Backhaul

A backhaul is a freight load that a carrier picks up at or near the location where they delivered their previous load, providing revenue-generating freight for what would otherwise be an empty return trip. Backhaul freight is fundamental to the economics of trucking because it allows carriers to generate revenue on miles that would otherwise be deadhead, improving their overall profitability and enabling them to offer more competitive rates on the outbound leg.

In the refrigerated freight market, backhaul opportunities are highly dependent on geography and season. Regions that are net importers of food products, such as the Northeast during winter months, have abundant inbound reefer freight but limited outbound loads. Conversely, major agricultural regions like California's Central Valley and Florida's growing areas have abundant outbound produce freight during harvest season but fewer inbound reefer loads.

Backhaul rates are typically 10 to 25 percent lower than headhaul rates because the carrier is already in the area and would otherwise drive empty. This creates an opportunity for shippers located near major delivery markets to access attractive reefer rates by positioning themselves as backhaul freight for carriers completing their outbound deliveries.

ArrowLane's network optimization actively matches outbound shipments with backhaul opportunities, creating win-win scenarios where carriers reduce their empty miles, outbound shippers get better rates because the carrier has a return load, and backhaul shippers access competitive pricing that would not be available if the carrier had to make a dedicated trip.