Prices for fill dirt typically range from $8 to $35 per ton, depending on material quality, hauling distance, and job scope. The main cost drivers are material type, delivery, and site preparation. This article breaks down the exact price ranges you’ll likely see for fill dirt per ton and per delivery, with practical examples to help budgeting and quotes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt (unprocessed) | $8 | $15 | $25 | Common off-site borrow or cut material |
| Delivery (local, 10 miles) | $40 | $120 | $260 | Gas, labor, and load fees included |
| Delivery (long distance, 30 miles) | $120 | $260 | $520 | Per load; bulk pricing may apply |
| Compaction/Loosening per ton | $2 | $6 | $12 | Optional, affects stability |
| Site Prep (milling, grading) | $0 | $4 | $10 | Depends on access and labor |
| Total project cost (ton basis) | $10 | $20 | $40 | Assumes 2,000–5,000 tons typical |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard screened dirt, typical access, and standard delivery conditions.
Typical Fill Dirt Costs by Ton, Yard, and Type
Prices commonly cited in bids show a ton-based view: unprocessed fill dirt ranges from $8 to $18 per ton, while screened or better-quality fill can run $15 to $35 per ton. For large projects, buyers often convert to per cubic yard pricing when ground volume is the driver, with typical ranges around $25 to $60 per cubic yard, depending on compaction requirements and transfer distance.
Assumptions: standard ±10% variance by region; typical trailer loads; dry conditions.
Major Cost Components in a Fill Dirt Project
Most quotes break costs into four primary blocks: materials, delivery, site prep, and any compaction or testing. Materials cover the dirt itself; delivery accounts for fuel, driver time, and equipment; site prep includes grading and clearing; and compaction or testing ensures the fill performs as intended.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8-$35 per ton | Quality and type drive the range |
| Delivery/Hauling | $40-$260 per load | Distance, fuel, and access matter |
| Site Prep | $0-$10 per ton | Grading, shaping, and spoil removal |
| Compaction/Testing | $2-$12 per ton | Stability and compaction tests if required |
Assumptions: average rural-to-suburban access, standard equipment, no hazardous material handling.
Regional Price Variations for Fill Dirt Across the U.S.
Cost swings by region due to soil availability, trucking rates, and local labor. For example, arid Western markets may see higher delivery fees but cheaper base dirt, while the Northeast can have higher material costs and stricter permit requirements. Expect regional deltas of approximately −10% to +40% around national averages.
Assumptions: typical urban to rural spread; standard permitting in non-regulated sites.
Delivery and Hauling Fees Per Mile for Fill Dirt
Delivery charges frequently blend distance and load size. A common pattern is a base fee plus per-mile rates. Typical ranges are $40-$60 per load for short hauls and $3-$6 per mile on longer runs, with larger loads often lowering per-ton delivery costs due to batching.
Assumptions: one-mile radius is inexpensive; multiple loads may yield bulk pricing.
How Soil Type Affects Fill Dirt Pricing
Soil types influence both price and performance: unprocessed borrow dirt is cheaper but may contain contaminants or undesirable particle sizes, while screened fill costs more but yields a more uniform fill. Recycled concrete or salvaged fill commands lower material cost but higher handling or stabilization costs may apply.
Assumptions: standard filtering to meet general fill specs; no contamination concerns.
Ways to Cut Fill Dirt Costs Without Compromising Quality
To reduce price, consider adjusting scope: limit unnecessary compaction tests, bundle delivery with adjacent projects, or prefer locally sourced fill to cut transport. Also, verify whether replacement with better-quality soil is needed or if off-site disposal costs can be minimized by reusing excess material on the site.
Assumptions: reasonable access, standard project timeline, no emergency delivery.
Example Quote Scenarios for Common Projects
Scenario A: 2,500 tons of unprocessed fill dirt delivered within 15 miles, no compaction services. Approximate total: $40,000-$70,000. Scenario B: 4,000 tons of screened fill, 20 miles away, with light compaction and grading. Approximate total: $120,000-$190,000.
Assumptions: typical equipment, standard labor rates, suburban access.