Aggregates are essential to maintaining the quality of American life.

Natural aggregates of crushed stone, sand and gravel and supporting industries contribute an annual total of 38 billion dollars to the U.S. economy. In 2017, North Carolina was the eighth largest crushed stone producing state in the United States.

There are more than 10,000 construction aggregates operations nationwide and approximately 635 in North Carolina (135 crushed stone, 500 sand and gravel). Proximity to market is critical due to high transportation costs. Most all aggregate produced in North Carolina is used in North Carolina, usually within 50 miles of where it is produced.

Over 90 percent of all aggregate is moved by dump truck. Truck haul costs approximately 20 to 25 cents per ton-mile.

Some aggregate is moved by railroad and a small amount is moved by barge off the Carolina Coast. Because aggregate is a heavy, low cost per ton product, haul distance largely controls the price of aggregate.