What tandem, tri-axle, and quad dump trucks actually bill per hour, per load, and per ton across Pennsylvania in 2026 — plus when to quote hourly instead of per load.
| Truck | Hourly | Per load | Per ton (10–25 mi haul) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | $90–$135/hr | $230–$340 | $6–$12/ton |
| Tandem-axle | $115–$170/hr | $300–$440 | $7–$14/ton |
| Tri-axle | $140–$205/hr | $390–$580 | $7–$15/ton |
| Quad / super dump | $160–$240/hr | $470–$700 | $8–$16/ton |
Real winter shutdown Dec–Mar for most site work. Salt and snow-plow subcontracts fill the gap for prepared operators.
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 $115/hr, counter.
$5,200–$9,800/yr for a single tandem. Pennsylvania has strict overweight enforcement and full spring thaw laws (Feb–Apr on posted roads). Tri-axle is the workhorse; quads limited by the 40-ton state gross cap.
Full Pennsylvania 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.