What are deadhead miles?
Deadhead miles are miles driven without a revenue-paying load. They may occur before pickup, after delivery or while repositioning between freight markets. Some empty travel is unavoidable, but it should be included in your load evaluation.
Why empty miles affect your results
Fuel, wear and driver time continue when the trailer is empty. A load advertised at an attractive rate per loaded mile may be less attractive once pickup distance and relocation after delivery are included.
1. Compare revenue per total mile
Suppose a load pays $1,600 for 500 loaded miles, with 100 pickup deadhead miles. Revenue per loaded mile is $3.20, while revenue per 600 total miles is about $2.67 before expenses. If another 100 empty miles are necessary afterward, gross revenue per mile drops to about $2.29.
2. Keep reasonable pickup radius limits
A broader search can reveal more loads, but do not assume every farther pickup is worth driving to. Review whether any higher rate actually covers the extra travel time and costs.
3. Research where each load ends
Study available freight, typical appointment patterns and your own equipment compatibility near the destination. Future postings are uncertain, so develop realistic backup options rather than assuming a particular reload will appear.
4. Communicate your preferences early
Share your home base, preferred lanes, maximum acceptable deadhead and home-time dates with any dispatcher or team member. A clear plan filters out poor-fit load suggestions.
5. Learn from your trip records
Track the miles you drove empty and the reasons: pickup positioning, post-delivery relocation or missed opportunities. Over multiple trips, you can discover where your own operation loses time and money.
Make deadhead a planning metric, not a promise
RGI Dispatch can help examine trip details and possible reload regions. Neither self-dispatch nor a dispatch company can eliminate all empty miles or guarantee a load in every market.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good deadhead percentage?
There is no universal target. The appropriate level depends on your lanes, equipment, costs and freight market.
Does less deadhead always mean better profit?
Not necessarily. The load payment, time and other operating costs must also be considered.
Can I eliminate deadhead entirely?
Usually not. Focus on realistic reductions and whole-trip economics.
Related carrier resources
Explore our new MC load guide, broker reference list, dispatch services, and pricing details.