What tandem, tri-axle, and quad dump trucks actually bill per hour, per load, and per ton across California in 2026 — plus when to quote hourly instead of per load.
| Truck | Hourly | Per load | Per ton (10–25 mi haul) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | $100–$165/hr | $250–$410 | $6–$12/ton |
| Tandem-axle | $125–$205/hr | $330–$530 | $7–$14/ton |
| Tri-axle | $155–$250/hr | $430–$700 | $7–$15/ton |
| Quad / super dump | $175–$285/hr | $510–$840 | $8–$16/ton |
Year-round in most of the state; wildfire and rain events cause short shutdowns. Central Valley aggregate runs peak in dry months.
Cycles under 45 minutes, sites with loader or paver wait time, and anything where the GC controls your pace. Always attach a two-hour minimum.
Long, predictable quarry-to-site runs over 90 minutes where you control the cycle. Convert the offer to an hourly figure first — if it lands under $125/hr, counter.
$8,000–$15,000/yr for a single tandem — highest in the country. CARB compliance is the deal-breaker: 2010+ engine required to operate in California. Retrofits are expensive; buy the newest truck you can. Overweight permits through Caltrans.
Full California startup guide →The course includes the rate-quote worksheet, cycle-time math, and the exact language for holding your number when a GC pushes back.