Posted June 25, 2026 · ZipLane Insider
Every mile a truck travels should generate revenue—but in reality, that isn't always the case. Empty miles, also known as deadhead miles, occur when a truck is traveling without freight after completing a delivery or while repositioning for the next pickup. Although they are sometimes unavoidable, excessive empty miles are one of the biggest profit killers in the trucking industry.
For owner-operators and fleet owners, reducing deadhead miles isn't simply about saving fuel. It directly improves profitability, increases equipment utilization, lowers maintenance costs, and allows drivers to spend more time hauling paying freight. Studies and industry analyses consistently show that reducing even a small percentage of empty miles can save thousands of dollars per truck every year.
Empty miles refer to any distance traveled without a paying load. This usually happens after a delivery has been completed and no return freight has been secured, forcing the truck to travel empty to another pickup location.
For example, a carrier delivers a load from Dallas, Texas, to Atlanta, Georgia. After unloading, the truck must travel 180 miles to pick up the next shipment. Those 180 miles generate no revenue while still consuming fuel, driver hours, tires, and maintenance resources.
While some deadhead miles are unavoidable, professional dispatch planning can significantly reduce them through better scheduling and strategic load selection.
Many new carriers focus only on fuel costs when evaluating empty miles. However, every mile driven without freight affects multiple areas of the business.
When these expenses are calculated over thousands of miles each year, the financial impact becomes substantial. Industry guides estimate that even reducing deadhead by a few percentage points can improve annual profitability by thousands of dollars per truck.
One of the most effective ways to reduce empty miles is to secure the next shipment before the current delivery is completed. Experienced dispatchers begin searching for backhaul opportunities hours—or even days—before the truck reaches its destination.
This proactive planning minimizes downtime and allows drivers to move directly from one paying load to another instead of waiting at truck stops or searching load boards after unloading.
Running random freight across the country often creates long empty repositioning trips. Professional dispatchers analyze historical freight patterns and identify lanes that consistently offer outbound and return loads.
By operating within proven freight corridors, carriers improve equipment utilization and create more predictable weekly revenue.
Relying on a single load board limits available freight opportunities. Successful dispatchers monitor multiple freight platforms while maintaining relationships with trusted brokers and direct shippers.
Access to multiple freight sources increases the likelihood of finding profitable reloads that match your equipment type, preferred lanes, and delivery schedule.
A high-paying load is not always the most profitable choice. Dispatchers evaluate several factors before accepting freight, including:
Looking at the complete picture often results in higher weekly profits than simply choosing the highest advertised rate.
Long-term relationships with reliable brokers often lead to repeat freight and better-paying opportunities. Brokers are more likely to contact carriers they trust for future shipments, reducing the need to constantly search for freight.
Consistent communication, on-time deliveries, and professional service all contribute to stronger broker partnerships.
Modern transportation management systems (TMS), GPS tracking, route optimization software, and AI-powered dispatch tools help identify better freight opportunities and improve planning. These technologies analyze market conditions, freight availability, and route efficiency much faster than manual processes.
As technology continues to evolve, many successful carriers are combining experienced dispatch teams with advanced software to reduce unnecessary mileage and improve operational efficiency.
You cannot improve what you do not measure. Every carrier should monitor the percentage of miles driven without freight.
A simple formula is:
Deadhead Percentage = (Empty Miles ÷ Total Miles Driven) × 100
Reviewing this metric every month allows fleet owners to identify trends and evaluate dispatch performance. Many profitable fleets work continuously to reduce their deadhead percentage through better planning and stronger freight networks.
Professional dispatchers do much more than book freight. Their daily responsibilities include monitoring freight markets, negotiating rates, planning efficient routes, securing backhauls, communicating with brokers, and coordinating appointments to maximize truck utilization.
Rather than reacting after a delivery is complete, experienced dispatchers constantly plan several steps ahead. This proactive approach helps carriers reduce downtime, improve weekly revenue, and keep trucks moving efficiently.
What is considered a good deadhead percentage?
While every operation is different, many successful carriers aim to keep empty miles below 10% whenever possible. Exact percentages depend on freight markets, equipment type, and operating regions.
Can empty miles be completely eliminated?
No. Some repositioning is unavoidable. However, strategic planning can significantly reduce unnecessary empty travel.
Do dispatch services really help reduce deadhead?
Yes. Experienced dispatchers monitor freight opportunities continuously, negotiate reloads before deliveries are completed, and optimize routes to maximize loaded miles.
At ZipLane Group, reducing empty miles is part of our daily dispatch strategy. Our team monitors multiple freight sources, negotiates competitive rates, plans efficient reloads, and coordinates every shipment with the goal of maximizing revenue while minimizing unnecessary travel.
By combining professional dispatching, back-office support, accounting, safety & compliance, and ELD management, we help owner-operators and trucking companies build more efficient operations and achieve long-term growth.
Every empty mile represents an opportunity to improve. Through better planning, stronger broker relationships, advanced technology, and experienced dispatch support, trucking companies can reduce unnecessary costs and increase profitability.
Small improvements made consistently over time often lead to significant financial gains. Whether you operate a single truck or an expanding fleet, reducing deadhead miles should remain one of your top operational priorities.
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