Crusher run is one of the most cost-effective materials you can use for a driveway or base layer project. Understanding what drives the price, and how to compare quotes from different suppliers, helps you budget accurately and avoid paying more than necessary for a straightforward bulk material.
This guide covers current price ranges per ton and per cubic yard, the factors that affect what you will actually pay in your area, delivery costs, and how crusher run compares in cost to the main alternatives.
Crusher Run Price Per Ton
Material cost for crusher run in the US typically falls in the range of $12 to $45 per ton for the material itself, collected from the quarry or yard. The wide range is real and reflects genuine regional variation rather than a single representative price being obscured by outliers.
At the lower end of the range, prices of $12 to $20 per ton are common in areas with abundant local quarry production, particularly in limestone-rich regions of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest where crusher run is a standard commodity product available from multiple competing suppliers.
At the higher end, prices of $30 to $45 per ton reflect areas where quarry access is more limited, where granite or trap rock is the primary base material (both of which cost more to process than limestone), or where local demand exceeds supply.
If your supplier quotes are coming in significantly above $45 per ton for a standard 3/4 inch limestone crusher run, it is worth getting a second quote from another local supplier or checking whether a slightly different product name is being used for an equivalent material.
Crusher Run Price Per Cubic Yard
Some suppliers quote crusher run by the cubic yard rather than by the ton. The conversion between the two depends on the bulk density of the specific material, which varies slightly by gradation and rock type.
As a working figure, crusher run weighs approximately 2,500 to 2,700 pounds per cubic yard depending on moisture content and gradation. Using a midpoint of 2,600 pounds, one cubic yard is approximately 1.3 tons.
At a material cost of $25 per ton, one cubic yard of crusher run costs approximately $32 to $33. At $35 per ton, one cubic yard costs approximately $45 to $46.
If you are comparing a per-ton quote from one supplier with a per-yard quote from another, use the 1.3 multiplier as a rough conversion. Most suppliers are happy to confirm the weight per yard for their specific product if asked.
Delivery Costs
For most residential projects, delivery cost is a significant part of the total. Crusher run is a heavy, bulky material and the economics of transporting it change sharply with distance from the source.
Local delivery (within 15 to 20 miles of the quarry or yard) typically costs $50 to $100 per load depending on the supplier and the truck size. A standard dump truck carries 10 to 14 tons. A tandem axle truck carries 14 to 18 tons.
Regional delivery (20 to 50 miles) typically adds a fuel surcharge on top of the base delivery fee. At distances above 30 miles, delivery costs can add $10 to $20 per ton to the effective cost of the material.
Long-distance delivery (above 50 miles) is often uneconomical for crusher run specifically because the material value per ton is low relative to the haulage cost. If your site is more than 50 miles from a quarry or aggregate yard, it is worth checking whether a local landscape supply company sources crusher run from a nearer quarry for resale, which may reduce the effective delivery cost.
The most cost-effective approach is almost always to source crusher run from the nearest quarry or aggregate supplier that stocks it, even if their per-ton material price is slightly higher than a more distant supplier, because the savings on delivery will usually exceed the difference in material cost.
What Affects the Price You Will Pay
Several factors move the price from the lower to the upper end of the typical range. Understanding them helps you assess whether a quote is reasonable or whether negotiation or an alternative supplier is worth pursuing.
Rock type. Limestone crusher run is typically the cheapest option because limestone is widely distributed and relatively easy to quarry and crush. Granite crusher run is more expensive because granite is harder to process. Trap rock (a general term for dense, dark volcanic rock types including basalt and diabase) sits in a similar price range to granite. If you live near a limestone quarry, you will almost always pay less than someone who relies on granite aggregate.
Gradation. Standard 3/4 inch crusher run is usually the cheapest gradation because it is the most commonly produced. Fine crusher run or crusher fines, which require additional processing, may be priced slightly higher. Specialty gradations or clean washed products will cost more.
Order volume. Bulk orders typically attract a lower per-ton price. If you are ordering enough for a significant project, it is worth asking for a bulk discount, particularly if you are ordering five or more loads. Suppliers prefer to move large volumes in a single delivery schedule.
Season. Aggregate prices can rise slightly in spring and early summer when construction activity peaks and demand is highest. Ordering in late summer or fall may produce better pricing, though the difference is typically modest for crusher run compared to more processed materials.
How Crusher Run Compares in Cost to Other Driveway Materials
Crusher run is rarely the most expensive option for a driveway project. Comparing it against the main alternatives gives a clearer picture of where the value sits.
| Material | Typical Material Cost Per Ton | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run | $12 to $45 | Widely available, cost varies most by region |
| Clean crushed stone (#57, #8) | $15 to $50 | Screened product, slightly more processing |
| Pea gravel | $20 to $55 | Rounded, decorative; less functional for driveways |
| Decorative colored gravel | $40 to $100+ | Premium pricing for appearance |
| Recycled concrete | $10 to $30 | Cheapest option where available; variable quality |
| Asphalt (installed) | $100 to $200+ per ton installed | Hard surface; much higher total project cost |
| Concrete (installed) | $6 to $12 per square foot installed | Per-area pricing; significantly higher total cost |
For a longer comparison of driveway material costs including installation cost estimates, the driveway gravel cost guide covers the full range of surfacing options with project cost examples.
For crusher run specifically, the total project cost depends on how much material you need. The crusher run quantity guide walks through the tonnage calculation for any driveway dimensions so you can multiply through to a total material cost before contacting suppliers.
Getting Accurate Quotes
When contacting local quarries or aggregate suppliers for a price, be specific about what you need. Describe the product as “3/4 inch crusher run” or “crush and run” (depending on your region’s terminology), give the quantity in tons or cubic yards, and confirm the delivery address so they can calculate a firm delivery charge. Vague requests for “gravel” or “crushed stone” may result in quotes for a different product.
If you are unsure of the local name for crusher run in your area, the what is crusher run guide lists the regional name variants so you can use the correct terminology when speaking to suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does crusher run cost per ton?
Crusher run typically costs between $12 and $45 per ton for the material itself, before delivery. The wide range reflects regional variation in quarry availability, the base rock type (limestone is usually cheaper than granite), and order volume. Prices at the lower end of the range are common in areas with abundant local quarries.
How much does crusher run cost per cubic yard?
Crusher run costs roughly $20 to $60 per cubic yard for material before delivery. Because crusher run weighs approximately 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, the per-yard price is roughly 1.35 times the per-ton price at a given supplier.
Is crusher run cheaper than gravel?
Crusher run is generally priced similarly to standard crushed stone and is almost always cheaper than decorative gravel. It is rarely the most expensive option when bought in bulk for a driveway or base layer project.
How much does crusher run delivery cost?
Delivery charges vary widely by supplier and distance but typically range from $50 to $150 per load for local delivery within 20 to 30 miles of the quarry or yard. Some suppliers include delivery in a minimum order price. Longer haul distances add a fuel surcharge that can significantly increase the per-ton cost.