About Us
What is a backhaul?
The Backhaul Still Exists!
Simply put, a backhaul is the return of a carrier to the original point or area from which it began. By using a backhaul carrier instead of a headhaul carrier (a carrier whose home base is relatively close to where the load is shipping from), you can simply save money. Backhaul carriers run cheaper because they have to. If they charged the same price as a headhaul carrier, they would never get loaded miles back to where their trucks can service their own customers.
The problem with backhaul carriers is that you never know where these trucks are on an everyday basis. That is where Command comes into play. We do that work for you and have relationships with over 10,000 carriers who always need backhauls. These carrier’s trucks can be scattered across the country and look to Command to help return their drivers home without too much deadhead (miles traveled with getting paid).
How do we make money and still pass on some savings to our clients? Look at this example that shows you why Command is a good bet:
| 1000 mile shipment | |
|---|---|
| Headhaul carrier rate: | $1.75/mile x 1000 miles = $1750 |
| Backhaul carrier rate: | $1.50/mile x 1000 miles = $1500 |
| Command rate: | $1.55/mile x 1000 miles = $1550 |
If you shipped this lane 10 times a month, you would save $2000 by choosing Command over a headhaul carrier. And you could do it in one call, making your workforce more productive.
Don't be fooled, the backhaul is not extinct.