Sand and gravel make up concrete. They are important materials to lay the foundation of a bridge, building, house, roads, and a lot more. For truckers, they are potential goods to transport and make money with. According to IBIS World, the market size of the said industry for 2021 is estimated to be $14.3 billion. It is also expected to grow at a high rate – 6.1%. So, how can we make money with the sand and gravel hauling business? Let’s dig deeper…

We can typically find sand and gravel along beaches, deltas, rivers, and streams. They are a product of the weathering of rocks. The softer and weaker minerals of rocks were ground down into sizes during the weathering process. They are then carried away by water into the grounds near them. As these minerals accumulate, they form sand and gravel. There are many uses of sand and gravel. They are mixed to form concrete. They are also mixed with asphalt as construction fills. And they are a very important material for road constructions. Sand and gravel are also used to form blocks, bricks, pipes, and roof shingles. You can find them as part of railroad ballast and water filtration systems. This makes sand and gravel haulers a money-earning business.

Common Uses of Sand

Rock minerals break down due to gravity, tectonics, water, wind, and other forces. Water washes their sediments away into the inland areas. These sediments wore out as they are transported by powerful currents and waves. The results are fine sand made up mostly of feldspar, gypsum, limestone, quartz, and silica. Below are the most common uses of sand:

• Sand works as an abrasive to filter water. It traps the debris and dirt carried by water. Alternatively, it is also used to clean oil leaks and spills. 
• It is used as a mold for metal foundries. By mixing sand with clay, hot metals can be formed into pipes and railings inside the clay and sand moldings.
• It is also used as a plastering material for asphalt, brick, mortar, and concrete. 
• Sands are the base materials and protective layer in road constructions. Albeit, for traffic safety, it is used to increase resistance in icy and snowy roads. 
• The silica content of sand is the main element used to make glasses for the automobile, construction, and food industry.

Common Uses of Gravel

Rock aggregates accumulate in different parts of our natural resources. These loose aggregates formed gravel. Basalt, sandstone, and limestone crush and erode because of the weather changes. There are times when it results in a conglomerate. It is a large deposit of sedimentary gravel. Gravel can be found everywhere – in the highways, parking lots, and yards. Among the most common uses of gravel are:

• Like sand, gravel is also the base material and protective layer in road constructions. The hardness of gravel allows cemented roads to hold heavy trucks and vehicles. 
• When mixed with cement, sand, and water, gravel is the holding force of concrete.
• Commercial and private constructions use gravel as building materials. 
• Gravels are commonly used as the foundation of drainage systems. Water drains more quickly on gravel beds, so they prevent water from spilling out of the system.
• For gardens and landscape, it can be the main feature of functional mulch. Its durability and availability in earth colors make it an ideal art piece.

How to Make Money with Sand and Gravel Hauling

The average annual rate for a truck driver in the sand and gravel hauling business is around $ 60,451. While operators can make around $60,000 to $80,000. This means that there really is money in a sand and gravel hauling business. 

How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost? Estimated cost for gravel is from $12 to $75 per yard depending on the type of rock. A truck load usually ranges from $1400 or more depending on volume and travel distance.

There are two ways to make money in such a type of business. First, you can find a quarrying site to source out sand and gravel and sell them to different industry clients. Second, you can find a good storage site for these materials and earn by transporting them to the consuming clients.

When marketing your sand and gravel hauling business, you will need to adopt a multi-strategy plan. The baseline is to do your research. Make a list of construction companies who can become your potential client. Ask for referrals from colleagues, family, and friends. 

Second, send emails and flyers to advertise your business. You may do some road trips on weekends to connect with relevant people that can help you get clients for sand and gravel hauling. 

Third, visit your local government unit or the department responsible for public infrastructure. Ask how you can participate in project biddings to supply sand and gravel. It is also wise to create a business website. Connect the website to the Google business list and social media accounts. Most people search for products and services online. This is the best way to make your business get discovered in the digital world.

As a hauler, there are several ways where you can find clients for your business. You can partner with fleet owners or freight brokers to get a steady contract of hauling services. Or you may enter into an agreement with a dispatcher for sand and gravel hauling. They can help connect you with construction companies who can hire your services. Load boards are also a great way to find clients. You just need to register on the app and get familiar to maximize doing business with it.

The best way to make money on a sand and gravel hauling business is to consistently market your business. Having the right truck is also a plus. You will need fuel-efficient and reliable hauling equipment to run the business smoothly. 

A dump truck is the best truck for hauling sand and gravel. Therefore, if you are interested in starting your own business in this industry, you need to pick the perfect unit. 

Visit UsedVending today and check out our amazing list of dump trucks for sale.