Deadhead miles. Empty cargo. Backhauling. No matter what you call it, even the most well-run fleets deal with the ubiquitous challenge of empty miles. Fleet managers need cost control and operational efficiency, and are constantly searching for new ways to gain ground in the fight against wasted miles. But understanding deadhead miles and how to minimize them isn’t easy. In this article, we will explore ways to improve efficiency by reducing deadhead miles, so that you can get the very most out of every load and every asset in your fleet.
What Are Deadhead Miles?
Deadhead miles are non-revenue-generating miles driven without cargo. They’re common in trucking but can quickly become a drain on resources and profits if not managed carefully. Empty miles often pile up when a driver heads back to their home base or travels to pick up their next load—anytime a truck is pulling an empty trailer, it’s considered deadheading.
This is different from bobtailing, which refers to driving a truck without a trailer at all. While both involve running empty, deadhead miles specifically refer to trips with an empty trailer attached. And although these trips may be necessary, they still mean wasted fuel, wasted time, and zero revenue.
Why Deadhead Miles Are a Problem
A 2023 study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) revealed that deadhead miles account for a substantial portion of a fleet’s total mileage. Though exact percentages vary across industries, market research indicated that around 25% of miles driven by private fleets count as deadhead miles. This means empty trailers are costing fleets money a quarter of the time. Deadhead trucks still require fuel and accumulate wear and tear, plus there are other impacts on things like safety and the environment. Here are some of the ways empty miles can affect your fleet.
- Financial Impact – Unpaid mileage increases fuel costs, driver hours, and wear and tear without generating revenue.
- Operational Impact – Wasted driver time and underused assets reduce overall fleet efficiency.
- Safety Impact – Empty trailers are more susceptible to tipping, especially at high speeds or in bad weather. They can also handle differently than loaded trailers, increasing the risk of accidents and making it harder for drivers to maintain control.
- Environmental Impact – More empty trips mean more emissions with no freight moved, hurting sustainability efforts.
How to Reduce Deadhead Miles
To be clear, completely eliminating deadhead miles isn’t realistic. But there are proven ways to reduce empty miles using the right tools, simple strategies, and smart planning. Let’s explore some solutions for reducing deadhead mileage.
Use Smarter Routing and Dispatching Tools
Dynamic route optimization and dispatch software help reduce empty miles by building more efficient, real-world-ready plans. These tools use advanced algorithms to sequence stops, minimize out-of-route driving, and adjust routes in response to traffic, weather, and driver availability. When dispatchers can respond to last-minute changes and optimize assignments in real time, they’re better equipped to avoid sending drivers out empty. Smarter routing doesn’t just save miles either—it helps fleets use time, fuel, and equipment more effectively.
Implement Load Matching and Visibility Tools
Load boards and connected partner networks help reduce empty miles by making it easier to fill return trips. These tools give fleet managers real-time visibility into available freight, allowing them to find loads that match a driver’s current location or upcoming destination. By integrating route data with load availability, dispatchers can plan smarter and avoid unnecessary empty legs. Better visibility means faster decisions, tighter scheduling, and more efficient use of both equipment and driver time, boosting profitability on every mile.
Improve Driver Workflow and Communication
Better communication and real-time updates help reduce missed opportunities that lead to empty miles. Mobile tools let drivers view route assignments, receive schedule changes instantly, and stay aligned with dispatch in real time. When drivers have easy access to available loads, route options, and schedule updates, they’re less likely to deadhead between jobs. Stronger coordination between dispatch and drivers—backed by mobile apps and workflow tools—helps maximize fleet utilization and keep trucks moving with purpose.
Leverage Data and Analytics for Smarter Planning
Historical data and predictive analytics help fleet managers identify patterns, optimize asset use, and adjust dispatch strategies in order to reduce deadhead mileage. Regularly tracking key metrics like fuel consumption and route adherence using telematics solutions can help identify inefficiencies that contribute to deadhead miles, allowing for prompt corrective action.
Build Stronger Backhaul Partnerships
Reducing deadhead miles often comes down to relationships. Regional networking and collaborative freight planning can open the door to recurring return-load opportunities that keep trucks full and moving. By building partnerships with other carriers or shippers, fleets increase their chances of finding backhauls that align with their regular routes. These connections also create opportunities for referrals, shared cargo space, and more efficient use of available capacity. With the right partnerships in place, backhauls become more consistent, and empty miles less frequent.
By implementing these strategies, fleets can significantly reduce deadhead miles, leading to better profits and a lower environmental impact.
Take Control: Cut Deadhead Miles with Solera Fleet Solutions
In the battle to cut costs and improve fleet performance, reducing deadhead miles is essential. There is simply no more direct path to gaining efficiency than turning empty miles into paid miles. Solera Fleet Solutions offers a suite of connected tools that offer the ability to reduce waste and increase profitability. Omnitracs’ dynamic routing and dispatch software helps reduce empty miles by matching loads more effectively and adjusting routes in real time. Sylectus’ load boards and integrated transportation management solutions help fill return trips and reduce empty legs. Additionally, Solera telematics and ELD technologies keep you connected with full visibility into vehicle locations and performance to stay on top of your fleet every mile of every trip.
If you’re a fleet manager who is looking to gain ground on deadhead miles, contact Solera today and see how the right tools can give you the upper hand.
