What tandem, tri-axle, and quad dump trucks actually bill per hour, per load, and per ton across Maryland in 2026 — plus when to quote hourly instead of per load.
| Truck | Hourly | Per load | Per ton (10–25 mi haul) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | $95–$140/hr | $240–$360 | $6–$12/ton |
| Tandem-axle | $120–$180/hr | $310–$460 | $7–$14/ton |
| Tri-axle | $145–$215/hr | $410–$610 | $7–$15/ton |
| Quad / super dump | $170–$250/hr | $490–$730 | $8–$16/ton |
Real winter shutdown Dec–Feb on rural sites; DC-metro commercial runs through winter with weather delays. Spring thaw restrictions on western MD posted roads.
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 $120/hr, counter.
$5,600–$10,800/yr for a single tandem — DC-metro operators pay the top of the range. Maryland is a strict enforcement state — 80,000 lb GVW cap, and overweight permits are route-specific through MDOT SHA. Tri-axle is dominant; the I-95 corridor pulls DC-metro rates.
Full Maryland 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.