# Backhaul Freight

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> Backhaul freight is the cargo loaded onto a vehicle for its return journey from the delivery point back to origin, as opposed to the primary outbound load.

Backhaul freight is the cargo loaded onto a vehicle for its return journey from the delivery point back to origin, as opposed to the primary outbound load. Without it, carriers deadhead – covering the same distance at full cost but zero revenue. Access to suitable backhaul cargo is therefore a core profitability driver in road haulage, inland waterway, and rail freight alike. Rates for backhaul loads tend to run lower than outbound rates, since any contribution above variable cost is preferable to an empty run. Backhaul freight differs from reciprocal freight, which implies a deliberate bilateral exchange between two parties rather than open load matching.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhaul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhaul)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Backhaul Freight |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 105 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhaul |

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