What is backloading?
In the competitive industry of haulage, the importance of utilising every solution has resulted in an intricate system of backloading, sometimes referred to as backhauling. Backloading is the practice of planning trips around every part of the vehicle's journey. The driver delivers goods to the destination, picks up the backload, and drives the cargo back to a location on the route or close to the original destination. Backloading does require careful planning and organisation, but, once successful, can hugely benefit haulage companies. Below we explain three major benefits of utilising backloading:
Cost effective haulage
Backloading is an extremely cost-effective way to increase productivity. Many haulage companies run a large proportion of each road journey with an empty vehicle, usually on the inbound journey, which is a costly allowance. However, backloading ensures that any empty space is used effectively. Employing drivers that are already driving empty vehicles to transport a backload allows for other loaded vehicles to run simultaneously. Backloading creates a cost-effective way to move more goods in fewer journeys, creating a larger productivity margin, and a higher revenue intake.
Increased customer satisfaction
At Welch’s Transport, we understand that creating and maintaining great customer care is vital to our company functioning at a high standard. Through using backload transport systems, haulage companies are able to provide a quicker and more efficient service, delivering goods in half the time. Due to the nature of backloading transport, both the customer and the haulage company should be flexible in their approach, and due to this requirement, often backload transport is offered to customers at a reduced price, fostering a positive relationship between client and company.
Environmentally friendly transport
With the transport sector accounting for over 20% of global CO2 emissions in recent years, it is more important now than ever to remain environmentally conscious. Here at Welch’s Transport, we take every effort possible to reduce our carbon tyre-print and backloading can certainly help in this endeavour. Through utilising every journey, drivers can ensure that fuel is not wasted, and, because both outbound and inbound journeys matter, unnecessary vehicle emissions are kept to a minimum.
How important is backloading in transport?
Backloading is a useful and effective way to improve the way haulage companies deliver goods. Backloading firstly benefits the haulage company, as it allows for increased productivity and therefore a larger profit margin. Secondly, this service benefits customers, who can utilise this technique often at a reduced rate. Finally, the most compelling argument in favour of backloading is the reduced strain on the environment, with less unnecessary journeys being undertaken. In summary, backloading is an ineffective and simple way which would benefit both client and consumer.
If you’re interested in how Welch’s can improve your transport process whether it be through backloading, warehousing or specialist movements, get in touch with our friendly, professional team today.