Deadhead
Definition

Deadhead is a term that describes when a transport vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, travels without carrying any cargo or equipment, typically occurring during return trips after delivery or when repositioning for the next pickup.

Deadhead is a crucial operational concept in heavy equipment transport where vehicles must sometimes travel empty between delivery points. This situation commonly occurs after completing a delivery when the transport vehicle needs to return to its base or move to a different location to pick up new cargo. While deadheading is often unavoidable in the transport industry, it represents non-revenue generating travel time that impacts operational costs and efficiency.

For heavy equipment transport companies, deadheading affects overall operational expenses through fuel consumption, vehicle wear, and driver time without generating income. It's a significant consideration in route planning and logistics management as companies strive to minimize deadhead miles through strategic scheduling and load matching. The ability to efficiently manage and reduce deadhead travel can significantly impact a transport company's profitability and service capabilities in the heavy equipment transport industry.