Empty miles (also called deadhead miles) are the silent profit killer for trucking companies. Every mile your trucks run without a load costs you fuel, maintenance, and driver time - with zero revenue to show for it.

The Problem

Industry data shows that the average trucking company runs empty 17-20% of the time. For a truck driving 100,000 miles per year, that's 17,000-20,000 miles generating zero revenue while costing $0.50-$0.80 per mile in expenses.

The cost: $8,500-$16,000 per truck per year in wasted expenses.

Strategy 1: Plan Backhauls in Advance

The Strategy: Before delivering a load, have the next one lined up.

How to Implement:

• Use load boards to search for freight in your delivery location
• Build relationships with shippers in your regular delivery areas
• Contact customers 2-3 days before delivery to ask about return freight

Real Example: A carrier delivering produce from California to Texas used to deadhead back empty (1,500 miles). By pre-booking loads of Texas beef returning to California, they cut empty miles by 75% and added $2,000-$3,000 revenue per round trip.

Strategy 2: Develop Regional Lanes

The Strategy: Focus on lanes where you can find freight in both directions.

Benefits:

• Predictable freight availability
• Stronger shipper relationships
• Better rate negotiations
• Easier driver scheduling
• Reduced empty miles

Strategy 3: Use Load Board Optimization Tools

The Strategy: Leverage technology to find nearby loads quickly.

Key Features to Use:

• Search by pickup location radius
• Filter by delivery destination
• Rate alerts for your preferred lanes
• Mobile apps for on-the-go booking

Strategy 4: Build Strategic Partnerships

Partner with other carriers and brokers for mutual benefit. Share loads in complementary lanes and cover each other's capacity gaps.

Strategy 5: Consider Drop Trailer Programs

Leave trailers at customer locations to reduce wait times and enable faster turnaround for new loads.

Strategy 6: Optimize Geographic Coverage

Operate in regions with strong freight density in all directions. High-density freight corridors include major metropolitan areas, manufacturing hubs, and port cities.

Strategy 7: Implement TMS Load Optimization

Use transportation management software to plan efficient routes and match backhauls automatically.

ROI Example:

• Fleet size: 10 trucks
• Empty miles reduced from 18% to 8%
• Annual savings: $50,000+

The Bottom Line

Reducing empty miles by just 10% can save a 10-truck fleet $50,000+ annually while improving driver satisfaction and equipment utilization.

---

Ready to cut your empty miles? AstraLogixTMS includes built-in load optimization tools and backhaul planning features.