A load of fill dirt typically costs $150-$600 delivered, with many homeowners paying about $350 for a standard truckload. The final price depends on truck capacity, delivery distance, soil grade, site access, and whether spreading or removal is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-cubic-yard load | $150 | $300 | $500 | Basic fill, local delivery |
| 15-cubic-yard load | $225 | $400 | $700 | Common dump-truck order |
| Fill dirt per cubic yard | $5 | $15 | $30 | Material only |
| Delivered fill per cubic yard | $15 | $30 | $55 | Varies with distance and minimum fees |
What a Delivered Fill Dirt Load Usually Costs
A typical 10- to 15-cubic-yard load of ordinary fill dirt costs about $250-$500 delivered within a supplier’s local service area. Small loads may start near $150, while larger loads or deliveries farther away can reach $700 or more. Prices generally assume loose, unscreened soil and a truck that can unload at the property.
For budgeting, $25-$40 per delivered cubic yard is a reasonable starting estimate. A 10-yard load at that rate totals $250-$400, while a 15-yard load totals $375-$600. Supplier minimums can make a small order more expensive per yard. Assumptions: standard fill dirt, normal truck access, and delivery within roughly 10-15 miles.
How Truck Capacity Changes the Per-Yard Price
Truckloads are sold by estimated cubic yards, not by a universal load size. A small dump truck may carry 5-8 cubic yards, a medium truck around 10-15, and a larger truck roughly 16-20, depending on weight limits and soil moisture. Buyers should confirm the supplier’s stated volume rather than relying on the term “one load.”
| Truckload size | Typical delivered price | Approximate price per yard | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-8 cubic yards | $150-$350 | $30-$55 | Small yard repairs |
| 10-15 cubic yards | $250-$600 | $20-$40 | Leveling a yard or filling a low area |
| 16-20 cubic yards | $400-$850 | $20-$45 | Larger grading jobs |
A larger truck can lower the rate per yard but raises the total charge. Some trucks cannot carry their full volume of wet or dense soil without exceeding legal weight limits, so the delivered quantity may be lower than the truck’s nominal capacity.
Which Charges Make Up a Fill Dirt Delivery Quote
The quote may combine soil, hauling, and job-site services. Ask whether the price includes unloading, fuel or mileage charges, sales tax, and any minimum delivery fee. Spreading dirt is usually priced separately because it requires equipment and operator time.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fill dirt | $5-$30 per cubic yard | Source, screening, and local supply |
| Delivery | $50-$200 per trip | Distance, truck size, and fuel |
| Spreading or rough grading | $50-$125 per hour | Equipment, labor, and site conditions |
| Old soil or debris removal | $100-$400 per load | Volume, disposal rules, and hauling distance |
Delivery and equipment time can cost as much as the dirt itself on a small order. For example, two hours of grading at $75-$125 per hour adds $150-$250 before any equipment or disposal fees.
When Clay, Topsoil, or Clean Fill Changes the Price
Basic fill dirt is usually the least expensive choice for raising grade or filling a deep depression, where appearance and planting quality are not priorities. Screened fill costs more because larger stones and debris have been removed. Topsoil, which supports planting, is commonly priced around $20-$60 per cubic yard delivered, depending on quality and distance.
Use the soil grade that matches the job instead of paying for planting soil throughout a deep fill. A common approach is to use inexpensive fill for the lower layer and add 4-6 inches of topsoil where grass or plants will grow. Ask whether “clean fill” means screened soil or simply material without prohibited waste; the term can vary by supplier.
How Distance and Yardage Affect a Fill Dirt Quote
Delivery distance matters because dirt is heavy and truck trips take time. A nearby supplier may include hauling in the load price, while a trip beyond 15-20 miles can add about $2-$5 per mile, a flat mileage charge, or a second delivery fee. Rural locations may have fewer suppliers and longer routes.
Volume also determines how many trips the job requires. A 500-square-foot area raised 3 inches needs about 4.6 cubic yards before settling or waste; ordering 5-6 yards may be practical. For a 1,000-square-foot area raised 6 inches, the estimate is about 18.5 cubic yards before allowance, which may require a large truck or multiple loads.
Estimate volume using area multiplied by depth, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Add roughly 10%-20% if the soil will settle or the ground is uneven. Suppliers can help confirm the amount, but the buyer should specify whether the depth is measured before or after compaction.
How Long Unloading and Spreading Fill Dirt Takes
A dump truck may unload a load in 10-30 minutes when access is clear and the dirt can be placed close to the work area. Spreading and rough grading can take 1-4 hours for a small residential job, with more time needed for hand work, slopes, tight access, or several separate placement areas.
Truck access is a major labor-cost control. A driveway or firm, wide approach can let the driver place the load efficiently. Soft lawns, low branches, narrow gates, or overhead wires may prevent truck access or require smaller equipment. Confirm where the truck can safely dump before scheduling.
When Delivery Fees Rise During Busy or Difficult Jobs
Spring and early summer can bring higher demand as homeowners and landscapers start grading and planting projects. Prices are not uniformly seasonal, but limited truck availability may mean longer waits or less flexibility. Same-day or weekend deliveries can carry a rush fee of about $25-$100, depending on the supplier.
Site conditions can add charges at any time of year. Steep grades, muddy ground, long wheelbarrow routes, and restricted truck access may require a skid steer or compact loader, often adding $150-$500 for equipment and operator time. A permit may be required for significant grading, drainage changes, or work near protected areas; local fees and rules differ.
Ask for a delivered quote that lists extra-trip, waiting-time, and equipment charges. A low material price may not be the least expensive option if the supplier charges separately for a difficult unload or cannot place the dirt near the work zone.
Can Better Planning Cut the Fill Dirt Bill?
Compare at least three local quotes using the same requested volume, soil grade, delivery address, and unloading location. Ask suppliers to state the load size in cubic yards and whether delivery is included. Comparing only the advertised price per yard can be misleading when minimums and hauling fees differ.
Combining yardage into one properly sized delivery can reduce repeated trip charges. Measure the fill area before ordering, mark the dump location, and clear the route. Avoid ordering premium screened soil for buried fill, but do not use unknown material where clean soil is required for drainage, planting, or local compliance.
For a small depression, compare the cost of a partial load with the supplier’s minimum charge; a full truckload may be cheaper per yard but leave surplus dirt. If the area is shallow, reuse suitable soil from another part of the property when possible. For large fills, include compaction and drainage needs in the estimate rather than treating the dirt price as the entire project budget.