Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Deadhead mean in logistics?

Short answer

A vehicle movement with no revenue load, typically to reach the next pickup point. It is one form of empty running.

Positioning a truck from its last unloading point to a new factory is a common deadhead in Indian FTL; carriers build this cost into quotes for lanes where they cannot find a nearby load. 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

Category
Road
Related terms
Empty running, Backhaul, Vehicle placement, Rate per km

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

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

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