Red Deer hydrovac / Pricing
How hydrovac pricing works in Red Deer
Most hydrovac work is billed by the hour per truck, plus a few charges that catch people out. Here’s what goes on the invoice and what to ask before you book.
The invoice
What you’re charged for
- Hourly truck rate. Truck and operator, often with a second crew member. Bigger trucks cost more per hour but dig faster.
- Minimum charge. Most operators bill a minimum number of hours per call-out.
- Travel. Time to and from your site, or a flat travel charge outside town.
- Slurry disposal. Dumping the soil and water at an approved facility.
- Standby. Time waiting on site for locates, access or another crew.
- Extras. Heated water in winter, extra hose, traffic control or backfill.
Before you book
Five things to ask any operator
- The hourly rate and the minimum charge
- How travel and disposal are billed
- WCB coverage and liability insurance
- Ground disturbance training for the crew
- Whether the estimate includes backfill
Questions
Pricing questions
Why don’t you list prices?
Hourly rates change with the truck size, the season and fuel, and each operator sets its own. A published number would be out of date quickly. The operator will give you a current rate.
How can I keep the cost down?
Have locates done and the site ready before the truck arrives, group several holes into one visit, and give accurate depths and access details so the operator sends the right truck.
Your price
Get a rate for your job
Send the job details and one hydrovac operator who works around Red Deer will contact you with a rate and an estimate of hours.
Get a hydrovac quote
Takes about two minutes. One local hydrovac operator will contact you.