What is headhaul, linehaul, backhaul, deadhead?

Headhaul
A headhaul refers to the primary leg of a transportation route, typically the journey from the origin to the destination where the goods are initially delivered. This leg is often more profitable for carriers because it usually involves transporting goods to a high-demand area1.

Line Haul
Line haul refers to the movement of goods between two major cities or hubs. It involves the long-distance transportation of freight, typically over highways or railways, and is a crucial part of the supply chain that connects different regions2.

Backhaul
A backhaul is the return trip of a transportation route, where the carrier transports goods back to the original location or another destination. Backhaul shipments are generally less profitable than headhaul shipments because they often involve transporting goods from a lower-demand area.

Deadhead
The transport of goods over a short distance, typically from a port to a nearby warehouse or distribution center. Drayage is a critical component of intermodal shipping

"Understanding these terms helps in optimizing logistics and transportation strategies, ensuring efficient and cost-effective movement of goods."