Calculate free haul vs. overhaul earthwork quantities for bid pricing and payment. Enter cut volume, fill volume, haul route distance, and free haul distance to get overhaul payment quantities in CY-stations. Standard free haul distance is 500 ft — override for project-specific specs.
Earthwork haul distance determines whether excavated material is moved within the free haul allowance or triggers an overhaul payment. The free haul distance — typically 500 feet per FHWA and most state DOT specifications — represents the distance a contractor is expected to move earth at the base excavation unit price.
When the average haul distance from cut to fill exceeds the free haul limit, the contractor earns overhaul payment on the volume moved beyond the limit. Overhaul is quantified in CY-stations: cubic yards multiplied by the overhaul distance expressed in 100-foot stations. This reflects the additional cost of longer haul runs.
Free haul is the distance (typically 500 ft) within which earthwork moves without extra payment. Material within this distance is covered by the basic excavation unit price. Haul beyond the free haul limit triggers overhaul payment.
Overhaul is earthwork moved beyond the free haul limit. It is paid per CY-station (1 station = 100 ft). Payment qty = overhaul volume (CY) × overhaul distance (stations). Example: 500 CY × 3 stations = 1,500 CY-stations.
A mass haul diagram plots cumulative earthwork volume vs. station. It shows haul directions, waste/borrow zones, and balancing points. The diagram area between balance points represents total overhaul work.
Most DOT and FHWA specs use 500 ft. Some states differ — always check project special provisions. Free haul is the distance a contractor can move earth without extra pay beyond the basic excavation price.
Free haul vs. overhaul volume and CY-station payment quantities for earthwork projects.
GPS and machine control systems for accurate earthwork volume tracking.
Shop Express Tools →Free haul is the distance (typically 500 ft) within which earthwork moves without extra payment. Material within this distance is covered by the basic excavation unit price. Haul beyond the free haul limit triggers overhaul payment.
Overhaul is earthwork moved beyond the free haul limit. It is paid per CY-station (1 station = 100 ft). Payment qty = overhaul volume (CY) × overhaul distance (stations). Example: 500 CY × 3 stations = 1,500 CY-stations.
A mass haul diagram plots cumulative earthwork volume vs. station. It shows haul directions, waste/borrow zones, and balancing points. The diagram area between balance points represents total overhaul work.
Most DOT and FHWA specs use 500 ft. Some states differ — always check project special provisions. Free haul is the distance a contractor can move earth without extra pay beyond the basic excavation price.
Standard: 500 ft. Check project specs.