Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Backhaul mean in logistics?

Short answer

A load carried on a vehicle’s return journey after it has delivered its outbound cargo. A backhaul reduces empty running and lets the carrier price both legs more competitively.

Indian lanes are strongly imbalanced (for example, more cargo leaves industrial western and southern states than returns), so return-load rates on the weak direction are often much lower than forward rates. Shippers offering predictable return loads can negotiate better round-trip pricing. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

We publish no freight rates. Our desk confirms your price within minutes.

The numbers behind this answer

Also called
return load, wapsi load
Category
Road
Related terms
Empty running, Deadhead, Rate per trip, Dedicated fleet

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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