How to fill empty miles on your return trip

Every mile you drive with an empty trailer is a mile you pay for and don’t get paid for. Industry folks call it deadhead. You can’t get rid of it completely, but a little planning cuts it down a lot.

Plan the return before you leave

As soon as you book a job, look at where it drops off. Search for shipments that pick up near that city and head back toward home, or toward your next job.

Post your route as truck space

On Haulr you can post a trip you’re already making, with your dates and how much room you have. Shippers on that route can book a spot directly. It works well for partial loads, like a sofa or a few boxes, that wouldn’t justify a trip on their own.

Widen your search a little

• Look at pickups within a short detour of your route, not just in the exact city
• Be flexible by a day or two on pickup dates
• Consider smaller jobs that fit around what’s already on the trailer

Price backhauls to win

A load on a trip you’re driving anyway doesn’t need to cover the whole cost of the drive. Even a modest price beats an empty trailer, and competitive offers on return legs help you build ratings and repeat customers.