Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Empty running mean in logistics?

Short answer

Kilometres a truck travels without cargo, whether returning from delivery or positioning to its next load. Empty kilometres cost almost as much as loaded ones and earn nothing.

High empty running on imbalanced Indian lanes is a major reason one-way FTL rates are priced close to round-trip cost. Backhaul matching and dedicated circuits are the usual remedies. 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
empty km, khali gaadi
Category
Road
Related terms
Backhaul, Deadhead, Dedicated fleet, Rate per km

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

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

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