A backhaul is a cargo load that a truck carries on its return trip home. When a truck hauls a load from its home base (called the headhaul) to a distant city, it needs a return load to cover the fuel and driver costs of the trip back. If they cannot find a backhaul, they must drive home empty, which is a major financial loss. Finding backhauls keeps the fleet profitable.
Because carriers want to avoid empty miles, they often accept lower rates for backhaul shipments. Shippers can negotiate good deals with carriers that are stuck in their area and need a load heading back in their home direction. Brokers use load boards to match these stranded trucks with local businesses looking to ship goods.