What is backhaul?
Backhaul definitions apply in the telecommunications and transportation industries. This MercuryGate Glossary term focuses on backhaul in transportation.
For context, the backhaul meaning in telecommunications:
- Backhaul is the physical part of a communications network between the core “backbone” network and small subnetworks at the edge of the network.
- Backhaul is a digital signal transmitted from a remote site or network to another site.
What is Backhaul in Trucking?
Backhaul in trucking avoids vehicle movements with under-utilized freight capacity. Trucks moving empty trailers do not generate revenue return for costs such as fuel, driver time, vehicle miles, and air pollution emissions.
Headhaul vs Backhaul Shipping
Trucks and trailers that return empty to the point of origin are deadheads. Some deadhead moves are necessary if a driver must drive a distance to pick up a load. Deadhead transportation moves lose money for service providers, carriers, and dedicated fleets.
How do you set up backhaul in trucking?
Truckload carriers and transportation service providers have options to fill deadhead trailers with freight.
Transportation management system technology streamlines backhaul logistics.
- Digital freight matching and load board resources connect Logistics Services Providers (LSPs), brokers, carriers, and shippers to fill backhaul shipments.
- Load consolidation tools bundle freight shipments of multiple shippers to minimize empty trailer capacity on a backhaul move.
- Route planning capabilities limits empty miles between headhaul origin and destination; to the following freight pick-up for backhaul trucking; and to any shipment destinations.
Reduced overall carbon emissions and diesel fuel usage occur when empty vehicle miles are limited. Filling backhaul trucking capacity with available freight shipments supports sustainability initiatives.
Learn about Digital Freight for Backhaul capacity.
How does MercuryGate Improve Backhaul Logistics?
MercuryGate integrations create a digital freight network that allows:
- Shippers to find capacity.
- Carriers, brokers, and 3PLs to simplify the freight brokerage process.
- Private fleets to sell empty miles.
Load planning capabilities maximize transportation backhauls through multi-stop routing and priority loading. Load build optimization combines multiple shipments to access volume discounts and incentives.
