# Backhaul

*Last updated: 2026-07-19*

> A truck delivers its load in Milan – and instead of returning empty to Switzerland, it picks up a backhaul.

A truck delivers its load in Milan – and instead of returning empty to Switzerland, it picks up a backhaul. A backhaul (German: Rückladung) is freight that a vehicle transports on its way back from a delivery in order to avoid empty runs and increase vehicle utilisation. For carriers, fixed costs such as fuel, tolls and personnel are spread across two paid orders; for shippers, conditions are often cheaper because the truck is travelling anyway. Backhauls are secured through stable partnerships on recurring routes or at short notice via a freight exchange on the spot market. Especially in freight-driven market phases, when more loads than available trucks are on offer and spot rates exceed contract rates, disciplined backhaul planning in dispatching becomes a decisive margin factor. Not to be confused with a part load (co-load), where additional partial consignments are carried on a tour that is planned anyway.

**Source:** [https://mhv.systems/lexikon/ruckladung](https://mhv.systems/lexikon/ruckladung)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Backhaul |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 148 |
| Last updated | 2026-07-19 |
| Source | https://mhv.systems/lexikon/ruckladung |

## Related Pages

* [Wrangell](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/wrangell-port-us-wrg)

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/backhaul](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/backhaul)*

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