What Is Deadhead Mile?

Truck accidents highlight how specific industry practices can significantly increase dangers on New Mexico’s roads and highways. One important factor that often comes up in these cases is “What is a deadhead mile?” This term refers to the distance a commercial truck travels without hauling any paying cargo or freight. These unprofitable empty trips generate absolutely no revenue for trucking companies, yet they consume substantial fuel, accelerate equipment wear and tear, and dramatically increase the statistical likelihood of serious accidents occurring.

At Parnall Law, we understand that accidents linked to deadhead miles can leave victims with difficulties that feel overwhelming. Our team works to hold trucking companies responsible and pursues compensation for medical costs, missed income, and the emotional impact of a crash that should never have happened.

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What Are Deadhead Miles?

Deadhead miles occur when a truck drives with an empty trailer, either returning to its base or traveling to another pick-up point without freight. These trips bring in no revenue, yet they still burn fuel, wear down tires and brakes, and expose drivers to the same risks they face when hauling a full load. Over time, the cost of deadhead miles adds up, straining both drivers and trucking companies. Carriers must still pay for fuel, maintenance, and driver wages, but without the benefit of delivering freight that generates income.

For example, imagine a semi-truck delivering goods from Albuquerque to Denver. After unloading, the driver may need to head back to Albuquerque with an empty trailer before picking up the next shipment. That return trip is considered deadhead miles, a journey that generates no income but still demands time and effort while keeping the driver exposed to roadway hazards.

New Mexico law even recognizes the concept of deadhead mileage, and under 18.3.12.20 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, towing services may include deadhead mileage charges when billing for certain nonconsensual tows. While this rule applies specifically to towing companies, it demonstrates how the state accounts for the hidden costs and operational impact of traveling empty. For long-haul truckers, those same costs can be substantial, making deadhead miles a significant issue in both safety and economics.

Do Drivers Get Paid for Deadhead Miles?

Most drivers are not directly paid for deadhead miles. Company drivers are usually compensated only for loaded miles, meaning the trip with freight generates income while the empty return does not. For carriers, some contracts may include partial compensation, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Even without freight, trucks still consume fuel and cause wear on tires, brakes, and other components, adding maintenance costs with no offsetting revenue. Drivers also lose valuable earning time that could otherwise be spent hauling freight. Independent owner-operators feel this burden most because they pay these expenses out of pocket.

Over time, the accumulation of unpaid miles can mean thousands of dollars lost each year, forcing drivers to accept more jobs or extend their hours just to break even. That added pressure increases stress, reduces rest, and ultimately raises the risk of accidents on already dangerous highways.

Is Deadhead Trucking Dangerous on Roads?

Yes, deadhead trucking can significantly increase dangers on the road for everyone. Empty trailers are much harder to control than loaded ones, making driving conditions far more unpredictable, especially on New Mexico’s exposed open highways, where strong crosswinds are particularly common.

According to the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data available as of July 2025, 4,354 people died in large truck crashes during 2023, representing a significant increase in traffic fatalities nationwide. Of these tragic deaths, 16% were truck occupants, while 65% were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles, and 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists, demonstrating the disproportionate impact on vulnerable road users.

When combined with the instability of empty trailers, these statistics show why deadhead miles create such serious risks. An unloaded rig is more vulnerable to rollovers in high winds, harder to control during sudden maneuvers, and often driven by fatigued operators covering long stretches of unpaid miles, which makes the danger to New Mexico motorists even greater.

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Deadhead Safety Driving Tips

Although deadhead miles cannot be entirely eliminated from commercial trucking operations, implementing comprehensive safety measures and operational protocols can substantially reduce the associated risks and potential hazards:

• Comply with hours-of-service regulations. The FMCSA rules limit driving time and require rest breaks to reduce fatigue, ensuring commercial drivers remain alert, safe, and legally compliant on long hauls.
• Reduce speed in high winds. Empty trailers are lighter and more vulnerable to rollovers when crosswinds pick up, especially on New Mexico’s open highways.
• Perform pre-trip inspections. Brakes, tires, and coupling systems should be checked before every leg of travel, as mechanical failures become more dangerous when hauling an empty trailer.
• Plan efficient routes. Use logistics software or dispatch coordination to minimize unnecessary deadhead mileage and reduce exposure to unsafe conditions.
• Avoid aggressive maneuvers. Quick lane changes or sharp turns can destabilize an empty trailer, especially at highway speeds or on uneven roads.
• Stay updated on weather alerts. Monitoring forecasts helps drivers avoid high-risk wind corridors, icy stretches, or sudden storms that make empty trailers harder to control.

By consistently implementing these practical tips and safety protocols, drivers and trucking carriers can substantially reduce the various risks and potential hazards associated with empty miles, though they cannot eliminate these dangers completely from their operations.

Involved in a Truck Accident? Call Parnall Law for Legal Help

Learning “what is deadhead mile” is not just about trucking industry terminology; it can be an essential part of protecting your rights after a serious accident involving an empty commercial truck. These crashes create unique challenges, from proving liability to overcoming the tactics trucking companies use to minimize responsibility.

Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing physical or emotional challenges. Parnall Law has the experience and commitment to investigate your case thoroughly, hold negligent carriers accountable, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (505) 268-6500 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.