From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-17 14:36:00

Carriers often overlook the impact of empty miles on their profits. Deadhead, or running empty between loads, can go unnoticed but significantly affects margins and equipment wear. Tracking deadhead percentage is crucial for improving planning and reducing wasted miles. Keeping deadheads under 15% is the goal for efficient operations.

Smart carriers focus on reducing deadhead by planning strategically from zone to zone rather than city to city. Establishing origin zones for strong outbound loads and intentionally returning to those zones helps minimize empty miles. Short hauls can also be utilized to turn deadhead into profit and optimize fuel spend.

Developing relationships with brokers or shippers for regular freight can provide consistency and predictability, reducing the need to constantly chase loads. Setting a hard deadhead limit and making decisions based on total miles, not just loaded miles, helps protect profit and maintain efficiency.

Deadhead reduction strategies are essential for profitable trucking operations. Planning intentionally, tracking deadhead percentage, and making decisions based on total miles are key to success in the industry. Every mile matters, and minimizing wasted miles is crucial for survival in the market.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Deadhead Reduction Strategies That Work