How to reduce empty backhauls to a minimum. A detailed guide for European carriers and logistics managers.
Statistics show that over 20% of trucks in Europe travel empty. This is not only a direct financial loss for carriers but also an unnecessary environmental burden. Optimizing empty runs (backhauls) in 2026 is a top priority for transport companies.
1. What are Empty Runs and Why Do They Occur?
An empty run is the movement of a vehicle without cargo from the unloading point to the next loading point or home base.
Main reasons:
Trade Imbalances: A region exports more goods than it imports.
Specialized Equipment: Specific trailers (e.g., medical reefers) are hard to fill with general cargo on the way back.
Poor Planning: Lack of access to modern freight exchanges or TMS.
2. Optimization Strategies
To solve this, logistics companies are implementing the following strategies:
Digital Platforms and Freight Exchanges
Modern platforms like CarGoPro allow carriers to find backhauls before the truck even unloads.
Cargo Radar: Automated matching based on driver GPS coordinates.
TMS Integration: Syncing schedules with open exchanges.
Conclusion
In 2026, managing backhauls is critical for survival in the freight market. Using advanced tools and data analytics allows carriers to minimize empty runs.
