How to Reduce Empty Miles and Book Profitable Backhauls

Empty miles, or non-revenue-generating miles, are a significant drain on profitability for any trucking operation. For truckload carriers, empty miles constituted an average of 20.3% of all miles traveled in the last year, a costly inefficiency that directly impacts the bottom line (ATRI, 2023). By strategically planning routes, leveraging technology, and building relationships, owner-operators and small fleets can significantly reduce these deadhead miles and turn return trips into profitable backhauls, maximizing asset utilization and boosting net income.

Steps

1. Calculate Your All-In Cost Per Mile (CPM)

Before you can determine if a backhaul is profitable, you must know your exact cost of operation. Calculate your all-in cost per mile by adding all fixed costs (truck payments, insurance, permits) and variable costs (fuel, maintenance, tires) for a given period and dividing by the total miles driven in that period. The average marginal operating cost for trucking was $2.25 per mile in 2022 (ATRI, 2023), but your specific costs will vary.

2. Analyze Your Lane History and Destination Markets

Review your last 6-12 months of load data to identify which destinations consistently leave you searching for a backhaul. These are your problem lanes. Conversely, identify destinations with high freight volume and favorable rates. Use data tools like DAT RateView to analyze the load-to-truck ratio and average spot rates in your destination's outbound market before you even accept the headhaul.

3. Utilize Multiple Load Boards Simultaneously

Do not rely on a single source for freight. Actively use a combination of major load boards like DAT, Truckstop.com, and potentially newer digital freight platforms. Different brokers post to different boards, and having more options dramatically increases your chances of finding a quality backhaul that fits your schedule and rate requirements.

4. Proactively Post Your Truck's Availability

Instead of just searching for loads, post your available truck on the load boards. Clearly list your equipment type, your desired destination or region, and your available date and time. This allows brokers who are actively looking for trucks to find you directly, saving you time and potentially leading to better rate negotiations.

5. Build Relationships with Brokers and Shippers

Reliable service on a headhaul can lead to opportunities for a backhaul. Communicate with the broker about your return trip needs; they may have another customer with a load heading in your direction. Over time, these relationships can lead to dedicated lanes or first-choice status on desirable freight, reducing your reliance on the volatile spot market.

6. Look for "Tri-Hauls" or Triangular Routes

The perfect A-to-B-to-A route is not always possible or profitable. Instead of returning directly home empty, consider a triangular route (A-to-B-to-C-to-A). This involves picking up a second load that takes you to a third location with a better freight market for your final leg home, keeping your truck loaded for a higher percentage of the total trip.

7. Be Flexible with Timing and Location

Sometimes the best backhaul isn't available for immediate pickup. A willingness to accept a layover of one or two days can open up significantly more profitable load options. Similarly, being willing to deadhead 50-100 miles to a stronger freight hub can often result in a much higher-paying load than what is available in your immediate vicinity.

8. Consider Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipments

If a full truckload backhaul isn't available, don't rule out hauling partial or LTL freight. Combining two or more LTL shipments can often meet or exceed the revenue of a single, lower-paying truckload. This requires more coordination but can be an effective strategy for filling your trailer on a difficult backhaul lane.