For small fleet owners, empty miles are a silent killer that can cost them a lot of time and money. Empty miles, often called “deadhead” miles, are particularly harmful because they consume fuel, time, and increase wear and tear on vehicles, all without generating a profit.
In a tight market where profit margins are slim, minimizing these unproductive miles isn’t just a good idea, it’s crucial for survival and growth.
The good news is that with the smart dispatch strategies, you can significantly reduce these miles. In this blog, we’ll tell you what empty miles are and how carriers can reduce these empty miles. Let’s get right into it!!
What are Empty Miles?
Empty miles refer to the distance a truck or other commercial vehicle travels without carrying any load. This happens when the vehicle is returning to its origin after a delivery, or travelling to a new pickup location, without any load.
For example, after dropping off a shipment, your driver heads back without anything in the trailer. It happens when your truck is on the road without a load.
These trips might seem harmless, but they add up fast and can lead to higher fuel costs, more time on the road, and extra maintenance, all while earning nothing.
How to Reduce Empty Miles in Trucking?
Empty miles have been a serious problem in the trucking industry, often caused by poor route planning, missed opportunities, and gaps in communication between the shippers and carriers. For empty miles reduction, you can follow the below given smart dispatching tips that you actually can use:
1. Smart Route Planning
Not all routes are created equal. So, planning the most efficient routes can significantly reduce unnecessary mileage and save time. However, it’s not just about finding the shortest path; it’s about finding the smartest one.
Smart truck route optimization means taking into account: traffic conditions, road construction, weather, time of day, and delivery deadlines. A well-optimized route gets your truck to its destination faster and helps avoid costly delays.
2. Backhaul Utilization
One of the best ways to reduce deadhead miles is to ensure your trucks rarely come back empty. Whenever you go for a delivery, make sure to secure a return load from the area where a delivery is being made before you finish the delivery. This is called “Backhaul”, and it can make a lot of difference. To get a better backhaul, you can:
- Use load boards like DAT, Truckstop, or 123LoadBoard to search for return freight.
- Work with brokers or shippers in key regions who can regularly offer backhaul options.
- Stay flexible, sometimes a short detour for a load is better than driving empty for free.
Also, make sure to look for backhaul opportunities before the delivery is complete, not after. Planning ahead keeps trucks moving with freight on board.
3. Multi-Stop Trucking
When it makes sense for your freight type and delivery windows, combine multiple shipments into one trip. This is known as multi-stop trucking. It allows you to deliver to several customers along one route instead of making separate trips for each. This way, you can reduce the total miles travelled and make better use of your truck’s capacity.
Moreover, group the shipment that are going in the same direction or to the same region and avoid combinations that create delays or route detours.
4.Improve Communication Between Dispatchers and Drivers
Your drivers and dispatchers should work like a team, not solo. Clear and timely communication can prevent missed opportunities. If a driver finishes a delivery and a nearby load becomes available, the dispatcher should be able to alert them immediately. Miscommunication often leads to idle time or unnecessary empty trips.
For better communication, you can use mobile-friendly dispatch apps or simple messaging platforms so that drivers and dispatchers can stay in touch and coordinate in real time. You can use apps like Motive, WhatsApp, or Samsara Driver to bridge the gap between the company and the road.
5. Using Technology Designed for Small Fleets
Modern logistics tools are no longer just for big carriers. Today, there are affordable, easy-to-use platforms that small fleet owners can use to plan smarter, track trucks, and book better loads. A good dispatch and routing software can help you with:
- Match loads based on your location and availability
- Optimize fuel usage
- Track hours and ETA
- Get alerted to nearby loads when you’re finishing one
Great Tools for Small Fleets:
- Truckbase: Dispatch & Transportation Management System (TMS) platform designed for small fleets.
- Axele: Smart load planning and TMS
- Fleetio: Track, maintain, and grow your fleet with powerful fleet management and tracking tools.
Look for small fleet management tools that fit your budget and scale. Even basic tools can make a big difference in decision-making and efficiency.
Final Words
Empty miles are a silent drain on your business, but they don’t have to be. With smart planning, better communication, and a few tech tools, even the smallest fleets can start reducing deadhead trips and running more efficiently. Start with one or two strategies that make the most sense for your routes and grow from there.
If you’re looking for an easier way to find loads and cut down on empty miles, you can contact Dispatch Circle. They help truckers with shipments, tailored to their needs, helping reduce deadhead and boost profits.