Class 5 gravel typically costs about $20-$45 per cubic yard at the gravel pit, with an average near $30. Delivered prices can be substantially higher because trucking, minimum loads, distance, and site access affect the quote; material type and order size also matter.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 5 gravel, pickup | $20/yard | $30/yard | $45/yard | Material only; pit pricing varies |
| Delivered gravel, 10 yards | $350 total | $600 total | $950 total | Includes typical local delivery |
| Material by weight | $12/ton | $18/ton | $28/ton | Weight-based quotes may use a scale |
| Spread and rough grade | $15/yard | $30/yard | $55/yard | Labor and equipment, beyond delivery |
What a cubic yard of Class 5 gravel usually costs
For loose material purchased at a pit or landscape supplier, budget $20-$45 per cubic yard, with $25-$35 common in many markets. A delivered order often works out to $35-$95 per yard when the truck fee is divided across the load. Small orders can exceed that range because trucking has a minimum charge.
Class 5 is commonly a compactable road-base blend of crushed stone, sand, and fine particles. Exact composition and local naming vary, so quotes should specify the intended base material. A cubic yard generally weighs about 1.3-1.6 tons depending on rock type and moisture; confirm the supplier’s conversion when ordering by the ton.
Use $30 per yard as a material-only planning figure, not a delivered price. Assumptions: standard Class 5 base, loose volume, ordinary access, and no grading or compaction.
How pit price, trucking, and grading shape the quote
A contractor’s total can combine material, loading, delivery, and placement. Some suppliers quote a single delivered rate; others list each charge separately. Comparing equivalent scopes helps avoid mistaking a material-only quote for a finished driveway-base price.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Class 5 material | $20-$45 per yard | Quarry, blend, and order volume |
| Loading or scale fee | $0-$25 per load | Supplier policy and truck type |
| Local delivery | $75-$200 per trip | Distance, load size, and fuel |
| Spreading and rough grading | $15-$55 per yard | Area, thickness, and equipment |
| Compaction | $0.10-$0.35 per sq ft | Roller access and number of passes |
Labor may be billed by the hour or included in a placement quote. A small crew with a skid steer may take 2-5 hours for a straightforward residential delivery and spread, while site preparation or tight access adds time. Ask whether the quote includes spreading, compaction, and finish grading.
Why driveway size, depth, and distance change the rate
Volume is the first major cost driver. Multiply area in square feet by planned depth in feet, then divide by 27 to estimate cubic yards. For example, a 1,000-square-foot driveway topped with 4 inches of gravel needs about 12.4 loose cubic yards before allowing for uneven ground or compaction.
Depth and base condition matter: a 2-inch top-up uses far less material than rebuilding a 6-inch base, but a soft or rutted subgrade may need excavation and more stone. Truck access can also change the price. A dump truck may unload quickly on an open driveway, while narrow gates, overhead wires, steep slopes, or long wheelbarrow runs require extra handling.
Delivery distance is another threshold to check. A supplier within 10 miles may offer a standard local trip charge; beyond roughly 20-30 miles, mileage or a higher minimum can add $50-$150 or more. Confirm whether the supplier sells loose yards or compacted finished volume.
Which order and site choices lower Class 5 gravel cost
Measure the area and select a realistic depth before requesting prices. Ordering too little can trigger another delivery fee, while excess material may be difficult to return. For a 4-inch layer, allow a modest amount for compaction and grade variation, then verify the quantity with the supplier.
Compare at least three quotes using the same material description, yardage, delivery address, and placement scope. Pickup can reduce trucking expense when a suitable trailer and tow vehicle are available, but payload limits matter: gravel is heavy, and multiple small trips may cost more than one delivery.
Prepare the route and drop area before the truck arrives. Clearing branches, moving vehicles, and marking underground utilities can prevent delays. Avoid paying for premium decorative stone when the job is a buried or functional base layer. Keeping the scope to necessary excavation, placement, and compaction controls the largest avoidable charges.
What delivery minimums add to a small gravel order
Many suppliers set a minimum truck charge even when the order is only a few yards. For 1-3 yards, delivery may add $75-$200 or more, making the per-yard delivered price high. A 10-15-yard load usually spreads that trip cost across more material, though truck capacity and local rules vary.
Ask if the truck can place gravel directly where needed and whether delivery is curbside or includes spreading. A second load, waiting time, or a restricted delivery window can add fees. If material is dumped in one pile, separate labor or equipment may be needed to distribute it.
Request the minimum order, truck capacity, and all delivery surcharges in writing. Assumptions: standard dump-truck delivery within the supplier’s normal service area.
How Class 5 prices differ between regions
Class 5 is especially common in parts of the Upper Midwest, where local pits and road-base blends are widely available. In quarry-rich rural areas, pickup material can run toward $20-$30 per yard; urban markets, long hauls, or limited suppliers may push it to $35-$55. Delivered rates can be 15%-40% higher in remote areas or dense cities than in a nearby-pit market.
These differences reflect local aggregate supply and trucking, not a guaranteed regional price. In areas where the term “Class 5” is uncommon, suppliers may quote a similar compactable road base under another name. Compare gradation and intended use, not just the label.
Local pit prices and truck distance are more useful than a national average. Call suppliers with the delivery ZIP code and ask for both pickup and delivered pricing.
Three driveway orders show the delivered price range
A 4-yard patch order with material at $30 per yard and a $125 minimum truck charge totals about $245 before placement. That equals roughly $61 per delivered yard, illustrating why small loads cost more per unit.
A 12-yard driveway base at $30 per yard plus $150 delivery costs about $510 for material and hauling, or $42.50 per yard delivered. If spreading and rough grading add $25 per yard, the project reaches about $810 before excavation or compaction.
A 20-yard order at $24 per yard with $200 delivery totals about $680, or $34 per yard delivered. Uneven ground, additional base depth, or compaction equipment could raise the final quote. These examples exclude taxes, excavation, and unusual access charges.