Digital Solutions for Road Freight

Britain’s Ghost Trucks: The High Cost of Moving Nothing

Observing the ceaseless flow of lorries on Britain’s motorways might lead one to ponder their cargo. Are they transporting food, fuel, or furniture? In reality, a major portion of these heavy goods vehicles, also known as HGVs, are transporting absolutely nothing. A staggering one out of every three lorries travelling through the United Kingdom is completely empty. This inefficiency is a costly problem for businesses and carries a substantial environmental burden, prompting a technological race to find a solution. The sight of these vacant vehicles represents a quiet crisis unfolding daily on the nation's highways.

The phenomenon, which is referred to in the industry as "empty running," is not merely a British problem but a global one. Across the European Union, roughly one of every five lorries operates without cargo. In the United States, the figure is nearly fifteen percent. These numbers paint a picture of a worldwide logistics network plagued by inefficiency. For the UK, this translates into billions of wasted miles annually, a staggering figure that highlights the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for smarter, more coordinated approaches to freight transport.

The Dual Burden of Cost and Carbon

This inefficiency translates to a significant financial burden. Each mile travelled by an empty lorry incurs costs—fuel, driver wages, and vehicle wear—without generating any revenue. In an era of volatile and often elevated fuel costs, these "deadhead miles" are particularly painful for haulage companies, eroding already thin profit margins. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has estimated that road congestion alone, often exacerbated by superfluous trips, costs the UK haulage industry billions each year, placing immense financial pressure on operators, especially smaller businesses.

Beyond the economic impact, the environmental consequences of these vacant journeys are severe. Road freight is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for a significant percentage of the transport industry's carbon dioxide output. Every unnecessary journey adds to this environmental toll, pumping pollutants into the atmosphere. Reducing the quantity of vacant lorries is therefore not just a matter of economic sense but a critical step towards achieving national and global climate targets and mitigating the environmental damage caused by the logistics sector.

Identifying the Problem

Recognising an empty lorry is simpler than one might imagine. Clemente Theotokis, a co-founder of Zeus, a digital freight management company, offers a visual cue. He explains that many haulage vehicles are designed to lift one of their axles off the ground when their cargo space is not completely full. This mechanism reduces tyre wear and fuel consumption. Consequently, seeing a lorry with a raised group of wheels is a clear indicator that it is either partially loaded or, more likely, completely empty, a common sight for any regular motorway user.

The sheer scale of this issue in the UK is startling. According to official figures from the DfT, or the Department for Transport, HGVs travel vacant for more than three billion miles each year. This is a distance so vast it becomes difficult to comprehend. It is comparable to a round trip journey to the moon thousands of times or operating a single vehicle continuously for more than five millennia. This statistic powerfully illustrates the magnitude of the wasted energy, time, and resources embedded within the current logistics system, a system ripe for disruption and innovation.

Rooted in Tradition: Why the System Fails

The core reasons behind this widespread inefficiency are complex and deeply rooted in the industry's traditional practices. Logistics has long been a fragmented sector, heavily dependent on manual processes, phone calls, and established but inflexible relationships. This "old school" approach lacks the agility to respond to the dynamic nature of modern supply and demand. The lack of technological integration for daily business activities means that coordinating loads and optimising routes remains a significant challenge, leading to countless missed opportunities for collaboration and efficiency gains.

This reliance on outdated methods is a key factor identified by industry innovators. Theotokis points out that the entire industry’s dependence on traditional methods of operation is the fundamental reason why so many trucks run empty. The system is not designed to easily match a haulier who has just completed a delivery with a nearby company that needs goods transported. This disconnect results in drivers having to make long return journeys without any cargo, a wasteful but often unavoidable consequence of a disconnected and analogue system.

Resistance to Change

Despite the clear benefits of modernisation, introducing new technology to the haulage sector is not without its difficulties. Theotokis notes that shifting the perspective of a "highly conventional sector" is a significant challenge. Many operators are accustomed to long-standing practices and may be sceptical of digital platforms, viewing them as disruptive or overly complex. Building trust and demonstrating the tangible benefits of new systems is crucial to overcoming this ingrained resistance to change and encouraging wider adoption of more efficient methods.

This scepticism is personified by hauliers like Jordan Shelvey, who directs Shelvey Haulage. Having spent years working in her family's Essex-based business, her focus remains on the personal relationships that have sustained the company. She emphasizes the importance of staying in direct communication with clients and ensuring their satisfaction. This perspective highlights a common sentiment in the industry: a belief that established relationships and direct communication are more reliable than anonymous digital platforms, even if the latter promise greater efficiency.

The Unstoppable Push for Transformation

The traditional model, centered on direct customer relationships, often leads to a focus on primary routes without actively seeking "backloads" or return journeys with cargo. For many small to medium-sized haulage firms, the time and effort required to find a suitable return load through manual means can be prohibitive. The priority is often to return the vehicle to its home base as quickly as possible to be ready for the next contracted job. This operational reality is a major contributor to the high number of empty miles travelled.

However, the pressure to modernise is mounting. While some, like Shelvey, remain unconvinced, there are undeniable indications that the cargo transport sector is on the cusp of significant transformation. The dual pressures of economic necessity and environmental responsibility are forcing a re-evaluation of old methods. The emergence of vehicle electrification and the increasing digitisation of logistics are powerful forces that are beginning to reshape the industry, suggesting that even the most traditional operators may soon need to adapt to survive in a more connected and efficient future.

The Inevitable Empty Miles

While technology and better planning can solve a large part of the empty running problem, some instances are simply unavoidable. Dr. Maja Piecyk, who is a logistics professor at the University of Westminster, provides a crucial dose of realism. She warns that despite the significant potential for improvement, a particular percentage of empty journeys is an inherent part of the logistics landscape. The nature of certain types of cargo and the geography of supply chains create situations where return loads are not feasible, a reality that technology alone cannot completely overcome.

One of the most straightforward examples of unavoidable empty running involves specialised vehicles. For example, a tanker carrying oil cannot simply be cleaned out and used to transport milk or fruit juice on its return journey. The risks of contamination are too high, and the vehicle's design is purpose-built for a specific type of product. Similarly, a lorry equipped with refrigeration units to transport frozen or chilled food cannot switch to carrying ambient goods without wasting the capacity of its specialised equipment, making an empty return trip the only practical option.

Structural Imbalances in the Supply Chain

Geographical imbalances also play a significant role. Dr. Piecyk points to what she terms "structural imbalances" in freight flow. More goods are transported to Scotland than depart from it, creating a natural deficit of return loads for hauliers heading south. The same dynamic applies to large cities, which are major consumption hubs that receive vast quantities of products but produce far less for outbound distribution. In these scenarios, a certain number of lorries will inevitably have to travel empty after making their deliveries, as there simply isn't enough outbound cargo to fill them.

This inherent inefficiency is a critical factor to consider when setting expectations for technological solutions. While digital platforms can optimise the journeys that can be optimised, they cannot create cargo where none exists. Understanding these structural constraints is key to developing a comprehensive strategy for reducing empty miles. The goal must be to eliminate all avoidable empty running through smarter logistics while acknowledging and planning for the unavoidable journeys that are a fundamental characteristic of the supply chain network.

The Digital Revolution in Freight           

The logistics sector is rapidly moving away from outdated spreadsheets and manual planning towards agile, cloud-powered platforms. In 2025, the demand is for logistics management software that provides real-time insights, automation, and scalability. Companies are no longer just looking for tools to move goods; they need systems that optimise every single step of the process, from the initial dispatch to the final delivery. This technological shift is fundamentally altering the way the industry operates, promising a future of greater efficiency and transparency.

Inspired by the advanced technological features of the web-based food delivery industry, entrepreneurs are bringing similar innovations to the world of road freight. Jack Fleming, founder of Chill-Chain, a digital freight management company, was previously in charge of restaurant operations at Deliveroo. He observed the stark contrast between the two sectors. While Deliveroo could track a £10 pizza with pinpoint accuracy, the logistics industry often had little idea where a lorry with merchandise valued at £40,000 was at any given moment. This lack of visibility was a clear opportunity for improvement.

Creating a Marketplace for Wasted Space

Fleming launched Chill-Chain in 2019 to address this gap. The software connects shippers directly with haulage companies, creating a marketplace where hauliers can find loads to fill their vehicles that would otherwise be empty. This not only benefits the hauliers by turning a costly empty journey into a revenue-generating one, but it also provides shippers with more flexible and competitive transport options. The platform acts as a digital matchmaker, efficiently pairing supply with demand in a way that was previously impossible through manual methods.

Furthermore, these digital platforms enable a new level of collaboration. Multiple manufacturers are able to work together to consolidate their shipments. For example, two companies, each with a half-full load going to the same region, can use a platform like Chill-Chain to combine their goods into a single, fully loaded lorry. This type of cooperation, rare in a competitive industry, offers significant benefits. It is estimated that consolidating deliveries in this way can lead to savings of around 60% in scheduling, mileage, and pollution output compared to business-as-usual operations, all while reducing costs for everyone involved.

A New Era of Collaboration

The traditional logistics model is often characterised by intense competition. Parcel carriers and haulage firms typically view each other as rivals, each competing for the same contracts. This mindset leads to a situation where multiple companies might send partially empty vehicles along the same routes, a phenomenon described as "all going everywhere." This duplication of effort is a major contributor to traffic congestion, increased use of fuel, and higher vehicle emissions. It is an inefficient system born from a lack of cooperation.

Digital freight platforms are designed to break down these silos and foster a more collaborative environment. By creating a transparent, shared marketplace, these tools allow companies to work together for mutual benefit. The ability for multiple businesses to share a single vehicle for their deliveries represents a fundamental shift from a competitive to a cooperative model. This approach, known as supply chain collaboration, involves partners working together through shared information and processes to achieve common goals, such as cost reduction and improved efficiency.

The Power of Shared Visibility and Savings

The benefits of this collaborative approach are substantial. By optimising vehicle capacity and reducing the total number of trucks on the motorways, companies can achieve significant operational savings. Fewer journeys mean lower fuel bills, reduced maintenance costs, and less expenditure on driver hours. These financial advantages are a powerful incentive for businesses to embrace a more cooperative way of working. The technology provides the means to overcome the traditional barriers to collaboration, making it easier than ever for firms to coordinate their logistics.

Moreover, this new collaborative model offers enhanced visibility for manufacturers. Platforms like Chill-Chain and Zeus provide a centralised dashboard where companies can see their whole road-based supply network from a single viewpoint. Jack Fleming notes that this gives them the ability to "gain immediate visibility of everything." This comprehensive overview allows for better planning, more accurate tracking of shipments, and the ability to respond quickly to any potential disruptions. This level of transparency and control is a game-changer for an industry long defined by fragmentation and a lack of real-time information.

Concerns About a 'Gig Economy' Model

The rise of digital platforms in logistics has raised concerns about the potential effect on drivers. Specialists caution that the move towards a more flexible, on-demand model could create a "gig economy" model resembling that seen in ride-sharing and food delivery services. In such a system, drivers might be classified as self-employed contractors rather than employees, potentially making them vulnerable to poor treatment, with lower pay, fewer benefits, and less job security. This is a significant concern in an industry already facing challenges with driver welfare.

The gig economy model is driven by the need for flexibility in a volatile market. Fluctuating consumer demand and supply chain disruptions make it difficult for companies to rely solely on a permanent workforce. Gig workers provide the agility to scale staffing levels up or down quickly, reducing the fixed labour costs associated with full-time employees. While this offers clear advantages for businesses, it shifts the financial risk onto the individual workers, who may face income instability and a lack of social protection.

Prioritising Driver Welfare in a Digital Age

In response to these concerns, some digital freight companies are taking steps to ensure fair treatment of drivers. Jack Fleming of Chill-Chain makes it clear that his company has structured its marketplace to prevent such negative outcomes. He states that they work exclusively with established haulage companies and have "zero independent contractors" on their platform. This approach ensures that drivers are properly employed and protected under existing labour laws, avoiding the precariousness often associated with the gig economy.

This commitment to ethical practices is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of the industry. The logistics sector is already grappling with a severe driver shortage, and poor working conditions will only make it harder to attract and retain the skilled professionals the industry desperately needs. By prioritising the welfare of drivers, companies like Chill-Chain are not only taking a socially responsible stance but are also making a smart business decision, helping to build a more stable and resilient workforce for the future.

An Industry on the Brink of Disruption

The cargo transport sector is currently experiencing a time of profound and disruptive change. The twin forces of electrification and digitisation are converging to create a new landscape, challenging long-held business models and opening up new possibilities. Companies that have not yet invested in modernising their fleets and operations are at risk of being left behind by more agile and forward-thinking competitors. The pace of this transformation is accelerating, and adaptation is becoming a matter of survival.

Electrification is set to revolutionise the sector. The UK government has mandated that all new heavy-duty trucks must be zero-emission by 2040, with smaller lorries being phased out even earlier. This transition presents significant challenges, particularly around vehicle range, charging infrastructure, and the initial cost of investment. However, it also offers substantial long-term benefits, including lower running costs and a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions. Projects like eFREIGHT 2030 are already demonstrating the viability of electric HGVs, paving the way for wider adoption.

The Inevitable March of Technology

Alongside electrification, digital transformation is accelerating. Logistics companies are increasingly turning to technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Advanced transportation management systems, real-time vehicle tracking, and data analytics are becoming mainstream tools. These digital solutions provide the visibility and control needed to optimise complex logistics networks. The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning is further enhancing these capabilities, enabling predictive analytics for demand forecasting and dynamic route optimisation.

This wave of innovation is attracting a new generation of tech-focused companies to the logistics space. Companies such as Zeus and Chill-Chain are challenging the status quo, offering digital-first solutions that promise to solve the industry's most persistent problems, including the issue of empty running. As Clemente Theotokis suggests, by embracing greater automation, the sector will enhance from the perspective of both the trucker and the manufacturer. This digital disruption is set to create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future for road freight.

The Future of Freight

Looking ahead, the volume of goods being moved around the world is set to increase dramatically. From Westminster University, Dr. Maja Piecyk predicts that international freight transport volumes will expand by over 100 percent by the year 2050. This massive growth will place unprecedented strain on our already congested road networks. It is clear that we cannot simply build our way out of this problem by doubling the quantity of motorways. The solution must lie in making the existing system far more efficient.

Addressing the issue of these vacant journeys is therefore not just a matter of improving current operations; it is an absolute necessity for accommodating future growth. A system where one out of every three lorries is moving empty is fundamentally unsustainable and will be completely unworkable in a world with double the quantity of cargo. The efficiency gains offered by digital platforms and collaborative logistics will be essential to increasing the capacity of our existing infrastructure without bringing it to a standstill.

The Ultimate Goal: An Intelligent, Automated Network

The ultimate vision is a fully integrated, automated, and intelligent logistics network. In this future, artificial intelligence will manage the flow of goods, dynamically routing vehicles, consolidating shipments, and predicting demand with incredible accuracy. Blockchain technology could provide a secure and transparent ledger for all transactions, while the Internet of Things (IoT) will offer real-time data on the location and condition of every single shipment. This connected ecosystem will minimise waste and maximise efficiency on a scale that is difficult to imagine today.

The transition to this future will require significant investment, innovation, and a willingness to embrace change across the entire industry. However, the benefits are clear. A more automated and collaborative logistics sector will be better for business, with lower costs and greater reliability. It will be better for drivers, with more predictable schedules and improved working conditions. And, crucially, it will be better for the planet, with a dramatic reduction in unnecessary journeys, use of fuel, and carbon emissions. The challenge of the empty lorry is the catalyst for building a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient future for freight.