A sizing plant separates aggregates of various sizes and quality using screens. The size and quality of the aggregate product are determined by market conditions, and usually vary depending on which products are in high demand. The sorted aggregate products are either stockpiled for sale at the mine site or transported directly to a job site or sales location.

Cleaning is important because it creates an aggregate product with increased strength, durability, or stability. Washing is commonly done using screens, hydro-separators or settling ponds. In some instances it is economic to separate sand from gravel because each can be sold independently. Aggregate intended for use in asphalt or concrete are typically cleaned prior to sale.

For an end user, transporting the aggregate product from the mine site to where it will be used can cost more than the aggregate itself. As a result, buyers rely on many small local sand and gravel pits, as opposed to sourcing from a few large distant sites (Edwards 1998b). Most aggregate is sold FOB (free-on-board), meaning that the mine will load it into the dump trucks for free, but the purchaser is responsible for all transportation thereafter. Large to medium-sized dump trucks transport the vast majority of all aggregate.