What does "deadhead" mean in trucking terminology?

In trucking terminology, "deadhead" specifically refers to the situation where a truck is driven without any cargo, meaning it is hauling an empty trailer. This situation typically occurs when a driver has delivered a load and is returning to a different location to pick up a new load but has no freight to carry back.

When a truck operates in this mode, it is often not generating any revenue for the trucking company, which can impact profitability. This makes the understanding of deadheading crucial for logistical planning and financial analysis within the trucking industry. The term reflects the operational dynamics faced by truckers, emphasizing the importance of strategically minimizing deadhead miles to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The other options do not accurately depict this concept. For example, driving with a full load indicates the opposite situation, whereas driving in a convoy is about the number of trucks traveling together. Driving under a heavy load also refers to a different scenario than that of an empty trailer. These distinctions clarify why deadheading is specifically related to carrying no cargo at all.