Glossary
Deadhead miles
Miles driven with an empty trailer. Pure cost, zero revenue.
Deadhead miles are any miles run without a paying load — typically driving from a delivery to the next pickup, or repositioning. Deadhead miles cost fuel, wear out tires, and burn driver hours, but produce no revenue. Reducing deadhead is one of the most direct ways to improve per-truck profitability. Modern industry averages run 12-18% deadhead; under 10% is excellent.
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