work to optimize crew time.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees can affect final price. Potential extras include offloading equipment rental, wheelbarrow or skid-steer assistance, load rework, or surge pricing during busy seasons. Always request a written estimate detailing all line items.
Local Market Variations
Regional markets influence tri axle gravel pricing. Urban markets may incur higher delivery surcharges, while rural areas benefit from lower access charges. Obtain multiple quotes across nearby suppliers to compare regional differences.