September 20, 2024

Driving with an empty trailer, or “deadheading”, is a common problem for truck drivers. Without cargo, drivers can miss out on valuable income, rack up fuel costs, and even put themselves in danger of rollover due to an unstable trailer. With C&M Transport, find out how drivers can remain productive, and maximize their income by reducing deadhead miles.What Are Deadhead Miles?To make the most of your career, understanding how deadhead miles cost you is essential. Most companies don’t pay for deadhead miles. When you drive with an empty trailer, you’re driving for free. These trips still require fuel and accumulate wear and tear, however. This means they may actually cost you on gas and maintenance, resulting in an overall loss.More importantly, deadheading can be dangerous. Empty trailers have a wide sail area without weight to anchor them. This makes them difficult to control at high speeds or in heavy winds. One gust is sometimes all it takes to send you into a rollover. Most drivers aren’t trained to deadhead safely. In extreme weather, even experienced drivers may struggle to stay upright. Avoiding deadheading is the most reliable way to avoid accidents and stay safe.Tips to Avoid DeadheadingWhile deadhead miles can’t always be prevented, experienced drivers know a few handy tricks to keep a full truckload. C&M Transport was founded by drivers, so we understand life on the road. Here are our tips to avoid deadhead miles and maximize your personal profit:Plan AheadCareful planning is among the most effective ways to reduce deadhead miles. By planning your route in advance, you can look for loads to pick up near your drop-off location, allowing you to reduce miles driven between cargos. You can also prioritize loads that require return material. These will keep your trailer weighed down while letting you earn money on the return trip.Stick to Your ScheduleOnce you’ve planned your route, it’s important to stick to the schedule. Delays can add up quickly. If you’re late to drop off a shipment, you may also miss your deadline for pickup and be forced to deadhead. Again, route planning can help. By researching ahead of time, you can prepare for potential traffic delays and identify alternate routes that may help you avoid significant delays.Prioritize Paid Deadhead RoutesEven with the most careful planning, you will sometimes need to drive a deadhead route. When this happens, look for clients that pay for deadhead miles. You won’t make as much money as you would while carrying a full cargo, and you’ll still need to drive carefully with an empty trailer. You may earn enough to break even, however, and avoid driving at a loss.Use Route Optimization TechnologyRoute planning, traffic research, and load searches are all made simpler with access to technology. Trucking companies like C&M Transport use advanced software to coordinate drop-offs and pickups, identify potential road hazards, and find the best clients for drivers. This technology makes it easy to eliminate deadhead miles and optimize your route for the best possible payouts.Contact UsAvoid Deadhead Trucking with C&M TransportFortunately, with C&M Transport, drivers don’t need to worry about deadhead miles. We use advanced technological systems to plan routes and eliminate deadheading. We also cover diesel fuel, maintenance, permit fees, and other expenses our drivers may encounter while making a delivery. With headquarters in Painesville, Ohio, and locations across the country, we have roles for both local and long-haul drivers. Contact us to learn more or apply today.

September 20, 2024

How to Reduce Your Deadhead Miles