Quarry & Aggregate Supplier Guide
How to order bulk gravel and crushed stone directly from aggregate pits, landscape yards, and local dispatchers like a professional contractor.
4 Questions to Ask When Calling Aggregate Dispatch
#1: "Do you sell by the Ton or by the Cubic Yard?"
Why it matters: Crucial: 1 cubic yard weighs ~1.4 tons. If a quarry quotes $40 per ton and you assume it was per yard, your material cost will be 40% higher than calculated.
#2: "What is your minimum tonnage for residential delivery?"
Why it matters: Most quarries have a 3-ton to 5-ton minimum order, or charge a "short load fee" ($30–$50) if ordering under 5 tons.
#3: "What size dump truck will deliver the load (Single, Tandem, or Tri-Axle)?"
Why it matters: Tri-axle trucks weigh 60,000+ lbs loaded and will crack standard residential asphalt or concrete driveways unless instructed to dump at the road curb.
#4: "Is tailgate spreading available upon arrival?"
Why it matters: Some experienced dump truck drivers can chain the tailgate to spread gravel evenly down your driveway as they pull forward, saving 4+ hours of manual wheelbarrow labor.
Pre-Delivery Site Preparation Checklist
Overhead Line Clearance
Dump truck beds rise 18 to 22 feet in the air when dumping. Ensure zero power lines, telephone cables, or tree limbs cross the dump zone.
Heavy Poly Ground Tarp
Lay a 20×20 ft heavy-duty tarp where gravel will be dumped. This prevents rocks from scarring driveway concrete and makes final shovel cleanup 3× faster.
Driveway Weight Ratings
If your driveway is thin concrete or aged asphalt, request the driver drop the load at the driveway apron/curb to avoid cracking subsurface conduits or sewer pipes.
10–12 Ft Gate Width
Commercial dump trucks require a minimum 10-foot wide clear opening (12 feet recommended for turning radii) to enter residential side gates.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Tonnage Before Calling?
Get your exact volume in cubic yards and tons with compaction allowances before dialing local dispatchers.