In the courier service industry, there’s a silent cost that has a deep impact: empty return journeys. While return trips with no deliveries or collections may seem like a minor inconvenience, the true cost goes far beyond that.
Empty return journeys are a major challenge in making profitable delivery jobs a reality. But the impact goes well beyond that, affecting the environment, road infrastructure and businesses that rely on efficient logistics. All of this contributes to a broken delivery industry.
Wasting Fuel and Contributing to Climate Change
The environmental toll of empty return journeys is hugely significant. Every year, the logistics industry contributes heavily to carbon emissions, much of which can be traced back to empty miles. It is estimated that the transport industry contributes around 34% of the UK’s greenhouse gases, with road transport being the largest contributor [i].
There is undoubtedly significant room for improvement. As recently as 2022, the UK Government estimated that 30% of the miles travelled by HGVs were done so while empty [ii].
As a result of this, the transportation sector has the opportunity to reduce its environmental impact by finding ways to eliminate these unnecessary journeys. Reducing the number of empty miles driven will be an essential part of any strategy to meet carbon reduction targets and help slow down the effects of climate change.
The Strain on Road Networks
Beyond the environmental costs, empty return journeys also put a strain on road infrastructure. The more vehicles that are on the road not only leads to more congestion, it increases travel times and a greater likelihood of accidents.
The cost of congestion on the UK’s Strategic Road Network has risen by nearly £1 billion since 2015, according to a new report by Logistics UK [iii]. Empty vehicles on the road contribute to this congestion when they shouldn’t.
Moreover, these inefficiencies can lead to more frequent repairs and maintenance of road networks, placing additional pressure on government budgets and road management agencies.
The Impact on Businesses Dependent on Road Efficiency
Empty miles add costs without generating income, especially during high fuel prices, affecting the bottom line for senders, drivers, and businesses. The real impact, however, is on customer satisfaction.
Empty journeys lead to fewer deliveries, delays and less reliable service. This inefficiency also results in higher shipping costs, which businesses may pass on to customers, leading to frustration and potentially lost business.
In a competitive market, poor service can damage client relationships, hurt reputation and ultimately threaten long-term profitability, especially for smaller companies.
Addressing the Issue
There is a need for change. Technological advancements and innovative logistics solutions are offering ways to address the inefficiencies of empty return journeys.
- Optimised Route Planning: Leveraging advanced route-planning technology can help lighten the load on drivers. Companies can now help drivers find routes that not only reduce the time spent on the road but also minimise the occurrence of empty miles. With route optimisation tools, drivers can access real-time data on available deliveries, ensuring they are always fully loaded and not wasting time or fuel.
- Return Job Matching: One of the most effective ways to tackle the issue of empty return journeys is to match drivers with return jobs. Platforms are already looking to implement the technology to ensure that drivers are paired with return jobs before and during their journey, reducing fuel costs and keeping vehicles productive.
Use YOVOY’s Brand-New Web Platform for a More Efficient System
The challenge of running on empty cannot be solved overnight, but with the right technological innovations and a collective effort, the logistics industry can move toward a future that benefits everyone.
YOVOY is going to lead the charge in this effort, helping secure a better deal for self-employed commercial drivers. By connecting drivers with deliveries more efficiently, YOVOY will significantly reduce empty miles.
For businesses, YOVOY offers greater control over deliveries, expands their reach and enhances customer satisfaction. This is all done while reducing their environmental impact and improving profitability with optimised routes.
Want to find out more? Get in touch to register your interest in YOVOY today
References
[i] Mandata [ii] UK Gov [iii] Trans.info
