Backhaul

Return trip of a transport vehicle from delivery to origin, often carrying freight.

Updated 2025-10-01

Definition

Backhaul refers to using an otherwise empty vehicle returning from a delivery to transport goods, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Backhaul optimizes fleet utilization by avoiding empty trips, lowering transportation costs, and improving environmental sustainability.

A truck delivers goods to a retailer and picks up a shipment from another client on the way back, generating revenue from the return trip.

Freight Forwarder

Load Tendering

Route Planning Software