Headhaul: A headhaul is a load traveling in the main, higher-demand direction of a freight lane, which usually pays better than the return trip.
Why it matters to owner operators
Planning round trips around a strong headhaul and a workable backhaul protects your average rate per mile.
Example
Freight out of a major port city is plentiful, so loads leaving it pay more than loads heading in. The outbound load is the headhaul.
Related terms
Brokerage & Loads: Not sure a broker or load is worth your time? We check brokers before we book freight for you, and you always choose which loads to haul. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.