What to Haul: Aggregate vs C&D vs Asphalt vs Topsoil (2026)
Published March 31, 2026·Last reviewed March 31, 2026·9 min read
Short answer
Aggregate is the boring, steady baseline. C&D pays more but needs tarps and transfer-station relationships. Asphalt pays best but requires an insulated bed and tight schedules. Start with aggregate, layer C&D once you have GC relationships.
Pick the material your market has, not the one that pays best on paper. A perfect asphalt truck in a market with no paving is just a slow tandem.
Side by side
| Material | Margin | Season | Equipment needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate / stone | Low-mid | Year-round | Any dump |
| Fill dirt | Low | Peak Q2–Q3 | Any dump |
| C&D debris | Mid-high | Year-round | Tarp system, transfer-station account |
| Asphalt | High | Apr–Nov | Insulated bed, tarp, tight schedules |
| Topsoil / mulch | Low-mid | Peak spring | Clean bed (won't mix with prior loads) |
Dump Truck Academy Editorial Team
Our editorial desk turns official guidance, public records, and operating assumptions into practical resources for dump truck business owners.
Estimates are labeled, methodologies are explained, and regulatory claims link to primary sources where available.
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