Digital logistics: Avoid empty running trucks

Causes and reasons for empty running trucks

The rapid increase in online trade and the rising demand for custom orders have led to an exponential increase in empty running trucks. In 2021, there were over 3,500 million empty miles (6,000 kilometres) travelled on German roads. There is a focus on flexible and customised deliveries, but these pose enormous challenges for logistics and lead to empty running trucks and empty miles after delivery orders.

Consolidation and additional loading solve the problem

Two approaches can be taken to minimise empty journeys and ensure more efficient logistics: consolidation and additional loading. Consolidation involves bundling consignments from different customers to be dispatched together. This can be in terms of either time or space. Additional loading uses available freight capacity in vehicles that are not fully utilised in order to take on additional freight on a planned route.

Environmentally friendly logistics and CO₂ savings

Empty journeys not only have a financial impact, but also an environmental one. In addition to higher costs, they also lead to unnecessary CO₂ emissions. In light of the growing demand for environmental protection and sustainability in logistics, companies are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly freight transportation solutions. Using freight exchanges can achieve CO₂ savings of up to 23% and, with integrated applications and services, help to comply with the regulations of the German Supply Chain Act. 

Efficient strategies

Using a digital logistics platform such as a freight exchange can minimise empty running trucks and increase turnover. Drivers, freight forwarding companies and companies with their own fleets can make optimum use of available freight capacity by searching for suitable freight offers or offering their own capacities. Reviews and company profiles create trust and enable long-term partnerships.

Avoid empty running trucks with digital logistics 

Digitalisation can effectively tackle empty journeys in road freight transport. By making targeted use of innovative approaches such as consolidation, additional loading and digital platforms, the logistics sector can become more sustainable and efficient. Companies have the opportunity to harmonise economic and ecological goals and avoid empty journeys.

Need all the important information at a glance? Download our “Tips for reducing empty running trucks” checklist!

Download now 

You may also be interested in:

A guide to efficient pallet shipping

5 top tips from TIMOCOM - find transport orders and avoid empty runs