Understanding the Different Materials: Limestone, Sand, Gravel, etc.

If you're new to the aggregate hauling world, you might think all loads are the same — but what you're hauling matters. Different materials behave differently in a trailer, require different loading techniques, and can even impact your truck's maintenance and fuel costs.

At 326 Trucking, we want every owner-operator to feel confident pulling up to the plant. So here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of the most common materials you’ll haul — and what to expect with each one.

Limestone

What it is:
A dense rock used in road base, concrete mixes, and drainage projects.

What to expect:

• Heavier than sand 

• Can be dusty — especially in dry conditions

• May require extra cleaning if left sitting in your bed too long

• Tends to settle tightly, so loads ride smoothly

Pro tip:
Keep an eye on your axle weights — limestone can get you overloaded fast if you’re not careful.

Sand

What it is:
Fine-grained material used in concrete, asphalt, and site leveling and golf courses.

What to expect:

• Flows easily during dumping

• Can be sticky when wet — may require extra time to unload

• Lightweight compared to limestone

• Can blow off the trailer, so a solid tarp system is a must

Pro tip:
Always clean your bed when switching between materials.  Clients do not like limestone or gravel in their sand and vice versa

Gravel

What it is:
Loose rock material — usually ⅜" to 1½" in diameter — used for driveways, roads, and drainage and concrete mixes.

What to expect:

• Can roll under your tailgate if not sealed properly

• May get caught in tailgates or corners of the trailer

Pro tip:
Ask the loader for an even distribution to avoid uneven dumping or off-center loads.

Crushed Concrete or Recycled Aggregate

What it is:
Demolition material from old concrete, crushed and reused in new projects.

What to expect:

• Can contain sharp edges — avoid letting it sit in your trailer too long

• Can be a bit dusty

• Great for base layers in road construction

Pro tip:
Inspect your trailer floor and liner after hauling this material — it’s known to cause wear and tear.

Topsoil or Fill Dirt

What it is:
Soil used for landscaping, leveling, and erosion control.

What to expect:

• Can be very heavy when wet

• May stick to your trailer bed

• May require slow, controlled dumping to avoid build-up

• Not always a consistent material — it can vary by supplier

Pro tip:
Use a liner or floor treatment if you’re regularly hauling sticky materials like wet fill.

Material Behavior Affects Your Bottom Line

Different materials impact your:

• Time at the plant and on-site

• Fuel usage due to weight

• Wear and tear on your equipment

Understanding the difference allows you to load smarter, drive safer, and earn more.

326 Trucking Helps You Haul with Confidence

We provide route details and material types for every job — so you’re never guessing what you're getting into.

When you work with 326 Trucking, you get:

• Reliable info on plant requirements

• Help matching you with jobs that suit your setup

• Support and feedback from experienced dispatchers

Have questions about hauling different materials? Email us at trucks@326trucking.com — we’re always happy to help.