Deadhead Miles
Miles driven with an empty trailer, generating no revenue.
Definition
Deadhead miles are the distance a truck travels without a load, typically when repositioning to pick up the next load. Deadheading generates no revenue but still costs fuel and maintenance. Experienced drivers and dispatchers minimize deadhead miles by planning loads that connect efficiently. Owner-operators aim to keep deadhead below 10-15% of total miles.
Why it matters to you
Deadhead is unpaid distance on most company jobs and pure cost on your own authority. When you compare two offers, ask how much deadhead is typical on the account, not just the CPM — a run with heavy empty miles quietly discounts the rate. On a dedicated or drop-and-hook account, low deadhead is one of the reasons the pay works out better than the headline number suggests.
FAQ
What does Deadhead Miles mean?
Miles driven with an empty trailer, generating no revenue.
Why does Deadhead Miles matter to a driver?
Deadhead is unpaid distance on most company jobs and pure cost on your own authority. When you compare two offers, ask how much deadhead is typical on the account, not just the CPM — a run with heavy empty miles quietly discounts the rate. On a dedicated or drop-and-hook account, low deadhead is one of the reasons the pay works out better than the headline number suggests.
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