Why is the trucking industry struggling with empty miles?
In the logistics industry, operational expenses are rapidly increasing owing to shipment demands and one of the major operations contributing to these expenses is empty miles in trucking. However, the solutions available to find truck loads online have efficiently decreased empty miles in trucking.
When trucks return to their destination without any loads, it results in empty miles, meaning that, there is no revenue generated from these return trips and also results in increased fuel consumption and wages for drivers which are additional expenses. One of the major reasons for empty miles is the lack of real-time visibility to find or consolidate shipments.
What are the strategies to reduce empty miles and save money?
A recent study revealed that trucks that traveled distances of 500 miles or more drove one-third of their total mileage without any cargo. In certain situations, trucks driving distances of 100 to 200 miles had to make 36% of their trips empty (Source: Convoy). There are a number of strategies to reduce empty miles and save money.
- Networking: Networking helps in finding key connections and potential partners. Moreover, when you become a part of the local trucking community, you will increase your chances of getting more loads based on local demands.
- Brokers: As an independent negotiator between shippers and truckers, truckload freight brokers serve as a vital part of the transportation process. They help truck drivers find the right loads and help shippers to find the right trucks in return for a commission.
- Contracts: Signing up for contracts is one of the most common ways to get loads on a regular basis. However, these contracts are usually based on the bid on truck loads and are offered at competitive rates.
- Load Boards: A commercial trucking loadboard is an online platform that connects carriers and shippers and is the best way to find truck loads online. Shippers can post their loads and truck owners or drivers can find truck loads available for pickup and schedule the booking.
How finding truck loads online can help to avoid empty miles?
It is a tedious process to find truck loads available for pickup as there is limited information available about the nearest trucking service or it is often possible to find trucks only through mutual contacts. However, an online truckload booking platform provides a smarter and more affordable way of delivery shipments by connecting empty trucks to existing loads.
Truck owners and drivers can find truck loads online and reduce empty miles thereby reducing additional expenses like fuel and wages. An online truck load booking platform facilitates in less than truckload shipping services where multiple small shipments or two partial shipments can be combined on a single truck for more productivity and cost reduction. It is a simple process where shippers post truck loads available for pickup and truckers can book the loads. Moreover, there are no middlemen involved in the process which helps in saving time and money.
Features to consider when choosing a truck load booking platform
An efficient truck load booking platform should have a simple process to find truck loads available and the booking information should be made accessible in the form of real-time updates or booking history. One of the most important things to consider is to make sure that the platform has verified service providers so that you can avoid the chances of being manipulated. Also, look for a platform that has zero commission so that you can save money as truckload freight brokers also offer the same kind of service for a commission.
Let’s Wrap Up!
Empty miles is a major challenge for the trucking industry as it results in no revenue and additional expenses when trucks return empty without loads. While there are a number of strategies to reduce empty miles including networking, truckload freight brokers, contracts through bid on truck loads and commercial trucking load boards, the best solution is to find truck loads online. An online truck load booking platform helps to find truck loads available for pickup in real-time, with a simple booking process, booking history and no middleman.
AxleDirectory is the best platform to find truck loads online which has zero commission, a simple booking process, tracking updates and verified service providers.
