How Much for a Dump Truck Load of Dirt_ Get a Quote

How Much for a Dump Truck Load of Dirt? Get a Quote

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How Much for a Dump Truck Load of Dirt? Get a Quote

So, you’re looking at a big pile of nothing in your backyard and thinking, “I need to fill this with good dirt.” Or maybe you’re starting a landscaping project and need a massive amount of topsoil. The first question that pops into your head is likely, “How much for a dump truck load of dirt?” The short answer is that the price isn’t fixed; it depends heavily on the type of dirt, your location, and the amount you need. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $800 for a standard dump truck load, which is typically between 10 and 14 cubic yards. To get the most accurate price for your specific project, your best bet is to get a quote from a local supplier. Let’s dig into the details so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Breaking Down the Cost of a Dump Truck Load of Dirt

The final bill for your dump truck load of dirt isn’t just about the material itself. Several factors come into play, and understanding them will help you budget correctly and avoid surprises.

1. The Type of Dirt You Choose

Not all dirt is created equal. The intended use of the material is the biggest driver of cost.

Type of Fill Dirt	Best Use Case	Average Cost Per Yard
Fill Dirt	Filling holes, building base for patios	$5 – $15
Topsoil	Gardens, lawns, landscaping	$12 – $50
Screened Topsoil	High-quality planting, removing debris	$20 – $60
Clean Fill	Large-scale grading, construction projects	$8 – $20

As you can see, a load of basic fill dirt for a construction base is far less expensive than a load of premium screened topsoil for a vegetable garden. When you call to get a quote, be very clear about your project’s goal.

2. The Size of the Delivery Truck

Dump trucks come in different sizes, measured in cubic yards. A standard dump truck can carry about 10-14 cubic yards, but smaller dump trailers or larger semi-trucks are also options. The price for a full load will change based on its capacity.

Small Dump Trailer (5-7 cubic yards): Ideal for smaller residential projects where a large truck can’t access the site. Cost: $100 – $400.
Standard Dump Truck (10-14 cubic yards): The most common choice for residential deliveries. This is the “dump truck load” most people reference. Cost: $150 – $800.
Super Dump/Tandem Truck (15-20+ cubic yards): For massive commercial or landscaping jobs. Cost: $500 – $1,500+.

3. Delivery Fees and Your Location

Your proximity to the supplier is a major cost factor. Delivery fees can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the distance and local fuel prices. If you live in a remote area, expect to pay a premium for delivery. Some companies include a certain number of miles in the base price, so always ask about the delivery policy when you get a quote.

How to Calculate Exactly How Much Dirt You Need

Buying too much or too little dirt is a common and costly mistake. You don’t want to be left with a mountain of extra soil or have to pay for a second delivery. Here’s a simple way to calculate your needs.

Use this formula: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards Needed

Example: You want to fill a 20ft x 10ft area with 6 inches of topsoil.
20 x 10 x 0.5 (since 6 inches is 0.5 feet) = 100 cubic feet.
100 ÷ 27 = ~3.7 cubic yards.

In this case, you wouldn’t need a full dump truck load of dirt. You could order a smaller delivery or buy bagged soil. For larger areas, this calculation ensures you order the correct truck size. Mike Reynolds, a construction veteran with over 20 years of experience, advises, “Always order about 10% more than your calculation to account for compaction and settling. It’s cheaper to get a slightly larger load once than to schedule a second, small delivery.”

Getting Your Quote: A Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure you get a fair and accurate price for your dump truck load of dirt, follow these steps.

Step 1: Know Your Specs

Before you call, have this information ready:

Type of Material: Topsoil, fill dirt, etc.
Quantity: Your calculated cubic yards.
Delivery Address: Be specific.
Site Access: Mention any tight spaces, slopes, or overhead wires.

Step 2: Contact Multiple Local Suppliers

Don’t just call one company. Get at least three quotes. Local sand and gravel companies, landscaping supply centers, and trucking companies are good places to start. According to data from HomeAdvisor, consumers who compare multiple quotes can save an average of 15% on material delivery projects.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

When you call, ask:

“Is the price all-inclusive (material + delivery)?”
“Are there any extra fees for offloading time?”
“Can you provide a certified product description?” (This ensures the dirt is free of contaminants).
“What is your scheduling and cancellation policy?”

Hidden Costs and Pro Tips to Save Money

Beyond the base price, a few things can sneak up on you.

Offloading Fees: Most trucks will simply dump the load in your driveway. If you need it spread out, that’s a separate service with an additional cost.
Access Issues: If the driver can’t easily reach the drop-off spot, you might be charged for the extra time and effort.
Soil Quality: The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Contaminated or poor-quality fill dirt can harm your project and cost more in the long run.

Pro Tip: Consider ordering in the off-season (late fall or winter in many areas). Demand is lower, and some suppliers may offer better rates. Also, ask if they have “leftover” loads from other jobs, which can sometimes be purchased at a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many wheelbarrows are in a dump truck load?
A: A standard 10-cubic-yard load equals about 100 to 120 full-sized wheelbarrows. It’s a lot of shoveling!

Q: Can I have the dirt dumped on my lawn?
A: It’s not recommended. The weight of a heavy truck can severely damage your lawn and any underground sprinkler systems or utilities. The driveway is the standard, safest spot.

Q: What’s the difference between a ‘load’ and a ‘yard’?
A: A ‘yard’ refers to a cubic yard, which is the unit of measurement (3ft x 3ft x 3ft). A ‘load’ refers to the total capacity of the truck, which is made up of multiple cubic yards.

Q: How long does it take to get a delivery?
A> Once you place an order, delivery typically happens within a few days, but it can take longer during the busy spring and summer seasons.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out the cost for a dump truck load of dirt requires a bit of homework on your part. By understanding the type of material you need, accurately calculating the quantity, and getting multiple detailed quotes from reputable suppliers, you can ensure your project stays on budget. Remember, the goal is to solve your problem efficiently, and that starts with a single phone call or online request to get a quote.