We are going to try to address the concern we hear from many of our customers regarding the possibility of landscape boulders getting scarred, chipped, or broken when delivered with dump trucks.

It is probably best to first to understand why boulders are delivered in end dump trucks instead of on pallets on flat bed trucks where they will not be subjected to dropping and rubbing against each other?

1. Efficient Loading and Unloading

• Easy Dumping Process: Dump trucks are designed to easily unload their cargo by tipping the bed of the truck. This makes the unloading of boulders quick and efficient, reducing the time and labor needed compared to manually unloading them or using other equipment.

• Large Capacity: Dump trucks are available in various sizes, allowing them to carry a significant amount of boulders at once. This makes them ideal for bulk deliveries, whether it’s for construction, landscaping, or other purposes.

2. Cost-Effective

• Fewer Handling Steps: With dump trucks, there’s minimal handling required once the boulders are loaded. The driver can deliver the boulders directly to the job site and unload them, which saves time compared to alternative methods.

3. Safety

• Secure Transport: End Dump trucks are designed tall sides to help secure loads. This way boulders cannot fall off during transport, however they can still shift slightly. This is crucial, as boulders are heavy and can be dangerous if they move unexpectedly, which can happen to palletized boulders that have been strapped to flatbeds.

• Efficient Unloading for Safety: The ability to unload boulders quickly and efficiently helps reduce the risk of injury, as workers don’t need to physically be close to the truck during the dumping process.

So, yes boulders can be handled and delivered manually on a piece by piece basis, but the main reason they aren’t employed on larger scale landscape projects requiring many boulders is it becomes cost prohibitive for any small aesthetic advantage it may provide.

Other considerations: 

1. A certain amount of scarring and chipping are standard for products delivered in this manner. This is typically easily remedied by orienting any chipped or scarred faces so as to be least visible upon placement.  Placing the blemished side facing down will hide these imperfections.

2. Angular boulders are created from blasting entire hillsides or with breaking equipment so they have already been exposed to more destructive forces than they will experience in the handling and dumping process.

3. Boulders are typically moved and loaded at the quarry by large front end loaders and they will inherently get somewhat marred in this process. This is before they get separated into sizes for sale.

4. We regularly hear the concern of “What if a boulder breaks during the dumping process?” DSS has been doing this for many years and it is the very rare occurrence that a boulder actually breaks when handling.  If it does we will replace it free of charge.

5. Having bare dirt or soft surface to dump on at the jobsite can help lessen any chances of minor damage.

While the possibility of minor scarring or chipping exists when delivering boulders via dump trucks, this method remains the most efficient, cost-effective, and safe way to transport large quantities. The nature of how boulders are sourced, handled, and placed makes some wear inevitable, but these minor imperfections can be easily managed through strategic placement. Ultimately, the benefits of using end dump trucks far outweigh the aesthetic concerns, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget. By understanding the process and taking a few precautions, our customers can confidently incorporate landscape boulders into their projects without worry.