Why Deadhead Miles Are Killing Your Revenue

Introduction

In this post, we’ll break down why deadhead is such a killer, how common planning mistakes lead to more empty miles, and what a sharp dispatcher can do to help you keep your wheels turning with paying loads as much as possible.

What Exactly Are Deadhead Miles?

Deadhead miles happen when you drive your truck without hauling freight. This could be:

• Driving from your home or last delivery point to the next pickup
• Moving your rig back to your home base after a load
• Repositioning to meet a broker or shipper

Every mile you drive costs money — fuel, wear and tear, driver hours — but deadhead miles bring in zero revenue.

Why Deadhead Kills Your Revenue

It’s simple math:

Your truck costs roughly $1.50 to $2.50 per mile to operate. That’s fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation factored in. Every mile you run empty is money leaving your pocket.

Even a few hundred deadhead miles a week can add up to thousands lost over time.

Beyond the direct cost, deadhead also:

• Cuts into your available driving hours
• Pushes your schedule out, meaning fewer loads hauled
• Increases driver fatigue and risk

Common Planning Mistakes That Lead to Deadhead

1. Not Considering Backhauls
A backhaul is a paying load on the return trip, instead of running empty. Failing to plan for backhauls means more deadhead.

2. Ignoring Regional Patterns
Not knowing where freight demand is highest or avoiding certain lanes can lead to unnecessary repositioning.

3. Taking the First Load Offered
Jumping on the first load without thinking about what comes next can leave you stranded without a good next load.

4. Poor Communication with Dispatchers
If you don’t clearly communicate your preferences or if your dispatcher is juggling too many carriers, your schedule can become inefficient.

How Better Dispatching Can Cut Deadhead

The right dispatcher looks beyond the immediate load. They:

• Plan routes that maximize loaded miles
• Build weekly schedules that anticipate next loads
• Negotiate better backhaul opportunities
• Align loads with your preferred lanes and home time
• Coordinate with brokers to secure reliable, profitable freight

By focusing on your individual goals and equipment, they help you spend more time hauling and less time empty.

What You Can Do To Reduce Deadhead Now

• Track your deadhead miles each week
• Talk openly with your dispatcher about your ideal lanes and schedule
• Ask for backhaul-focused planning
• Avoid taking random loads just to stay busy
• Use technology like GPS and load boards wisely, but don’t rely on them blindly

Final Thoughts

Deadhead miles aren’t just an inconvenience — they’re a profit killer. Reducing them means more money in your pocket, less wear on your rig, and a better quality of life on the road.

At Lot Pros, we make it our mission to keep you loaded with good freight and minimize those empty miles. Our personalized dispatching means you get a partner who’s thinking ahead and fighting for every profitable mile.

Ready to stop losing money to deadhead? Reach out today and let’s build a smarter route together.