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In construction, every dollar matters. From materials to labor to logistics, keeping costs in check is what keeps projects on budget and on schedule. Yet one expense that often slips under the radar is the cost of common fill. Contractors may be paying more than they realize — sometimes because of limited local supply, sometimes because of middlemen markups, and sometimes simply because there’s no easy way to compare prices.
So what’s the true market rate for common fill, and how do you know if you’re paying fair value? Let’s break it down.
What Is Common Fill?
Common fill is the dirt and soil used to fill in large areas on construction sites — whether to raise grades, backfill, or stabilize foundations. Unlike select fill or engineered material, common fill doesn’t have strict specifications for grain size or compaction. It’s a workhorse material, widely used across residential, commercial, and infrastructure jobs.
Because it’s so versatile, demand for common fill is steady year-round. But that also means pricing can fluctuate based on supply, availability, and hauling distance.
What Drives the Price of Common Fill?
Several factors influence what contractors ultimately pay:
- Location & Availability – If nearby sources are limited, expect higher prices due to longer hauls.
- Hauling Costs – Dirt is heavy, and trucking fees often rival the cost of the material itself.
- Volume Ordered – Larger jobs may qualify for better per-yard rates, while smaller projects often pay a premium.
- Middlemen Markups – Traditional brokers and suppliers may add significant overhead to connect contractors with dirt.
So What’s the Market Rate?
Across the U.S. in 2025, the price of common fill typically ranges between $5 and $15 per cubic yard, not including hauling. Once trucking is factored in, that number can rise significantly — sometimes doubling the total cost.
The real question: are you paying toward the lower end of that spectrum, or overspending without realizing it?
How to Know If You’re Overpaying
Many contractors accept the first quote they get, simply because comparing options takes too much time. Without visibility into the local market, it’s easy to end up paying far above average.
That’s where digital marketplace tools like Soil Connect come in. By connecting contractors directly to local suppliers and haulers, you can:
✅ Compare pricing in real time
✅ Eliminate middleman markups
✅ Reduce hauling costs with closer sources
The Bottom Line
Common fill may not be glamorous, but it’s a major line item on many construction budgets. Knowing the true market rate — and having the tools to find it — can mean the difference between staying on budget and burning through profit margins.
Don’t let hidden costs eat into your bottom line. The smarter way to buy and move dirt is here.
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