What tandem, tri-axle, and quad dump trucks actually bill per hour, per load, and per ton across Tennessee in 2026 — plus when to quote hourly instead of per load.
| Truck | Hourly | Per load | Per ton (10–25 mi haul) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | $75–$120/hr | $190–$300 | $6–$12/ton |
| Tandem-axle | $95–$150/hr | $250–$380 | $7–$14/ton |
| Tri-axle | $115–$180/hr | $320–$500 | $7–$15/ton |
| Quad / super dump | $135–$205/hr | $390–$610 | $8–$16/ton |
Year-round; peak Mar–Nov. Ice storms cause 2–3 short shutdowns per winter. Middle TN construction runs through winter with weather-day delays.
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 $95/hr, counter.
$4,800–$9,400/yr for a single tandem. Tennessee is friendly on GVW — 80,000 lb without permits on most routes, higher with a $50 annual overweight permit. Nashville metro is one of the fastest-growing dirt markets in the country.
Full Tennessee 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.