Deadhead
Deadhead (DH) miles are the empty miles a truck drives between delivering one load and picking up the next.
What you actually need to know
Deadhead is the gap between loads. You delivered in Memphis, your next load is in Nashville, and the 210 miles between them are deadhead — you're burning fuel, putting wear on the truck, and earning nothing.
Brokers post loads with the DH distance from the load board user's last known location, so you can see at a glance how far you'd need to deadhead to reach a load. As a rule of thumb, owner-operators target deadhead percentages under 10–15% of total miles. Above 20%, your unit economics suffer fast.
Ways to reduce deadhead:
- Run lanes with high outbound and inbound freight density (LA, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago are dense both directions).
- Find loads before delivering — set up your next load while still en route to delivery.
- Develop direct shipper relationships so dispatch can stack loads regionally.
- Use load board search filters to bias toward loads near your delivery.
Common mistakes / confusions
- Deadhead miles are usually unpaid by default. Some brokers will pay deadhead in tight markets or for premium freight — always ask.
- Deadhead still costs you fuel, IFTA, and IRP miles. Even unpaid miles cost real money.
- "Bobtailing" (driving without a trailer) is technically a subtype of deadhead and is taxed differently for insurance purposes.
Related terms
Where to go next
TruckStart is an educational tool, not a law firm, accounting firm, insurance agency, freight broker, or filing service. Always verify current requirements directly with FMCSA, your state, the IRS, and qualified professionals before making business decisions.