How Much Does a Dump Truck Load of Fill Dirt Cost?
A dump truck load of fill dirt typically costs $150 to $500, including delivery, as of April 2025. You’ll pay $8–$15 per cubic yard for the dirt, plus a $50–$150 haul fee.
The short answer
A dump truck load of fill dirt costs $150 to $500 delivered, as of April 2025. The dirt itself runs $8 to $15 per cubic yard, and delivery adds $50 to $150. Most loads are 10 to 16 cubic yards, so your final price depends on volume, distance, and dirt type.
Key takeaways
- Typical cost: A 10-yard truckload costs about $220–$300 total, including delivery.
- Compaction: Uncompacted dirt can settle 20%, so order extra.
- Delivery fees: Expect $1–$2 per mile beyond the first 10 miles.
- Free fill dirt: Use fill from excavation sites only if you confirm it’s clean and debris-free.
Whether you’re leveling a yard, backfilling a foundation, or building a garden bed, knowing the real cost of a dump truck load of fill dirt prevents budget surprises. You need to account for volume, delivery distance, and the type of dirt. This guide walks through every cost driver and gives you practical numbers to plan your project.
What factors determine the cost of a dump truck load of fill dirt?
The total price depends on three main pieces: the cost of the dirt per cubic yard, the delivery fee, and how many yards the truck carries. Regional supply, dirt quality, and fuel surcharges all play a role.
- Dirt type matters: Unscreened fill (may contain rocks or roots) costs $8–$12 per yard, while screened fill (cleaner) runs $12–$18 per yard.
- Volume in the truck: A standard dump truck holds 10–16 cubic yards; smaller loads per trip cost more per yard because the delivery fee is spread over less material.
- Delivery distance: Most suppliers include 10–15 miles free; beyond that, expect $1–$2 per extra mile. Long hauls can double the bill.
- Local rates: In high-demand areas or short-supply regions, per-yard prices can jump 20–30%. Always check with nearby suppliers using our topsoil and fill dirt calculator.
How can I estimate how much fill dirt I need?
Getting the volume right is the first step to nailing your budget. Multiply length × width × depth in feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For irregular areas, break the space into smaller squares.
- Measure accurately: Use a tape or wheel, not guesses. Depth in inches must be converted to feet (e.g., 4 inches = 0.33 ft).
- Use the formula: (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Add 5–10% extra for compaction unless you order compacted dirt.
- Example project: A 20 ft × 30 ft area filled 6 inches deep needs about 11 cubic yards, just over a full truckload.
- For quick estimates, plug your numbers into our topsoil and fill dirt calculator. It handles the math and suggests a truckload size.
How much does fill dirt cost per cubic yard delivered?
Delivered prices vary widely by region, but you can expect $8–$18 per yard for the dirt alone. Delivery fees are a flat charge per load, and the more you buy, the lower the per-yard delivery cost becomes.
- Unscreened fill dirt: $8–$12 per cubic yard, best for fill that won’t be seen or planted. Often delivered as-is from excavation sites.
- Screened fill dirt: $12–$18 per cubic yard, uniform and debris-free. Great under lawns or as a base layer.
- Clean fill (certified): $10–$15 per yard, guaranteed free of organics and contaminants. Required for some structural projects.
- Delivery fee: Most suppliers charge a flat $50–$150 per load within a 10–15 mile radius. Use our topsoil and fill dirt calculator to find suppliers and estimate totals.
What are common mistakes when ordering fill dirt?
The two biggest mistakes are underestimating volume and forgetting about compaction. You can also run into trouble with truck access, hidden fees, and ordering the wrong type of dirt.
- Ignoring compaction: Loose fill dirt can settle 10–20% once it’s in place. Always add at least 10% more to your order to avoid coming up short.
- Ordering too little: A second delivery often costs as much as the first, wiping out any savings from a precise initial order.
- Overlooking access: Make sure the dump truck can reach your site. Narrow gates, low branches, or soft ground may require a smaller truck or a $50–$100 shuttle fee.
- Not checking dirt quality: “Free fill” from construction sites can contain trash, asphalt, or contaminated soil. Always verify before accepting. Use our topsoil and fill dirt calculator to see typical volumes and avoid shortages.
What types of fill dirt are available and how do costs compare?
You’ll find four common fill dirt options, each with a different price point and best use. Choose based on your project needs: appearance under grass, structural stability, or just filling a low spot.
- Unscreened fill: $8–$12 per yard. Rocky, with organic debris. Best for deep fills where no planting will happen; not for lawns or gardens.
- Screened fill: $12–$18 per yard. Finely graded, no large rocks. Ideal for leveling before sod or as a base layer for patios and walkways.
- Topsoil: $15–$30 per yard. Rich in organic matter, meant for gardens and turf. Not a substitute for structural fill; it settles more.
- Borrow/Clean fill: $10–$15 per yard. Engineer-certified, required under foundations or retaining walls. Check with your building inspector. Get exact quantities with the topsoil and fill dirt calculator.
Should I order fill dirt myself or hire a pro?
For small fills under 2 cubic yards, DIY saves money if you have a pickup. Large jobs with grading or compaction usually need a pro because heavy equipment and skill are required to get a stable, level surface.
- DIY-friendly projects: A wheelbarrow and shovel work for filling a small garden bed or low spot less than 2 yards.
- Pro-required jobs: Grading a whole yard, backfilling a foundation, or anything needing a skid-steer should be handled by a contractor. Improper grading can cause water damage.
- Equipment rental: If you go DIY but need more than a shovel, renting a compact tractor costs about $200–$400 per day. Factor this against a pro’s labor.
- Permits and codes: Always check with your local building department before major fill projects. They may require clean fill certification or a drainage plan. For help estimating fill volume, try the topsoil and fill dirt calculator.
Questions this page answers
How many yards of dirt are in a standard dump truck?
A standard dump truck can carry 10 to 16 cubic yards of fill dirt. The exact capacity depends on the truck size and the weight limits. Because dirt is heavy (2,000–3,000 lbs per cubic yard), a truck might max out on weight before volume if the dirt is wet or dense. Always confirm with your supplier.
What’s the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is mostly subsoil with little organic matter; it’s used for filling holes or grading. Topsoil is rich in nutrients and organic material, making it ideal for planting. Fill dirt costs $8–$18 per cubic yard, while topsoil runs $15–$30 per cubic yard. Never use fill dirt where you want to grow grass or plants.
Can I pick up fill dirt myself to save money?
Yes, if you have a pickup and the project is small. Many landscape supply yards sell loose fill dirt you can haul yourself for $8–$15 per yard. However, a full-size pickup only holds 2–3 cubic yards, so large projects quickly become impractical. For anything over 5 yards, delivery is usually cheaper and faster.
How much does a 10-yard dump truck load of fill dirt weigh?
A 10-cubic-yard load of dry fill dirt weighs about 20,000 to 25,000 lbs (10–12.5 tons). Wet fill dirt can weigh up to 30,000 lbs (15 tons). This is critical for driveway or site access; make sure the ground can support the truck’s weight without rutting.
Is clean fill dirt more expensive?
Clean fill dirt (certified free of organics and debris) typically costs $10–$15 per cubic yard, which is slightly more than unscreened fill ($8–$12) but often less than screened fill ($12–$18). The extra cost is worth it for projects requiring stable, compactable material, like under concrete slabs or retaining walls.
Do I need a permit to dump fill dirt in my yard?
Permit requirements vary by city and county. Small landscape fills usually don’t need a permit, but large grading projects or fill near property lines might. Always check with your local building department. They may also require clean fill certification or a drainage plan to prevent runoff problems.
How do I calculate the cubic yards of dirt I need?
Measure the length, width, and desired depth in feet. Multiply L × W × D to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, a 20 ft × 30 ft area filled 6 inches (0.5 ft) deep needs (20 × 30 × 0.5) ÷ 27 = 11.1 cubic yards. Always add 10% extra for compaction. Use our [topsoil and fill dirt calculator](/calculators/topsoil-fill-dirt) for quick results.
What is the cheapest way to get fill dirt?
The cheapest option is finding free clean fill from local construction or excavation sites, but quality and debris risks are high. Next is unscreened fill delivered at $8–$12 per yard. For small jobs, renting a pickup and hauling yourself can save delivery fees, but for 10+ yards, delivery is most cost-effective.
A dump truck load of fill dirt costs $150 to $500 on average as of April 2025. The load size, dirt type, and delivery distance drive the final price. For most projects, ordering a single 10-yard truckload of screened fill around $220–$300 is the sweet spot. Use the topsoil and fill dirt calculator to get an exact estimate for your yard, then call local suppliers with confidence.