Jones Injury Attorneys | October 1, 2026 | Truck Accidents
In trucking, deadhead basically means to drive from one location to another with an empty trailer. Most truck drivers and trucking companies try to avoid deadheading because an empty truck is not carrying cargo that earns freight revenue. The truck also continues to use fuel and add other costs.
Deadheading can also be dangerous for a few different reasons, such as speeding or a lack of truck stability. Keep reading below to learn more about deadheading in the trucking industry and why most drivers try to avoid it in New Mexico.
Backhaul vs. Headhaul: What’s the Difference?
Headhaul and backhaul describe different portions of a truck’s route. The headhaul is the outbound trip, typically carrying cargo from its origin to its destination. The backhaul is the return trip, which may involve transporting another load toward the truck’s original location or another destination.
Deadheading can occur during either portion of a trip, but it often happens when a driver needs to travel empty to pick up another load. For example, suppose a trucker leaves Albuquerque with cargo bound for Las Vegas. After making the delivery, the driver heads toward Flagstaff to pick up another load. The trip from Las Vegas to Flagstaff is deadhead mileage because the trailer is empty during that portion of the route.
Finding another load for the return trip can reduce deadhead miles, allowing trucking companies and drivers to spend less time operating an empty truck.
Why Can Deadheading Be So Dangerous?
Believe it or not, driving with an empty trailer can be more dangerous than driving with a fully loaded truck. There are several reasons for this, such as increased:
- Risk of speeding: Drivers who operate with an empty trailer are more prone to speeding because of the lighter weight of the truck. Speeding can greatly increase your odds of an accident, and it can also make a crash more severe if it does happen.
- Risk of jackknifing: Empty trailers can be hard to control, and this increases your chances of a jackknife truck accident. Empty trailers are more prone to swinging to one side of the cab, especially when making turns or undergoing hard braking.
- Susceptibility to high winds: High winds can wreak havoc on semi-trucks, and empty trailers are especially vulnerable to high winds. Loaded trailers are more stable, but empty trailers may be pushed around by high winds and cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
- Difficulty braking and turning: Without the weight of cargo, a truck may respond differently when braking, turning, or traveling over rough roads. Drivers must account for these differences to maintain control.
Not only does deadheading cut into your profit margins, but it can also increase your chances of an accident.
What To Do if You Are Injured in a Deadhead Crash
If you have been hurt in a deadhead crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages. If a negligent truck driver or trucking company was at fault, you can hold them responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you are hurt in a deadhead accident, you should:
- Call 911 to notify the police and report the accident
- Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos of all the vehicles and your injuries
- Obtain names and phone numbers from all witnesses
- Save all accident-related documentation, such as medical records, bills, and receipts
- Seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help with your claim
An experienced attorney can perform a full investigation into the cause of your accident to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
Contact Jones Injury Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation With an Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorney
Deadheading occurs when a truck travels without cargo, often between deliveries or while heading to pick up another load. Empty trailers can be handled differently from loaded trailers and may be more vulnerable to high winds and other road conditions.
Truck drivers must account for these differences and operate their vehicles safely. When a truck accident occurs, evidence from the crash can help determine what happened and who was responsible.
If you were injured in a truck accident in New Mexico, contact us today at Jones Injury Attorneys or schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque truck accident lawyer.
We proudly take cases in all of New Mexico.
Jones Injury Attorneys – Arroyo del Oso Office
8205 Spain Rd NE #111-B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 578-2620
Available: 24/7
UBER LINK
Jones Injury Attorneys – Downtown
1011 Lomas Blvd NW #106, Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 375-2700
Available: 24/7