GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Back Freight
Back freight is cargo moved on a vehicle's return leg from the delivery point, filling capacity that would otherwise travel empty.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/backhaul.asp
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Definition & Explanation
Back freight is cargo moved on a vehicle's return leg from the delivery point, filling capacity that would otherwise travel empty. Carriers price it below the outbound rate because any revenue on the return journey reduces fixed operating costs that arise regardless. Shippers benefit from lower prices but typically accept less scheduling flexibility in return. The model is most common where freight flows are directionally imbalanced—furniture, beverages, and building materials being typical examples. Back freight differs from a planned back haul in that it is usually sourced opportunistically, through freight exchanges or last-minute brokering.
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