The Hidden Costs of Underutilized Backhaul Capacity: What Every Shipper Should Know
Underutilized backhaul capacity often lurks unnoticed in supply chain discussions, yet it represents one of the most significant—and avoidable—cost centers for shippers. Simply put, every empty mile driven by a truck after delivering a load is money left on the table. Beyond the immediate expense, the ripple effects of underused backhaul capacity can impact long-term logistics strategies, competitive pricing, and overall profitability.
The Scale of the Issue
Industry data suggests that as much as 20-30% of all truck miles driven in the United States are empty. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has reported that over 50 billion empty miles are logged annually. For shippers, this inefficiency is more than a carrier problem—it translates directly into higher freight costs. According to a survey of supply chain executives published in Logistics Management, shippers often face cost premiums of 10-15% on lanes that frequently run empty on the return leg. Over time, these premiums add up to millions of dollars in avoidable costs.
Operational Inefficiencies Add Up
Underutilized backhaul capacity doesn’t just result in higher per-mile costs. It creates instability in carrier networks, leading to less consistent service, more frequent delays, and increased complexity in scheduling. Manufacturers surveyed by FreightWaves in 2023 highlighted that consistent backhaul availability not only reduced transportation costs but also improved overall service reliability. 67% of respondents noted that filling backhauls helped stabilize transit times, while 52% indicated that doing so reduced their need for last-minute spot market purchases—often a costly last resort.
Environmental and Brand Impact
Beyond the monetary implications, underutilized backhaul capacity has significant environmental costs. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, empty miles contribute to over 50 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Shippers increasingly face pressure from consumers and retailers to meet sustainability goals. By allowing backhaul capacity to remain underutilized, companies may find themselves falling short of their environmental commitments. A 2022 survey from the Consumer Goods Forum found that 78% of manufacturers said they were more likely to do business with carriers that could demonstrate measurable reductions in empty miles.
The Bottom Line for Shippers
Underused backhaul capacity isn’t just a line item expense—it’s a structural inefficiency that can erode competitiveness, compromise service quality, and damage a company’s sustainability profile. For shippers, recognizing these hidden costs and taking proactive steps to optimize backhaul utilization can result in significant savings, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced environmental stewardship.
By working closely with carriers, investing in data-driven logistics tools, and leveraging advanced freight matching technologies, shippers can unlock the value of backhaul capacity. The benefits are clear: lower transportation costs, more reliable service, and a stronger, more sustainable supply chain.
