Bank run gravel typically costs $10-$30 per ton before delivery, while delivered material commonly totals $25-$65 per ton for ordinary residential orders. Bank run gravel cost varies with the amount ordered, local quarry prices, haul distance, grading needs, and whether the quote includes spreading.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank run gravel material | $10/ton | $18/ton | $30/ton | Quarry or pit price, typically picked up |
| Delivered gravel | $25/ton | $42/ton | $65/ton | Typical residential delivery range |
| Delivered cost per cubic yard | $35 | $60 | $95 | Approximately 1.3-1.5 tons per cubic yard |
| Small-load delivery | $100 | $225 | $450 | Minimum charges can outweigh material cost |
What bank run gravel costs for a driveway or yard
For a typical driveway refresh, 10 tons of bank run gravel may cost about $250-$650 delivered before any grading or spreading. A 20-ton load often runs $500-$1,300 delivered, with lower per-ton rates more likely when the truck has a short route and can unload a full load.
Loose bank run material is an unprocessed or minimally screened mix of sand, gravel, and stone, so texture and stone size vary by source. It is often used as a base layer, fill, or rough driveway surface rather than a uniform decorative finish. Assumptions: standard residential access, ordinary regional supply, and no extensive excavation.
Budget around $42 per delivered ton as a planning midpoint, then confirm the supplier’s minimum load and hauling fee.
How quarry material, trucking, and grading appear in quotes
A quote may bundle delivery into a per-ton rate or list each charge separately. Compare the delivered total, not just the pit price, and check whether spreading, driveway preparation, or sales tax is included.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Bank run gravel | $10-$30 per ton | Source, screening, stone blend, and order size |
| Truck delivery | $75-$250 per load | Distance, truck size, fuel, and minimum fee |
| Spreading or rough grading | $50-$100 per hour | Machine type, crew, and site access |
| Excavation or old material removal | $150-$600 per project | Depth, disposal volume, and equipment access |
| Permit or tax | $0-$150 or local tax | Local drainage rules and jurisdiction |
Equipment charges may be separate when a loader or skid steer is needed to move material after delivery. For example, 3 hours of machine work at $75 per hour adds $225, apart from the gravel and truck fee.
Ask whether the stated price includes unloading only or actual spreading and finish grading.
Why driveway depth and truck access change the estimate
Quantity is a major cost driver. One cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, but bank run gravel quantity should be estimated by volume and then converted to tons using the supplier’s density. A 12-by-50-foot driveway section at 4 inches deep requires roughly 7.4 cubic yards, or about 10-11 tons depending on moisture and stone blend.
For driveways, a 3- to 6-inch layer may suit a refresh, while a new or soft base can need 8-12 inches or separate compacted lifts. A truck that cannot reach the placement area may require additional loader time, wheelbarrow work, or a smaller truck. Narrow gates, steep slopes, overhead wires, and soft ground can all raise labor charges.
Measure the area and planned depth before ordering; even a 2-inch increase across a large driveway can add several tons.
How delivery distance and order size shape local prices
Regional prices vary because bank run gravel is heavy and commonly hauled from nearby pits. In rural areas close to a quarry, delivered prices may fall 10%-20% below the national planning range. Urban and suburban jobs with longer truck routes, traffic, or restricted delivery windows may run 10%-30% higher.
A short haul may still carry a minimum truck charge, often $100-$250, even when the material itself costs less than that. Full truckloads generally have a lower delivered rate per ton; partial loads and separate trips can increase the effective price by $5-$20 per ton. Verify truck capacity because legal payload and driveway access limit the amount delivered in one trip.
Get a delivered quote for the exact address and tonnage rather than applying a generic mileage estimate.
What three common bank run gravel jobs may cost
A small patch, driveway base, and larger rural lane illustrate how scope affects the bill. These examples use delivered material and ordinary access; unusually long hauls or grading are additional.
| Project | Material and quantity | Labor or delivery | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small low spot repair | 2 tons at $20-$30 per ton | $100-$225 minimum delivery | $140-$285 |
| 12-by-50-foot driveway refresh, 4 inches | 10-11 tons at $25-$55 delivered per ton | $150-$300 spreading | $400-$905 |
| 20-by-100-foot lane, 6 inches | 37-40 tons at $25-$55 delivered per ton | $300-$700 grading or equipment | $1,225-$2,900 |
Actual tonnage may differ because gravel density, compaction, and existing grade vary. These totals exclude major excavation, drainage work, and removal of unsuitable soil.
For a large driveway, a site measurement and written tonnage estimate can prevent costly overordering or a second delivery.
When a different gravel base is worth its higher price
Bank run gravel is often an economical fill or base, but its mixed particle sizes and variable composition can make it less consistent than processed road base. Crushed stone with fines commonly costs about $20-$45 per ton before delivery; it may compact more predictably where a stable driveway surface matters. Washed decorative stone often costs $30-$70 per ton and is not a direct substitute for a compactable base.
For a muddy or unstable driveway, simply adding bank run gravel may not solve the cause. A geotextile fabric, drainage correction, or thicker compacted base can add roughly $0.50-$2 per square foot for fabric and installation, but can reduce repeated topping. Ask suppliers for the gradation and intended use, not just the product name.
Choose the lowest-cost material only when its blend and compaction performance suit the job.
How to trim bank run gravel delivery and grading charges
Combine quantities with a neighbor or schedule several areas at once if the supplier prices full truckloads favorably. Confirm whether the planned order fits a single delivery and whether unloading at one location avoids extra repositioning. A clear drop point and firm truck access can reduce machine time and prevent a costly rejected delivery.
Compare at least three quotes using the same tonnage, delivery address, material description, and spreading scope. Ask whether the rate includes fuel surcharges, taxes, minimum-load fees, and any charge for waiting. When existing gravel is sound, regrading and topping low spots may cost less than removing and replacing the entire surface.
Controlling the delivered quantity and equipment time usually saves more than negotiating a small discount on the material alone.