What are ‘Backloads’ and How Can They Benefit My Business?

Backloads, also know as return loads, are the collection of loads - by the transport company- for return journeys. The pickup point for a backload is generally in close proximity to where the drivers initial delivery took place. The return journey destination also needs to be on route or in proximity of the driver’s final destination; this is usually their base of operation. 

For example, if TTS was to deliver a load to Southampton, then given the length of the journey back to Telford, an effective backload might be judged as any load that needs collecting from in or around the Southampton area or on the way back from Southampton to Telford. Ideally, the final destination would obviously be on route back to Telford and could easily be anywhere within the West Midlands, Telford or Shropshire. 

Backloads benefit both the transport operator and the ‘backload’ customer. To not return with a backload means ‘dead miles’ for the transport company; that’s to say that the transport company still must pay the same costs associated with the driver and the truck in terms of time, fuel and mileage as they would if the truck was carrying a load and earning the transport company money! 

In terms of the backload customer, they achieve a delivery that’s often between 30 to 50% less than if they were the ‘primary customer.’ 

There are also obvious benefits of backloads to the environment to consider. By doubling up on the effectiveness of a truck’s journey – as you do with a return load, there is both a reduction in wasted fuel and of course the harmful emissions that would have arisen from an additional truck and journey - had the backload customer needed to organise a truck specifically for their own needs.  

By working closely with a reliable, efficient and cost-effective transport company, like TTS, it can be possible to take advantage of many backload runs, greatly reducing your transport costs over the year and in doing so, boosting your bottom line profitability. 

It’s also important to understand that a ‘backload’ doesn’t mean a reduced standard of service! At TTS, you are a very valued customer, especially since you have helped to eliminate some of our ‘dead miles!’ As with any booking, your return loads are subject to TTS’s high levels of care and efficiency and our transport planning team will provide you with transit and delivery status notifications. Furthermore, unlike many transport companies, there are absolutely NO hidden surcharges; the price that TTS quotes is the price that you will pay. 

To find out more about TTS’s transport and backload service, get in touch with: ian@telfordtransport.co.uk