After transporting a load, when a truck is traveling back empty, the miles driven are called deadhead miles. Empty miles are a significant expense for both carriers and owner-operators. There aren’t any critical statistics available as they are underreported. 

An open truck is a total waste nonetheless. Every hour that a driver is driving an empty truck, he is not making any money. On the other hand, he is paid a significant pay per hour when moving a full load. Although some companies also pay for deadhead miles, that is usually a percentage of the original payment.

Tips To Avoid Deadhead Miles:

These tips and tricks mentioned below will help truckers avoid empty miles.

Be Proactive:

If you are a driver, the most important thing is planning and scheduling ahead. In this way, you can have a return load booked every time. So, you know that you have a secured load even when you leave for your initial trip.  

Networking is another meaningful way to avoid empty miles on your truck. The more connections you have in the industry, the more comprehensive your network will get available loads quickly.

Stay On Schedule:

There are some slowdowns that you can’t avoid. These include bad weather conditions, unexpected traffic blocks, and mechanical malfunctions. Still, sticking to a tight schedule will reap dividends for you in the long run.  

If you encounter any problem with a delivery, you are also in danger of being late for the next pickup. One way of avoiding this is by researching all the back routes before you set out on a journey. In this way, you will change paths in time and make timely deliveries and pickups. You will not have to make any empty journey back.

Take Common Routes:

Carriers can always ensure that they have a full truck by setting common routes. These popular shipping routes will help carriers secure a shipment no matter their timing. You can also bundle low and high-volume lanes together and provide a discount. The reduced price is much better than going back with an empty truck. An added plus is that you can gain the trust of shippers, and they will count on you for an affordable and safe haul.

Pool Your Shipment:

If you are transporting less than a truckload, it is more than likely that you will be returning with an empty truck. To avoid this, you can pool your shipments in advance. Not only will you be carrying a full truckload but also making money both ways.

FAQs

Q1-What are the average deadhead miles in trucking?

The industry average for deadhead miles is around 35%. These empty miles are a total waste of money and fuel. Deadhead miles also mean operating the empty truck will have to come out of the total rates. This will make the trucking rates higher as well. 

Q2-How do you calculate Deadhead?

If you want your company to achieve its financial targets, you must avoid deadhead miles. You can calculate deadhead miles very quickly. Just subtract paid miles from total miles driven.

Conclusion:

A full truck is always lucrative, while deadhead miles are not generating any revenue. Not only do they cut into your ROI, but they also contribute to the wear and tear of your truck. Every carrier should try their best to avoid empty miles, increasing their bottom line.

Also Read: 5 Benefits Of Combining Cold Storage And Logistics