How to Reduce Empty Miles Using a Load Board
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Empty miles (or deadhead miles) are one of the biggest profit-killers in trucking. When your truck is moving without a load, you’re still spending money on fuel, maintenance, and driver hours — but you’re earning nothing in return. Reducing empty miles is essential for boosting profitability, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in today’s freight market.
Fortunately, modern load boards make it easier than ever to book backhauls, fill empty lanes, and reduce wasted miles. In 2026, DAT One stands out as the most effective tool for minimizing empty miles across flatbed, reefer, dry van, and hotshot carriers.
Why Empty Miles Hurt Your Business
Even a small number of deadhead miles can add up quickly. They increase:
Fuel costs
Equipment wear and tear
Driver hours without pay
Overall cost per mile
If your operation consistently runs 10–20% empty miles, it can significantly reduce net profit. That’s why trucking companies rely on load boards to keep trucks full on both outbound and return routes.
How Load Boards Help Reduce Empty Miles
Load boards give carriers access to thousands of available loads — but the right tools make the search faster, smarter, and more profitable.
1. Use Backhaul Search Tools
Planning your backhaul before you even leave for your outbound load is one of the most effective strategies to reduce empty miles. DAT One lets you:
Search by delivery location
Find loads near your drop-off point
Set radius filters
Compare rate averages to avoid underpriced freight
This lets you fill your return trip with profitable loads instead of driving home empty.
2. Use the Tri‑Haul Tool (DAT Exclusive)
DAT One offers a unique Tri‑Haul routing tool, which suggests a third stop on your route to:
Reduce deadhead
Increase your rate per mile
Create a more profitable round-trip
For new carriers especially, this feature is a game changer.
3. Filter by Equipment Type and Weight
By narrowing your search to your specific equipment — flatbed, RGN, reefer, dry van, or hotshot — you’ll instantly eliminate loads that don’t fit your trailer.
4. Use Nearby Cities for Better Opportunities
If the delivery city lacks freight, expand your radius by 50–100 miles. Many profitable loads are posted just outside major markets.
Don’t Forget Insurance — Backhauls Also Need Protection
Whether your truck is loaded or empty, you must stay protected. Backhaul freight often varies in cargo type, value, and broker experience, so the right insurance policy is essential.
Get a trucking insurance quote from Wexford Insurance to protect every mile your truck runs.
Final Thoughts
Reducing empty miles is one of the fastest ways to increase profitability in your trucking business. By using load boards strategically — especially powerful platforms like DAT One — carriers can secure consistent backhauls, plan efficient routes, and avoid costly deadhead trips.
👉 Start finding backhauls and reducing empty miles on DAT One.
