Deadhead
Unpaid empty miles driven to pick up a load, return home, or reposition to another market.
Written and reviewed by LaneMath Editorial Team. Updated 2026-06-04. LaneMath pages are maintained as practical carrier education using public references, example-only math, and internal editorial review.
Carrier note
Use this term in context with the rate confirmation, broker communication, facility instructions, and billing paperwork. A short definition is useful, but the written load terms control the actual freight decision.
Carrier example
A truck delivers in an outer suburb and must drive empty to the next pickup. That empty move belongs in the load decision even when it is not paid by the broker.
Common mistake
Counting only empty miles before pickup and ignoring the empty reposition after delivery.
Paperwork note
Deadhead is usually an internal planning number, so keep it in dispatch notes or a load comparison worksheet rather than expecting it on the rate confirmation.
References and methodology
- Industry terminology and editorial explanation - LaneMath Editorial Desk. Editorial explanations are not official guidance, legal advice, or market data.