---
title: "What does Empty running mean in logistics | SSL"
description: "Kilometres a truck travels without cargo, whether returning from delivery or positioning to its next load. Empty kilometres cost almost as much as loaded"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-empty-running-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-empty-running-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 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](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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## 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](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#empty-running)

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 Deadhead mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-deadhead-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Dedicated fleet mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-dedicated-fleet-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Fuel escalation clause mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fuel-escalation-clause-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Indent mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-indent-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Milk run mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-milk-run-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

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

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-empty-running-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/