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A deadhead truck has a trailer attached but carries no freight. Deadheading means driving a cargo-carrying truck (semi-truck) pulling an empty trailer.
Deadhead miles refer to the distance truckers travel with an empty load, resulting in lost revenue despite incurring fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear.
Typically, trucking companies do not compensate for deadhead miles. Some may offer payment for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles as an occasional incentive, but this is not common practice. Company drivers might receive compensation ranging from $0.60 to $0.90 per deadhead mile, whereas owner-operators often bear these expenses themselves.
Truckers already contend with numerous challenges on the road, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions such as high winds or black ice. These factors necessitate heightened caution to avoid accidents. Deadheading poses additional risks because driving without cargo makes trailers vulnerable to sway and instability, potentially leading to accidents and serious injuries if precautions are not taken.
To mitigate risks, truckers should always check local weather reports and wind conditions before accepting jobs that involve traveling with an empty load.
In summary, while deadheading remains a financial challenge for truckers, strategic planning and awareness of compensation policies can help mitigate its impact on earnings and safety.
Trucker Slang for Deadheading:
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