Operations
Deadhead
Deadhead miles are the unloaded miles a truck runs between a delivery and the next pickup. Lower deadhead = higher revenue per mile.
Deadhead, also called empty miles, is the distance a truck runs without revenue freight on it. Industry average runs 15-20% of total miles; best-in-class carriers operate under 10% by tightly planning continuous moves and using load boards strategically.
Every percentage point of deadhead reduction is worth real money — at $3.00 revenue/mile and 110,000 paid miles/yr, dropping deadhead from 18% to 12% adds ~$20K in annual revenue per truck.
AI dispatch optimization (matching the next load to the current delivery location) is the single biggest lever modern carriers have here.
Run compliance & dispatch in one place
Hayes combines a DOT-aware ATS, dispatch, EDI, and document compliance — built for carriers who don't want five logins.
Related terms
Technology
TMS (Transportation Management System)
A TMS is the software system carriers and shippers use to plan, dispatch, track, settle, and invoice freight moves.
Technology
EDI 204 (Motor Carrier Load Tender)
EDI 204 is the electronic load tender — how shippers and brokers offer a load to a carrier under contract.