In the transportation industry, dead head trucking is the act of driving a truck with an empty trailer. This can happen frequently when a truck driver transports a load from one place to another and leaves empty-handed. However, dead head miles be costly for transportation businesses and an inefficient use of resources.
In this post, we’ll also go through the safety risks of dead head trucking and why having proper truck insurance is critical in instances like these. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to cut down on dead head mileage altogether.
Safety Risks of Dead Head Trucking
Dead heading poses major safety risks, especially in high winds. Empty trailers are much more susceptible to strong wind gusts, which can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. This can be extremely dangerous as the chance of an accident occurring increases.
Also, when hauling an empty trailer, the weight distribution is off, making it more difficult for truck drivers to control their rig. The lack of weight in the back of the vehicle causes the front to become lighter, making braking and steering harder. Unfortunately, some drivers aren’t properly trained to handle dead head trucking, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities. As a result, transportation companies must actively try to reduce dead head miles and train their drivers to exercise caution in situations like these.
Ways to Reduce Dead Heading
- To identify additional transporting opportunities on your return route, utilize freight matching services and load boards
- Optimize loads and scheduling with an ELD
- Network and connect with shippers to build long-term relationships
- Plan your trips in advance
The Importance of Adequate Truck Insurance
Truck insurance is not only required by law, it also provides security in situations where a truck driver is hauling an empty trailer. The consequences of dead heading can be costly, and without the proper insurance, trucking businesses can face considerable financial losses. Therefore, adequate insurance coverage is needed to safeguard trucking companies, their drivers, the cargo being hauled, and the general public.
For more information on cargo insurance cost or box truck insurance cost, refer to our blog.
Bottom Line
To summarize, dead heading is an inefficient practice and can be very costly for trucking businesses. Not to mention, numerous safety concerns that exist. As a result, proper truck insurance is required for situations like these to safeguard trucking companies in the event of a crash. To avoid dead head trucking, drivers can leverage load boards and freight matching services, optimize routing and scheduling, utilize technology, and connect with shippers. Trucking firms can reduce operating costs, improve safety, and increase productivity by adopting these methods.
