Crusher run typically costs $20-$45 per ton at a quarry, while delivered material commonly runs $35-$75 per ton depending on distance and order size. A driveway or pad with spreading and compaction may cost $50-$100 per ton installed; the main price drivers are quantity, delivery distance, site access, and base preparation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher run at quarry | $20/ton | $32/ton | $45/ton | Material price before delivery |
| Delivered material | $35/ton | $55/ton | $75/ton | Local delivery; small orders may cost more |
| Installed and compacted | $50/ton | $75/ton | $100/ton | Typical accessible driveway work |
| Material per cubic yard | $25 | $40 | $60 | Approximate; density and local unit sales vary |
Assumptions: Common graded crusher run, ordinary truck access, and typical U.S. market rates; taxes and major excavation may be extra.
What a crusher run driveway usually costs
A 12-by-50-foot driveway covered with 4 inches of compacted crusher run needs roughly 7.5 cubic yards, or about 10-12 tons, depending on the aggregate’s density and compaction. Material and delivery for that quantity may total $400-$900. Spreading and compacting can bring the project to approximately $700-$1,400, with excavation or fabric adding to the bill.
For a straightforward driveway, a useful planning range is about $5-$12 per square foot installed. Larger projects often cost less per ton because delivery and equipment charges are distributed across more material. Quotes should specify whether the stated thickness is before or after compaction.
How material, delivery, and grading appear on the quote
Crusher run estimates may combine several expenses into one installed rate. Ask whether the quote includes a truckload minimum, spreading, compaction, and removal of unsuitable soil. The ranges below are common planning figures, not fixed national rates.
| Cost component | Typical price | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run material | $20-$45 per ton | Quarry, gradation, and local availability |
| Delivery | $75-$250 per load | Distance, truck size, and minimum order |
| Spreading and grading | $40-$90 per ton | Site size, equipment, and crew time |
| Compaction equipment | $75-$250 per day | Rental, delivery, and project duration |
| Excavation or disposal | $5-$15 per square foot | Soil depth, haul distance, and disposal fees |
Delivery and site work can cost as much as the stone on a small job. Some suppliers include delivery in a per-ton rate; others price it separately. Check for duplicate charges before comparing bids.
Thickness, tonnage, and access that shift the estimate
Depth is a major cost variable: a 2-inch top-up uses about half the material of a 4-inch layer over the same area, while a 6-inch base uses roughly 50% more than a 4-inch layer. For a compacted surface, installers may order extra material to account for settling and compaction. Ask for the estimated tonnage and finished depth in writing.
Truck access can also change the delivered rate. A narrow entrance, soft ground, or a long distance from the unloading point may require smaller loads or extra handling. Orders below a supplier’s minimum—often several tons—can carry a surcharge. Confirm the quarry’s minimum load and the delivery charge before ordering.
Three driveway sizes with realistic installed totals
These examples assume ordinary access, crusher run spread and compacted, and no major excavation. Actual quantity depends on aggregate density and the specified finished depth.
| Project | Approximate material | Typical installed total |
|---|---|---|
| 10-by-30-foot, 3-inch layer | About 4-5 tons | $400-$850 |
| 12-by-50-foot, 4-inch layer | About 10-12 tons | $700-$1,400 |
| 20-by-60-foot, 6-inch base | About 30-35 tons | $1,800-$3,800 |
Small projects have higher per-ton costs when a full truck or crew minimum applies. Larger sites may need several loads, but their delivery and setup expenses are spread over more square footage.
How quarry distance and region affect delivered rates
Crusher run is heavy and usually sourced locally, so proximity to a quarry matters more than long-distance shipping. In rural areas near an aggregate pit, delivered prices may be 10%-20% below a comparable urban quote. In dense metro areas, longer truck routes, traffic, and restricted delivery windows can push prices 10%-30% higher.
Material availability also differs by region; some suppliers use names such as road base or crusher gravel for similar blends, but gradation can vary. Compare quotes by delivered ton and specified material, not by product name alone.
Labor hours and equipment behind spreading and compaction
A small, accessible driveway may take a two-person crew roughly 3-6 hours to place and grade, plus compaction. A larger base or uneven site can take a full day or longer, especially if equipment must be mobilized or soil removed. Labor rates often fall around $50-$100 per worker-hour, though many contractors quote the whole job rather than an hourly rate.
For a rough labor check, multiply crew hours by the combined hourly rate, then add equipment and delivery. A low hourly quote may not include mobilization, fuel, or machine rental, so compare the complete scope.
Where to trim crusher run costs without weakening the base
Measure the area and agree on the needed depth before ordering. Avoid buying substantially more than the project requires, but do not reduce a specified base thickness merely to lower the quote; a thin layer over soft soil may rut and need replacement. If the ground is already firm and properly graded, ask whether excavation is necessary.
Compare at least three local quotes that list tons, delivery, grading, compaction, and disposal separately. Scheduling alongside another nearby delivery may reduce trucking charges, and using a larger order can lower the per-ton delivery expense. Keep the material specification and finished depth consistent when comparing bids.