Empty kilometres are a job nobody paid for

It is easy to focus on the price per loaded kilometre. Without a return load, however, the effective rate across the whole movement can be much lower.

“We may find a backload” is not a calculation. First show the outcome without it, then a scenario based on a realistic probability of obtaining another job.

The best evidence is internal: on which lanes a backload is actually found, at what price and how many empty kilometres are required.

Model scenario: a customer offers €680 for 400 loaded kilometres, or €1.70 per loaded kilometre. With a 300 km empty return, the effective revenue falls to €0.97 across all 700 kilometres, which tells a very different story.

Official source: Eurostat — Road freight transport

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