Every industry has terminology to describe its operations, equipment, and unique scenarios that outsiders don’t always fully understand. Sometimes clients or people outside of the sector hear a term and make easy assumptions when the reality is very different. One of those buzzwords in the trucking industry is the backhaul shipment. There is plenty of confusion about how a backhaul shipment works and what to expect from the customer. Let’s take a look at what backhaul shipping really means, how it works, and how it can truly benefit both the driver and the customer.
Backhaul Shipping
In the simplest of terms, when a driver delivers a load or shipment to a destination and has no arranged load to bring back with them, there is an opportunity to schedule another haul for the return trip home. This is called the “backhaul.” The “backhaul shipment is an excellent opportunity, but it’s probably not for the reasons you’re assuming. An empty load can result from a canceled shipment, delays in items, or an unscheduled return load.
The confusion comes into play when we begin to discuss the logistics, pricing, and philosophy around the value of backhaul shipping. At Trusted Dispatch, we value professional shipments, quality customer service, and fair pricing for customers and our drivers. We strive to ensure both sides understand the benefits of fairly filling a backhaul provide.
The Misconceptions of Backhaul Shipping
The head haul is the one-way destination for a shipment, and the backhaul is the return portion. The term “backhaul” can also be referred to as backhaul shipping, backhaul transport, or deadheading. Sometimes drivers are hired for a shipment to and from a destination, while other times, they may only have a delivery booked for one direction. When a driver has an empty truck, they have an opportunity for a backhaul shipment.
The primary misconception about trucking is that drivers charge a headhaul rate that pays them adequately for their return trip, whether they are carrying a load or not. Some customers mistakenly assume they can hire a professional driver to haul their equipment if they only pay the driver the gas money. Not only is this idea false, but it also does not apply in any other shipping sector.
What Is a Fair Backhaul Rate?
A professional driver has years of experience and knowledge for safely and securely transporting heavy equipment and machinery. They also know how to efficiently map out routes according to the dimensions of their load and arrange for extra details required by traffic laws, such as pilot cars and oversized shipment tags.
A fair backhaul rate is the same as a fair shipping rate. It ensures that your machine is transported properly by a professional. Companies that charge low rates should be regarded with caution. An unfair rate might indicate that a driver is not getting fair compensation or that quality controls are getting cut somewhere in the process. We provide fair, free quotes instantly on our convenient system. Simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations along with the dimensions of your load and you’ll see your quote instantly.
The Best Way to Help Trucks Looking for Loads
The Trusted Dispatch system was created to connect drivers with freight loads. Individually it can be difficult for drivers to find freight that is clearly defined and reliably paid for in advance of picking it up. On the flip side, it is challenging for customers who need heavy machinery transported to find reliable, professional drivers who will show up and move freight on a schedule and for a fair price. Trusted Dispatch facilitates better connections to keep both drivers and customers satisfied. Need something heavy hauled from point a to point b? Try our easy-to-use online system for yourself and get your free quote instantly.
