Load decision brief / 01 · The deadhead trap
Hypothetical load example. Demonstrates the Final Say evaluation process. It is not an earnings claim or guarantee.
A 35-second illustrative, hypothetical comparison before expenses. Not live freight or customer-performance evidence. The carrier keeps final approval.
The comparison is captioned in the video; the same figures and explanation are available below. Hypothetical example. Not an earnings guarantee.
Load A
High deadhead + weaker reload position.
Broker/contact: Verified for demo purposes.
Load B
Lower deadhead + stronger next-load position.
Broker/contact: Verified for demo purposes.
Loaded RPM = gross ÷ loaded miles. All-mile RPM = gross ÷ (loaded + pickup deadhead). Rounded to the nearest cent; these are gross comparisons before expenses, not profit. *Destination strength is assumed for this demonstration. Later repositioning is not included.
Final Say review
Load A offers $100 more gross and $3.86 per loaded mile. But its 170 empty miles bring the all-mile rate down to $2.60. Load B’s shorter drive to pickup produces $2.81 per all mile, with lower estimated fuel exposure and a stronger assumed destination.
Example recommendation: Load B. Negotiate A to improve the full move, or pass if it cannot meet the carrier’s needs. Actual expenses, timing, confirmed terms and carrier preferences can change the decision.
Illustrative decisions only. No load is booked without the carrier’s approval.
A: 170 miles. B: 35 miles. Count the drive before the freight.
Gross ÷ (loaded miles + deadhead to pickup). Before carrier-specific expenses.
Demo only: 6.5 mpg at $4/gal. A: 80.0 gal / $320. B: 68.5 gal / about $274. Excludes idling, tolls and other expenses.
Demo assumption: next-day pickup, following-day delivery. Both fit the example carrier’s available hours; confirm actual appointments and hours before approval.
Verified for demo purposes only. Real loads require independent broker identity, contact and payment checks.
Not supplied in this example. Confirm eligibility, free time, amounts and written accessorial terms before booking; assume no extra payment here.
A: weaker. B: stronger. Scenario assumptions, not current market ratings or a promise of reload availability.
B leaves the example truck better positioned. No next load is included or guaranteed; later repositioning miles are excluded.
Demo carrier prefers less empty driving and reload flexibility. Home time and preferred lanes still control the decision.
Demo assumption: both loads fit a 53-foot dry van. Actual commodity, weight and facility requirements must be confirmed.
You always have the final say.
Talk with us about the founding carrier pilot.