Stop Running Empty: How to Find Your Best Next Load Before You Deliver
Empty miles are the silent profit killer in trucking. According to the American Trucking Associations, 15-25% of all truck miles are driven empty — no freight, no revenue, just burning fuel and wearing out your truck. For an owner-operator averaging 120,000 miles per year at an operating cost of $2.27/mile (ATRI), that is $40,860 to $68,100 per year spent driving with no income. TRU LOAD AI auto-suggests your best next load from your delivery point — scored by rate, deadhead, and home direction — so you spend less time empty and more time earning.
Start Free — No Card RequiredThe True Cost of Empty Miles
DEADHEAD COST CALCULATOR
IF YOU REDUCE BY 5%
How TRU LOAD Reduces Your Deadhead
24-Hour Advance Suggestions
TRU LOAD starts suggesting next loads 24 hours before your estimated delivery. This gives you time to evaluate options and book before the load disappears.
AI Scoring: Rate + Deadhead + Direction
Each suggested load is scored on three factors: gross rate per mile, deadhead miles from your delivery point, and whether it moves you toward home or a preferred area. The highest-scored loads appear first.
Net Profit Calculation Per Load
Every suggestion includes a full profitability calculation: net profit after fuel, deadhead costs, tolls, and time. Compare options side-by-side to make the best decision.
Multi-Load Trip Planning
TRU LOAD does not just find one next load — it can plan a sequence of 2-3 loads that create a profitable round trip, minimizing total deadhead and maximizing revenue per day.
5 Strategies to Reduce Empty Miles
Book your next load before delivering
Start searching 12-24 hours before delivery. The earlier you book, the less deadhead. TRU LOAD auto-suggests options so you do not even have to search.
Build lane consistency
Running consistent lanes means you know where loads are and can plan round trips. TRU LOAD tracks your lane performance so you can identify your most profitable routes.
Consider shorter, higher-RPM loads
A 300-mile load at $3.50/mile with zero deadhead often nets more than a 800-mile load at $2.50/mile with 150 miles of deadhead. Do the math every time.
Use triangle routes
Instead of out-and-back lanes, look for triangle routes: A to B to C to A. TRU LOAD can plan multi-stop trips that keep you loaded more of the time.
Know your market hotspots
Some delivery markets have abundant outbound freight (e.g., ports, manufacturing centers). TRU LOAD shows you outbound load availability from any destination before you accept the inbound load.
AI Finds Your Best Next Load Automatically
Advanced load suggestions with AI scoring are included in Pro at $99/month. Basic next-load search is available on Starter ($49/mo). Reducing deadhead by just 5% saves $13,000+/year. Works with the freight you already haul.
Start Free — No Card RequiredFrequently Asked Questions
What percentage of trucking miles are empty?+
According to the American Trucking Associations, 15-25% of all truck miles in the US are driven empty (deadhead). The exact percentage varies by carrier type: dry van averages 20%, flatbed averages 25%, and reefer averages 18%. For an owner-operator running 120,000 miles/year, that is 18,000-30,000 empty miles costing $0.70-$1.00+ each.
How does TRU LOAD find next-loads?+
TRU LOAD AI scans available loads from multiple sources based on your delivery location. It scores each option by: (1) rate per mile, (2) deadhead miles required, (3) direction toward home or preferred area, (4) broker reliability score, and (5) estimated total trip profit. The top 5 options are presented with one-tap booking.
When should I start looking for my next load?+
Best practice is to start searching 12-24 hours before delivery. This gives you time to find the best option and potentially book before other drivers. TRU LOAD starts auto-suggesting loads 24 hours before your expected delivery time.
Is it ever worth running empty?+
Sometimes, yes. If deadheading home (100-200 miles) is cheaper than waiting 1-2 days for a load that barely covers costs, running empty may be the right call. TRU LOAD calculates both options so you can compare: take the low-paying load vs deadhead home and start fresh. The math often surprises people.
Does this work with loads from any board?+
Yes. TRU LOAD aggregates available loads and provides suggestions regardless of which load board the load is posted on. You can also enter loads from direct broker relationships or your own customers for profitability comparison.
Related Guides
Every Empty Mile Costs You $2.27
TRU LOAD AI finds your best next load 24 hours before delivery. Scored by rate, deadhead, and direction. Reduce empty miles by 5% and save $13,000+/year.
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