How Much Does a Dump Truck Cost?

If you’re getting ready to upgrade your fleet, you’ll need to do your research to make sure that you’re not overspending. Dump trucks cost anywhere between $15,000 and $200,000. Although the most dependable dump trucks are worth paying for, many Milwaukee and Waukesha operators find that pre-owned models in the $30,000 to $40,000 price range offer a solid balance of savings and reliability.

Buying a Dump Truck: New vs. Used Acquisition Costs

So, how much does a dump truck cost? Most models in our dump truck inventory cost between $40,000 and $100,000, but like most vehicles, tri-axle dump trucks are offered at a wide range of price points. And here, as elsewhere, the primary determining factor is whether you decide to buy new or buy used! Here’s what you can expect to pay up front:

• New dump trucks start at roughly $100,000, but can often cost $150,000 or more. New Kenworth dump trucks are situated at the upper-bound with a starting price of roughly $180,000.
• Used dump trucks usually cost between $30,000 and $40,000. However, some used dump trucks can cost as little as $15,000, or as much as $100,000. 
• If you don’t need a full-size dump truck, you might consider a tandem axle setup or opt for a single axle dump trailer. Needless to say, these smaller options tend to cost less than the larger alternatives.

Dump trucks can do some serious heavy lifting, so these vehicles can be excellent investments for your Chicago or Madison business. Still, it’s worth noting from the outset that you tend to get what you pay for! Dump trucks can be fairly expensive to maintain, and that goes double for the cheapest used models.

How Much Does a Dump Truck Cost to Own?

Owing to the cost of fuel, insurance, maintenance, and tires, owning a dump truck can be a very expensive endeavor. What’s more, since any dump truck driver will need to possess the right qualifications and certifications, your labor costs will also come in on the higher side. All in all, you can expect to spend around $100,000 per year, but this number can vary significantly, depending on the quality of the dump truck that you’ve purchased.

Let’s take a look at the cost of owning a dump truck in greater detail:

• Fuel: Average costs of $1,000 to $1,500 per week
• Insurance: Average costs range from $7,000 on the low end to $20,000 on the high end
• Maintenance Costs: Varies, depending on the truck and the frequency of inspections
• Tires: Each tire costs somewhere between $600 and $1000
• Driver Fees/Labor: Labor costs will vary by state, averaging at roughly $650 per week in Wisconsin and $600 per week in Illinois.

How Much Fuel Does a Dump Truck Use?

Dump trucks are notorious gas-guzzlers, but how much fuel does a dump truck use in reality? Most dump trucks get around 5 or 6 miles per gallon, and even though these vehicles aren’t built for long-distance driving, many dump trucks will acquire 2,000 to 3,000 models per week. That means that your dump truck will use around 415 to 500 gallons of fuel per week (assuming average weekly mileage of 2,500). Fuel costs vary from state to state, but in Illinois and Wisconsin, you’re looking at weekly fuel costs between $1,200 and $1,500. 

Let Us Help You Get Started!

The cost of owning a dump truck can vary significantly, so it just makes sense to work with a team you can trust! We can help you choose and outfit a new or pre-owned dump truck that will be easy to use and maintain. Our service team can answer any questions you may have today, and you can apply to finance your purchase online! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re curious!