What is Backhaul in Freight? Why Truckers Are Missing Out on Extra Income

Did you know nearly 29% of commercial trucks run empty on U.S. roads? That’s not just wasted mileage — it’s lost income. Understanding the meaning of backhaul could be the difference between barely covering expenses and significantly boosting profit margins in trucking.

An empty return trip costs carriers the same as a loaded one: fuel, insurance, driver wages, and lease payments don’t go away just because the trailer is empty. The impact is striking. A route without backhaul might bring in $350 in profit, while adding a backhaul load at just 80% of standard rates could raise that profit to $1,030. For fleets running 100,000 miles per year, that adds up to more than $20,000 in annual savings per truck.

Backhaul trucking means carrying freight on the return trip instead of driving empty. This strategy is transforming logistics efficiency across the industry. Major retailers like Macy’s have already embraced it, cutting 11% of their empty miles and slashing transportation costs.

Whether you’re a seasoned freight broker or just getting started in logistics, understanding backhauling isn’t optional anymore — it’s a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What backhauling really means in trucking
• How backhaul loads work in practice
• The financial and operational benefits for carriers and shippers
• Practical steps to implement backhauling in your business

Backhaul logistics isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about unlocking hidden profit that too many truckers are still leaving on the table.

The income truckers are missing without backhauling

Empty trailers cost you more than just wasted space — they drain your wallet. Inefficiency is one of the trucking industry’s biggest challenges, with 20–35% of U.S. trucking miles driven empty. These “deadhead miles” hit everyone, from independent owner-operators to large fleets.

Understanding the cost of empty miles

Every mile without freight eats into profits. Even if the trailer is empty, carriers still pay for:

• Fuel
• Maintenance
• Driver wages
• Insurance

On U.S. highways, heavy-duty trucks drive empty 35% of the time. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI):

• Deadhead miles averaged 20.6% across all carriers in 2020.
• Private fleets saw even higher empty mileage at 26%.
• Fleets wasted about $3.3 billion annually — roughly $1.69 per empty mile.

Real-life example: Profit with vs. without backhaul

A truck running 100,000 miles yearly at 6 mpg burns about 16,700 gallons of fuel. At $2.38 per gallon, that’s nearly $40,000 in fuel costs alone.

• With no backhaul:
  Profit per trip might be around $350.
• With a backhaul load (even at 80% of standard rates):
  Profit could jump to $1,030 for the same trip.

That’s over $20,000 in yearly savings per truck. Empty miles aren’t just inefficiency — they’re like writing unpaid invoices to yourself. Learn more about how to get started as a freight broker.

How much money can backhauling actually save?

• Companies can cut transportation costs by 9–15% with backhaul strategies.
• Vehicle productivity can rise by up to 15%.
• Carriers using structured backhaul planning saved:
• 42% yearly costs with annual planning.
• 36% costs with weekly planning.

Backhauling doesn’t just save money — it transforms logistics from a cost center into a profit center.

Backhauling meaning and how it works

Most trucks face empty return trips after dropping off a load. Backhaul trucking solves this by turning those wasted trips into profitable runs.

What is backhaul trucking in simple terms?

Backhaul means picking up a load on the return trip instead of hauling an empty trailer.

Example: A truck delivers goods from New York to California. Instead of driving back empty, the trucker picks up a different shipment in California to haul back toward New York.

This reduces costly “deadhead miles” — empty trips that still rack up expenses like fuel, maintenance, and driver wages.

Internal vs. external backhaul transportation

Backhaul strategies fall into two main categories:

Internal Backhauling

• Companies move their own goods on return trips.
• Example: An ice cream company delivers products to a grocery store, then picks up ingredients (like milk and eggs) nearby to bring back to the factory.
• Requires coordination between departments, suppliers, and facilities along the route.

External Backhauling

• Carriers move third-party freight on return trips.
• This relies on brokers, load boards, or direct partnerships to find available loads.
• More complex to coordinate but offers more options and extra revenue.
• Most for-hire carriers already use this method, and even private fleets are starting to adopt it.

Q2: Is backhauling legal and regulated?

Yes. Backhauling is completely legal and follows the same transportation rules as any other freight movement.

That said, carriers must protect themselves with clear agreements that define:

• Delivery deadlines
• Cargo condition requirements
• Handling responsibilities
• Liability terms

Trucks must also comply with all safety and legal requirements, including:

• Federal safety standards
• Driver hours-of-service (HOS) rules
• Transportation documentation and record-keeping

Backhauling doesn’t change the rules—it simply means you’re earning money on trips that would otherwise be empty.

How to build a backhaul strategy

Turning empty miles into profit requires the right tools, partners, and planning. The best carriers use a mix of technology, broker relationships, and route optimization to make backhauling sustainable.

Using load boards and freight brokers

Load boards: Online marketplaces where shippers, brokers, and carriers connect.

• Thousands of new loads are posted daily.
• Helps carriers track rates, compare opportunities, and secure freight that fits return routes.

Freight brokers: Key partners who connect shippers with carriers.

• They rely on your services as much as you rely on theirs.
• Their networks help spot backhaul opportunities quickly.
• A single broker call can unlock multiple load options.

Planning routes with pickups in mind

Smart backhaul operations start with strategic route planning:

• Track available space after each delivery.
• Match freight with the truck’s size, weight limits, and equipment.
• Align driver schedules with potential pickup windows.
• Consider multi-stop routes for efficiency.

A profitable backhaul strategy also means calculating costs carefully. Be sure to include fuel, driver pay, and break-even points so every backhaul mile truly adds profit—not just extra work.

Q3: How do I find backhaul loads quickly?

Speed is everything in trucking, and backhaul loads are no exception. The fastest way to secure them is by combining tech tools with industry relationships.

Here are proven methods:

• Monitor load boards regularly – They post new freight in real time, letting you match loads to your routes quickly.
• Build strong relationships with freight brokers – Brokers often call their trusted carriers first before posting to public boards.
• Use mobile load board apps – Stay connected on the road and grab loads without waiting until you’re back at the office.
• Choose boards that show payment schedules – Quick-pay details help you manage cash flow while keeping trucks moving.

Pro tip: Consistency matters. The more active you are on load boards and with brokers, the faster you’ll fill empty miles.

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Q4: What tools help automate backhaul planning?

Technology has completely changed how carriers handle backhauls. Instead of juggling spreadsheets or making last-minute calls, modern tools automate most of the work for you.

Here are the key tools that make a difference:

• GPS tracking – Shows where drivers are in real time, plus their available hours, so you can match them with jobs faster.
• Digital trip builders – Identify potential backhauls automatically, cutting down wasted miles and filling empty trailers.
• Route optimization software – Reduces deadhead miles and creates efficient multi-stop routes that maximize each trip.
• Automation platforms – Save up to 95% of route planning time by matching the right drivers to the right loads, factoring in skills and preferences.

Takeaway: With the right tech stack, backhauling shifts from a nice-to-have to a core business driver that boosts both efficiency and profitability.

Common myths and mistakes to avoid

Many truckers lose potential profits because they misunderstand backhauls. These myths and common mistakes need to be addressed.

Myth: Backhauls aren’t worth the effort

• Some carriers treat backhauls as “cheap filler” that isn’t profitable.
• In reality, backhauls can generate real revenue when rates are negotiated smartly.
• Proper route planning makes backhauls an essential part of your business strategy, not a random extra load.

Mistake: Not planning for space and timing

• Many drivers underestimate the importance of truck capacity and scheduling for return trips.
• Delays on original deliveries can throw off backhaul plans if not accounted for.
• Successful backhauling requires a balance between handling potential delays and maximizing driver time and truck space.

Takeaway: Avoid treating backhauls as an afterthought. Smart planning, negotiation, and scheduling can turn them into a major profit center instead of a source of frustration.

Q5: Can I reject low-paying backhaul offers?

Yes! You don’t have to accept every backhaul load. Key points to consider:

• Know your operating costs – only take loads that meet your profit thresholds.
• Avoid unusually low rates – these may indicate poor compensation or unreliable shippers.
• Negotiation and selectivity turn backhauls into real revenue opportunities rather than risky or marginal trips.

Takeaway: Be selective with backhaul offers to protect your margins and prioritize profitable loads.

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Q6: What if I can’t find a return load?

Even when backhaul options are scarce, you can minimize losses:

• Plan ahead – map potential backhaul opportunities in advance, especially in low-volume areas.
• Use nearby stronger markets – driving to a busier location can unlock higher-paying loads.
• Strategic empty runs – sometimes, driving empty to a better market is more profitable than accepting a low-paying load.

Takeaway: Backhaul planning requires flexibility—sometimes short repositioning trips pay off more than accepting subpar loads.

Conclusion

Backhaul trucking is a missed opportunity for many carriers, yet it has a direct impact on your bottom line. Empty trailers cost money while regular expenses—fuel, insurance, driver wages—keep piling up. The numbers are clear: a strong backhaul strategy can boost profit per route from $350 to over $1,000 and save more than $20,000 annually per truck.

Success with backhauling requires smart planning and the right tools. Load boards and freight brokers help you find return loads, while GPS tracking, digital trip builders, and route optimization tools streamline operations. Proper timing, space management, and multi-stop planning turn otherwise empty miles into profitable trips.

Some carriers dismiss backhauls as low-value, but the data proves otherwise. That said, not every backhaul load is worth taking. Knowing your operating costs ensures you only accept profitable opportunities and avoid low-paying or problematic loads.

Whether you run a single truck or manage a large fleet, backhauling transforms unused capacity into extra revenue. Start small, plan carefully, and watch your trucking profits grow. After all—why drive empty when you could be earning?