Backhauling in Logistics: A Guide for FMCG and Route-Based Businesses Using DSD Assist

According to industry data, nearly 1 in 3 commercial trucks on the road are running empty—typically on their return leg after making deliveries. These “deadhead” or “empty” miles drive up fuel costs, reduce operational efficiency, and inflate carbon emissions.

For FMCG distributors and route-based businesses using DSD Assist, there’s a smarter way to manage this: backhauling.

What is Backhauling?

Backhauling is the process of planning pickup stops on a delivery truck’s return route to reduce deadhead mileage and improve overall efficiency. For example, after completing van sales or deliveries using DSD Assist’s routing module, your truck might pass near a supplier location or retail outlet needing a pickup. Rather than sending another vehicle, your existing truck can handle both the delivery and the return load—maximising route productivity.

This is especially relevant for direct store delivery (DSD) operations, where vehicles regularly return empty to the warehouse or depot. By leveraging DSD Assist’s route planning and load tracking features, businesses can coordinate return pickups, returns management, or supplier collections with ease.

3 Key Benefits of Backhauling with DSD Assist

1. Reduce Costs

Backhauling cuts down on wasted kilometers. Fewer trips mean lower fuel bills, reduced vehicle wear, and more efficient use of driver hours. Many DSD Assist users reduce operational costs by integrating returns or supplier pickups directly into delivery routes—creating leaner and smarter fleet utilisation.

2. Improve Efficiency

With DSD Assist’s real-time route optimisation and vehicle tracking, businesses can manage pickups and deliveries in a single trip—without overloading trucks. When using our platform, dispatchers can instantly view available truck capacity post-drop-off and identify the nearest logical pickup points—ensuring maximum load utilisation every time.

3. Enhance Sustainability

Backhauling supports a more sustainable logistics model by reducing carbon emissions caused by empty trucks on the road. This resonates with today’s consumers—over 60% of whom prefer brands with strong environmental practices. DSD Assist helps clients align with these expectations through data-driven, greener delivery practices.

Internal vs. External Backhauling

Internal Backhauling

This involves returning with your own goods—like collecting empty crates, totes, or returns from customers. Good delivery software can automatically log and schedule these reverse logistics tasks as part of the same delivery run, streamlining the operation and keeping stock moving both ways.

External Backhauling

For businesses offering third-party logistics or outsourcing fleet capacity, external backhauling involves carrying products from partner suppliers or customers. With good delivery software, multiple client orders and accounts can be managed in the same interface, making this kind of complexity simple to execute.

How DSD Assist Optimises Your Backhauling Strategy

Backhauling can be complex—especially when manually coordinating routes, returns, and capacity. DSD Assist automates and streamlines this with purpose-built tools for FMCG delivery and distribution.

Smart Route Optimisation

DSD Assist dynamically plans routes based on delivery and pickup requirements. Dispatchers can build in collection points, reverse logistics (like crate returns), or supplier pickups—all in a single trip.

Mobile Integration for Drivers

Drivers using the DSD Assist app receive real-time route updates, delivery instructions, and pickup alerts. This ensures efficient on-the-fly adjustments while keeping your back-office, warehouse, and field teams aligned.

Pickup and Delivery Without the Return to Base

One of the biggest advantages of using DSD Assist for backhauling is that drivers don’t need to return to base between stops. Pickups and deliveries are handled fluidly on a single optimised route, saving hours of travel time each week.

Final Thoughts

Backhauling is no longer optional—it's essential for competitive FMCG, wholesale, and DSD operations. With DSD Assist, you gain the tools to plan smarter routes, reduce operating costs, and lower your environmental impact—all while maximising your fleet’s efficiency.