What it does
When you view a load, the Deadhead Optimizer automatically scans for:
Loads dropping out of the destination region within your preferred time window.
Rate-per-mile estimates for those potential backhauls.
Net round-trip profitability — after fuel and deadhead.
Instead of looking at a load in isolation, you see the round-trip math before you accept.
How to use it
Open any load in the Load Board.
Scroll to the Deadhead Optimizer panel.
Set your backhaul window (e.g., "Within 48 hours of delivery").
The optimizer shows you the top 5–10 potential backhauls with estimated rates and miles.
Make your decision based on the round-trip number, not just the outbound load.
Why this matters — a real example
You're offered a $1,200 load, 600 miles. Sounds great — $2.00/mile.
But the destination is a region where outbound rates are weak. To find a return load, you'd have to deadhead 250 miles to a hot region, and the best return load is $900 for 500 paid miles.
The real math:
Total miles: 600 + 250 + 500 = 1,350
Total revenue: $1,200 + $900 = $2,100
Real RPM on total miles: $1.56/mile
The Deadhead Optimizer surfaces this before you commit, so you can choose to either renegotiate the rate or pass.
What plans include it
All plans — Essential, Pro, and Enterprise.
Pro tips
Always run the Deadhead Optimizer before accepting any one-way load over 100 miles.
If the round-trip RPM drops below your minimum, renegotiate the outbound rather than walking away.
Use it together with the Profitability Heatmap for the clearest picture.