Gravel Delivery Cost
Gravel delivery adds $50-$200 to your order depending on distance and quantity. Many suppliers offer free delivery on orders of 5-10+ tons. Dump trucks hold 12-26 tons depending on size.
Cost per Ton
$20 – $100/ton
Cost per Yard
$25 – $120/yd³
Materials Compared
5 gravel types
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Recommended Materials
Most commonly delivered aggregate. Heavy density means tandem trucks carry 12–15 tons per load.
Widely stocked — many suppliers include free delivery on 5+ ton orders of #57.
Lighter density means more volume per truckload but similar delivery fees.
Heavier per cubic yard, so delivery costs per yard may be higher. Expect $75–$200 for delivery.
Heavy density means trucks carry fewer yards per load. Tandem holds 8–10 cubic yards.
Gravel Delivery Cost Breakdown
| Material | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | $20 – $40 | $25 – $55 |
| #57 Gravel | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
| Pea Gravel | $25 – $50 | $30 – $60 |
| River Rock | $40 – $100 | $45 – $120 |
| Crusher Run | $20 – $35 | $25 – $45 |
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.
Gravel delivery typically adds $50-$200 to your order, depending on the distance from the supplier and the quantity being delivered. Some suppliers offer free delivery on orders above a minimum (often 5-10 tons or 3-5 yards).
Flat-rate delivery within a set radius (usually 10-20 miles) is the most common pricing model. Expect $50-$100 for local delivery and $100-$200+ for longer distances. Some suppliers charge by the mile — typically $5-$10 per mile beyond their base delivery zone.
Most gravel is delivered by dump truck. A standard tandem dump truck holds 12-15 tons (8-10 cubic yards). A tri-axle can carry 18-22 tons. Super dumps hold 24-26 tons. If your order is smaller, some suppliers use smaller single-axle trucks holding 5-6 tons.
When scheduling delivery, consider access to your property. The truck needs a clear path at least 10 feet wide and overhead clearance of 14 feet. Soft or muddy ground can prevent truck access — in that case, the driver may need to dump at the nearest solid surface.
To save on delivery costs, combine materials into one order, pick up smaller quantities yourself, or coordinate with neighbors for a shared bulk delivery.
Published February 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gravel Wash Away?
Which Gravel Washes Away?
Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk.
Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones.
How to Prevent Washout
To prevent gravel from washing away:
- Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface
- Install edging along all borders
- For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides
Slopes and Drainage
On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas.
If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.
What Size Gravel for Driveway?
A well-built gravel driveway uses three layers of progressively smaller stone:
Base Layer (4 inches)
Use #3 stone (1-2 inches) or #4 stone (1.5-3 inches). These large angular stones create a stable foundation and won't sink into soft soil. A geotextile fabric under this layer prevents the stone from migrating into the subgrade.
Middle Layer (4 inches)
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the standard choice. It fills the gaps in the base layer, adds stability, and provides a transition to the finer top layer.
Top Layer (2-3 inches)
#8 gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) or crushed limestone creates a smooth driving surface. Some homeowners prefer #411 (a blend of #57 stone and stone dust) because the dust fills voids and compacts into a very firm surface.
What to Avoid
Avoid using pea gravel or river rock for driveways — their rounded shape means they never lock together and will constantly shift under tires, creating ruts.
Gravel vs Concrete: Which Is Better?
Gravel and concrete each have clear advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and project requirements.
Where Gravel Wins
A gravel driveway costs $1-$3 per square foot installed, while concrete runs $5-$10 per square foot. Gravel can be a DIY project; concrete requires professional installation. Gravel is permeable and handles drainage naturally; concrete requires slopes and drainage planning.
Where Concrete Wins
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25-30 years with minimal upkeep. Gravel driveways need periodic regrading, rut filling, and top-layer replenishment. Concrete provides a smooth, clean surface year-round; gravel can be dusty in summer and difficult to plow in winter.
Cold Climate Considerations
For driveways in cold climates, concrete can crack from freeze-thaw cycles and road salt damage. Gravel handles freezing and thawing without damage but is harder to snow-plow.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose gravel when budget is a priority, the driveway is long (rural properties), drainage is a concern, or you want a rustic aesthetic. Choose concrete for short suburban driveways, wheelchair accessibility, frequent snow removal, and a modern look.
Need help budgeting your project?
Get quotes from local gravel suppliers for current pricing and delivery options.