Topsoil is the nutrient-rich component where plants establish their roots and thrive. Purchasing topsoil is typically done in bulk for any significant landscaping or gardening project, measured and delivered by the cubic yard. Understanding the true cost of a truckload requires looking beyond the material price to consider quality, quantity, and logistical fees. This analysis helps budget accurately for the needs of a home or garden project.
Baseline Cost of a Truckload of Topsoil
Topsoil is primarily sold by volume, with the cubic yard being the standard unit of measurement. The national average price for bulk topsoil material alone generally falls within the range of $10 to $50 per cubic yard. The most common price range for standard bulk material is typically between $15 and $30 per cubic yard, depending on the region and local supply.
A “truckload” is not a uniform measurement and usually refers to the capacity of the delivery vehicle. A small dump truck, often used for residential deliveries, typically holds between 5 and 7 cubic yards of material. Larger tri-axle dump trucks can carry 10 to 16 cubic yards per trip.
Based on these capacities and the average material cost, a small residential truckload (5-7 cubic yards) of standard topsoil will cost approximately $75 to $350 for the material itself. The total cost for a large truckload (10-16 cubic yards) will range from $150 to $800 before any delivery charges are added to the final bill.
How Quality and Screening Affect Material Pricing
The quality of the topsoil profoundly influences the price per cubic yard. The most affordable option is unscreened topsoil, which is excavated fill dirt that has not been processed. This material ranges from $5 to $25 per cubic yard, but it may contain large clumps, rocks, roots, and other debris that require manual removal.
Screened topsoil has been mechanically filtered through a mesh to remove large contaminants. Screened loam, ideal for lawns and gardens, typically costs between $18 and $26 per cubic yard. This processing step adds value because the uniform texture improves drainage, aeration, and workability for planting.
Specialized or blended soils represent the highest-cost variants, reaching $30 to $50 per cubic yard. These are engineered mixtures, such as “super loam” or garden mixes, enriched with organic compost, peat moss, or sand. These premium blends are formulated for specific applications, such as vegetable gardens or high-quality turf.
Calculating Volume for Your Project
Accurately determining the total quantity of topsoil required involves converting the project area’s three-dimensional space into cubic yards. This requires measuring the length, width, and desired depth of the area to be covered.
Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply these two numbers to find the total square footage. Convert the desired depth into feet (e.g., 3 inches is 0.25 feet). Multiplying the square footage by the depth in feet yields the volume in cubic feet.
Convert the cubic footage into cubic yards by dividing the result by 27. Add a contingency of 5% to 10% to the final calculated volume to account for compaction, uneven spreading, and material waste.
Understanding Delivery Fees and Minimums
Delivery fees are a logistical cost factored into the total price. Suppliers often use a flat-rate delivery charge covering a specific radius, typically adding $50 to $150 to the order total. For locations outside this initial zone, an additional distance surcharge is applied, calculated per mile or based on an hourly rate of $65 to $100 for the driver and truck.
Most bulk suppliers enforce a minimum order requirement for delivery, often requiring a purchase of 3 to 4 cubic yards to justify transportation costs. Orders below this minimum may incur an extra fee or require the customer to pick up the material themselves.
The delivery truck needs adequate access and space to dump the load. Delivery fees generally cover a simple curb drop-off, and the driver will not be responsible for wheelbarrowing or spreading the material. Complex deliveries involving difficult access points or remote locations will increase the final transportation cost.