Calculate the true cost of running empty. See how deadhead miles eat into your profits.
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TruckerPro helps you find backhauls and optimize routes to minimize empty miles.
Free Signup75 deadhead miles to pick up a load with 500 loaded miles: Deadhead ratio = 75 / 575 = 13.0%. Fuel cost for empty miles = 75 / 6.5 × $3.50 = $40.38. Operating cost = 75 × $0.50 = $37.50. Total deadhead cost = $77.88. That adds $0.16 per loaded mile to your costs.
Deadhead miles are miles driven without a load — running empty. This includes driving to a pickup location or returning home without freight. Every deadhead mile costs you money in fuel and wear without generating revenue.
A deadhead ratio of 15% or less is considered good. Under 10% is excellent. The industry average is about 15-20%. Anything over 20% significantly eats into your profits and should be addressed.
Use load boards to find backhaul freight, build relationships with local shippers for return loads, consider partial loads over running completely empty, and plan your routes with return freight in mind.