The price for a truck load of top soil varies widely by soil type, delivery distance, and load size. Typical factors include soil quality, moisture content, season, and local demand. This guide presents cost ranges in USD, with clear low, average, and high estimates to help buyers budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top soil per cubic yard | $15 | $30 | $60 | Includes basic screened topsoil |
| Delivery + fuel surcharge | $60 | $140 | $350 | Distance dependent |
| Truckload capacity | 10–12 yd3 | 14–16 yd3 | 18–20 yd3 | Typical residential loads |
| Install/disposal of old soil | $0 | $100 | $350 | Depends on site access |
| Quality upgrade (premium soil) | $20 | $40 | $80 | Higher organic content or amendments |
Assumptions: region, soil specs, and delivery distance influence the figures.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges follow two paths: per yard pricing and full truckload pricing. For a standard residential project, buyers commonly pay between $15 and $60 per cubic yard for the soil material itself, with delivery costs adding $60 to $350 depending on distance and access. A full truckload often covers 14–16 cubic yards, totaling about $300 to $1,300 including delivery, with extremes higher for remote locations or premium soils. Per-yard pricing also translates to a practical truckload estimate of roughly $420 to $960 before any site work or disposal.
Cost Breakdown
Delivery dominates the majority of the bill in many projects. A simplified cost table shows how totals accumulate. Materials, Labor, and Delivery/Disposal are the main drivers, with optional add-ons raising the price modestly.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15–$60/yd3 | $25–$40/yd3 | $60/yd3 | Screened topsoil, compost blends |
| Delivery/Distance | $60 | $140 | $350 | Fuel and transport surcharge |
| Labor/Load Time | $0 | $80 | $250 | Unloading and spreading may incur extra |
| Disposal/Return Soil | $0 | $100 | $350 | Bring-back or soil excavation often costs |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $20 | $100 | Rare for simple residential use |
| Delivery Window Surcharge | $0 | $20 | $60 | Peak season multipliers |
| Subtotal (truckload) | $300 | $900 | $1,600 | Assumes 14–16 yd3 |
What Drives Price
Soil quality and load size are the principal price drivers. Standards such as screened topsoil cost more than subsoil or fill dirt. A typical truckload ranges from 14 to 16 cubic yards, with per-yard costs varying by supplier and region. Assumptions: standard residential delivery, normal soil moisture, and typical access.
Ways To Save
Shop locally and align delivery timing with demand to reduce costs. Some cost-saving practices include ordering soil during off-peak seasons, combining multiple yard purchases with one delivery, and requesting basic screened soil instead of premium blends. You can also save by having a clear unloading plan to minimize labor time and avoid extra fees for placement or shoveling.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across regions due to soil availability and transport costs. In practice, East Coast markets may see higher base soil costs and delivery fees than the Midwest, while the West often reflects higher trucking distances. Typical regional deltas are within ±20% for material costs and ±30% for delivery on longer runs. Urban cores usually incur higher delivery fees than suburban or rural sites due to congestion and access challenges.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs are a smaller portion for straightforward dump-and-go deliveries but can rise with spreading or grading needs. If you plan to have soil spread, expect additional hourly charges for labor and equipment use. A common range is $40–$90 per hour for labor plus a separate equipment fee if a skid steer or mini excavator is needed. For a 2,000–3,000 sq ft area, spreading topsoil may take 2–6 hours depending on crew size and site access. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can appear even in simple orders. Some frequent extras include offload time, surcharge for steep driveways or soft ground, disposal or exchange of old soil, and temporary access restrictions. If the site requires grading, compaction, or moisture testing, expect added charges. Contractors may also apply a small contingency for weather-related delays.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate typical budgets for common projects.
- Basic: 14 yd3 standard screened soil, 1-mile delivery, basic dump. Labor minimal. Total around $420–$560; per-yard $30–$40.
- Mid-Range: 16 yd3 screened soil with organic amendments, 5 miles delivery, light spreading. Total around $820–$1,100; per-yard $40–$70.
- Premium: 18 yd3 enriched topsoil with compost, 15 miles delivery, full spreading and grading. Total around $1,200–$1,900; per-yard $60–$110.