Crushed stone has a very low value-to-weight ratio, making inland freight costs prohibitive relative to the commodity's price. Imports are therefore economically viable primarily in coastal markets — particularly the US Northeast and Southeast — where bulk vessel freight from quarries in Canada, the Bahamas, or other nearby sources can undercut the cost of trucking domestic stone long distances.

Buyers specify gradation (particle size distribution per ASTM standards), Los Angeles abrasion value (hardness), soundness, and in some cases petrographic composition. Railroad ballast, for example, requires specific size ranges and high abrasion resistance, while concrete aggregate specifications focus on gradation and cleanliness. Importers should obtain material test reports from the quarry to confirm compliance before shipment.