A backhaul is the cargo or freight carried by a commercial vehicle (like a truck, train, or ship) on its return journey back to or near its starting point.
Core Concept
In shipping, a vehicle makes a primary trip to deliver cargo. The main delivery is called the fronthaul or headhaul.
- Fronthaul: A truck carries cargo from a warehouse in Country A to a warehouse in Country B.
- Problem: The truck is now in Country B and needs to return to Country A, but it is empty. An empty return trip costs the company money (fuel, driver’s wages, time) without earning any revenue.
- Solution (Backhaul): The logistics company finds a separate, paying load in Country B that needs to go to Country A (or somewhere along the route). This return cargo is the backhaul.
Why It Matters
- Backhauls are crucial for a transport company’s sustainability. They turn a money-losing empty trip into a revenue-generating one. As a result, the company is able to deliver its high-quality logistics services on a daily basis.
- It maximizes the use of the truck, fuel, and the driver’s time, reducing waste.
Sometimes, companies shipping cargo can get lower rates if their shipment can be used as a backhaul, as the transport company is just trying to cover its return costs rather than charge for a dedicated new trip.