Empty runs

An empty run is a journey segment on which a commercial vehicle carries no freight. Common examples are the approach to the first collection, the return after delivery or the drive to a follow-on order. These kilometres consume vehicle, energy and labour time without directly producing transport revenue.

Calculating empty mileage

The basic formula is empty kilometres ÷ total kilometres × 100. If a van travels 320 kilometres and 64 are empty, its empty-mileage share is 20%. Time should also be analysed because congestion and waiting affect cost.

Cost example

At assumed full vehicle costs of €0.78 per kilometre, 64 empty kilometres cost €49.92 on a distance basis. If a compatible follow-on job removes 42 kilometres, the modelled reduction is €32.76. Revenue, handling time and detour still belong in the complete decision.

Common causes include imbalanced flows, rigid vehicle assignments, short-notice orders, tight windows and poor visibility of free capacity. Route optimisation and automated dispatch can test new work against running routes. Consolidation only makes sense when capacity, route and time windows fit.

Empty does not mean under-utilised

A half-loaded vehicle is not empty, but it may have low vehicle utilisation. The two metrics should be tracked separately over the route. A TMS can connect orders, positions and statuses to show recurring empty segments and support better follow-on assignments.