When the time comes for you to find a road salt supplier, you need to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Otherwise, your ice and snow removal service won’t see the profits you hope for. And, based on your location, bulk salt prices vary. So, no more speculation this winter season. Let’s look at current pricing for bulk salt in the United States.
Take some of the guesswork out of the equation. Look at the present-day production, consumption, and state of rock salt prices in 2020. Then, find your region and see what the average Department of Transportation (DOT) bulk rock salt consumption and costs are. Finally, understand how your expected costs vary from that of DOT.
Contemporary Production, Consumption, and Bulk Rock Salt Prices
Rock salt (sodium chloride) is currently the most common deicer for roads and highways. Other ice-melting products are sometimes used in its place. Common alternatives are calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and brine or liquid deicers.
The usage of rock salt for snow and ice melting in the U.S has increased dramatically since the 1940s. Yet, production is in a surprising state. As with any product, when supply is low and demand is high, prices increase.
Some states like Oregon have decided not to use rock salt as a deicer for roads and highways because of the environmental impact of salt damage. Even so, consumption and costs continue to rise. Learn how much each US state consumes each year and in turn the bulk salt price.
DOT Bulk Salt Usage, Cost, And Production By State
*Information based on data collected by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Calculated using 5-year averages.
Alaska
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 18K tons
- DOT Cost: $145 per ton
- Local Production: None
Arizona
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 20K tons
- DOT Cost: $112 per ton
- Local Production: 1 Solar Salt Production Facility
Arkansas
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 14K tons
- DOT Cost: $95 per ton
- Local Production: None
California
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 22K tons
- DOT Cost: $130 per ton
- Local Production: 5 Solar Salt Production Facilities and 2 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities
Colorado
- Bulk Salt Usage: Ice Slicer Salt, 118K tons
- DOT Cost: $88 per ton
- Local Production: None
Connecticut
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 143K tons
- DOT Cost: $59 per ton
- Local Production: None
Delaware
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 55K tons
- DOT Cost: $66 per ton
- Local Production: None
Idaho
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 43K tons
- DOT Cost: $64 per ton
- Local Production: None
Illinois
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 466K tons
- DOT Cost: $63 per ton
- Local Production: None
Indiana
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 367K tons
- DOT Cost: $68 per ton
- Local Production: None
Iowa
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 203K tons
- DOT Cost: $66 per ton
- Local Production: None
Kansas
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 85K tons
- DOT Cost: $47 per ton
- Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 3 Mined Salt Production Facilities
Kentucky
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 287K tons
- DOT Cost: $63 per ton
- Local Production: None
Louisiana
- Bulk Salt Usage: None
- DOT Cost: Not Applicable
- Local Production: 2 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 3 Mined Salt Production Facilities
Maine
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 100K tons
- DOT Cost: $64 per ton
- Local Production: None
Maryland
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 228K tons
- DOT Cost: $61 per ton
- Local Production: None
Massachusetts
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 500K tons
- DOT Cost: $51 per ton
- Local Production: None
Michigan
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 550K tons
- DOT Cost: $54 per ton
- Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 1 Mined Salt Production Facility
Minnesota
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 212K tons
- DOT Cost: $70 per ton
- Local Production: None
Mississippi
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 175 tons
- DOT Cost: $100 per ton
- Local Production: None
Missouri
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 193K tons
- DOT Cost: $62 per ton
- Local Production: None
Montana
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 35K tons and Solar Salt, 24K tons
- DOT Cost: $85-110 per ton
- Local Production: None
Nebraska
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 85K tons
- DOT Cost: $48 per ton
- Local Production: None
Nevada
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 70K tons
- DOT Cost: $52 per ton
- Local Production: 1 Mined Salt Production Facility
New Hampshire
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 200K tons
- DOT Cost: $63 per ton
- Local Production: None
New Jersey
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 150K tons
- DOT Cost: $61 per ton
- Local Production: None
New Mexico
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 5K tons
- DOT Cost: $56 per ton
- Local Production: 3 Solar Salt Production Facilities
New York
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 826K tons
- DOT Cost: $51 per ton
- Local Production: 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities
North Dakota
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 30K tons
- DOT Cost: $70 per ton
- Local Production: None
Ohio
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 645K tons
- DOT Cost: $58 per ton
- Local Production: 2 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities, 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities
Oklahoma
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 50K tons
- DOT Cost: $58 per ton
- Local Production: 1 Solar Salt Production Facility
Pennsylvania
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 976K tons
- DOT Cost: $62 per ton
- Local Production: None
Rhode Island
- Bulk Salt Usage: Solar Salt, 82K tons
- DOT Cost: $56 per ton
- Local Production: None
South Dakota
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 45K tons
- DOT Cost: $68 per ton
- Local Production: None
Tennessee
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 105K tons
- DOT Cost: $79 per ton
- Local Production: None
Texas
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 1.5K tons
- DOT Cost: $40 per ton
- Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities
Utah
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 205K tons
- DOT Cost: $31 per ton
- Local Production: 4 Solar Salt Production Facilities and 1 Mined Salt Production Facility
Vermont
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 105K tons
- DOT Cost: $64 per ton
- Local Production: None
Virginia
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 105K tons
- DOT Cost: $77 per ton
- Local Production: 1 Evaporated Salt Production Facility
Washington
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 60K tons
- DOT Cost: $121 per ton
- Local Production: None
West Virginia
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 230K tons
- DOT Cost: $65 per ton
- Local Production: None
Wisconsin
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 512K tons
- DOT Cost: $59 per ton
- Local Production: None
Wyoming
- Bulk Salt Usage: Rock Salt, 20K tons
- DOT Cost: $66 per ton
- Local Production: None
Why You Don’t Pay the Same Bulk Rock Salt Price in 2020 as DOT
The amount that DOT pays for bulk salt in your state can be an indicator of what you will pay, don’t expect the same costs. Instead, you should expect to spend more. And, here’s why.
First of all, you need to take into account that the state transportation department purchases its bulk salt a year or more in advance. They deice large areas and stretches of highway. Buying anything in quantity decreases the cost per unit.
Next, understand that salt prices have increased by 62% in the last decade. And, this trend is continuing. So, the prices listed here are well below what your bulk salt price will be for you to deice your community roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots.
To receive a rock salt and ice melt price estimate, contact us today.
