Backhaul is the return journey of a transport vehicle after completing its primary delivery, and in food logistics it is commercially significant because using that capacity for a compatible return load reduces empty running costs, provided temperature, hygiene and documentation requirements are met.
In trade practice
Logistics managers arranging backhaul loads for reefer vehicles must confirm that the return cargo’s required temperature range is compatible with the vehicle’s settings and any residual product from the outbound load. The vehicle must be cleaned and, where required, sanitised between loads, with a cleaning record available for inspection. For cross-border backhaul from the EU into Ukraine, the return load requires its own export documentation and, depending on the product, phytosanitary or veterinary certificates.
In a specification
Transport contracts may explicitly permit or prohibit backhaul loading and, where permitted, may require the carrier to obtain written approval from the shipper before accepting a return load, along with a cleaning certificate.