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Backhaul Optimisation and Empty Running Reduction for Fleets

Focuses on one of the biggest hidden costs in road transport, the kilometres vehicles run empty on the way back from a delivery. Teaches operators to find return loads, match capacity to demand and plan routes that keep trucks earning in both directions. Highly relevant to long African corridors where empty return trips waste fuel and erode margins.

Ready to book? Secure your place on this programme.

Register for this course

What you will be able to do

  • Measure empty running and its cost across the fleet.
  • Identify sources of return loads and backhaul opportunities.
  • Match available capacity to freight demand on return legs.
  • Plan routes and schedules that reduce empty kilometres.
  • Work with shippers, brokers and load boards to fill trucks.
  • Track loaded ratio and the savings from backhaul improvement.

Course outline

  1. 01The Cost of Empty Running
  2. 02Measuring Loaded and Empty Kilometres
  3. 03Finding Return Loads
  4. 04Matching Capacity to Demand
  5. 05Route Planning for Backhaul
  6. 06Working with Shippers and Load Boards
  7. 07Tracking Loaded Ratio and Savings

Who should attend

This course is designed for transport planners, fleet managers, freight coordinators and commercial staff in haulage operations.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendarRegister
7 to 9 Oct 2026Johannesburg3R13,000Register
12 to 14 Oct 2026Cape Town3R13,000Register
13 to 15 Oct 2026Durban3R13,000Register
14 to 16 Oct 2026Pretoria3R13,000Register
19 to 21 Oct 2026Windhoek3US$1,500Register
20 to 22 Oct 2026Gaborone3US$1,500Register
21 to 23 Oct 2026Maseru3US$1,500Register
26 to 28 Oct 2026Mbabane3US$1,500Register
27 to 29 Oct 2026Lusaka3US$1,500Register
28 to 30 Oct 2026Harare3US$1,500Register
2 to 4 Nov 2026Lilongwe3US$1,500Register
3 to 5 Nov 2026Blantyre3US$1,500Register
4 to 6 Nov 2026Mozambique3US$1,500Register
9 to 11 Nov 2026Nairobi3US$1,500Register
10 to 12 Nov 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500Register
11 to 13 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500Register
16 to 18 Nov 2026Kampala3US$1,500Register
17 to 19 Nov 2026Accra3US$1,500Register
18 to 20 Nov 2026Lagos3US$1,500Register
23 to 25 Nov 2026Cairo3US$1,500Register
24 to 26 Nov 2026Mauritius3US$1,500Register
25 to 27 Nov 2026Dubai3US$1,500Register
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Online3US$900Register

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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