---
title: "What does Deadhead mean in logistics | SSL"
description: "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"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-deadhead-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-deadhead-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-09-29
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · 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](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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## The numbers behind this answer

**Category**: Road

**Related terms**: Empty running, Backhaul, Vehicle placement, Rate per km

## Sources

1. [SSL logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#deadhead)

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

## Related questions

- [What does Backhaul mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-backhaul-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Empty running mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-empty-running-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does FTL (full truckload) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-ftl-full-truckload-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Indent mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-indent-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Reporting time mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-reporting-time-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Vehicle placement mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-vehicle-placement-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#deadhead)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-deadhead-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-09-29). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/