What Does Backhaul Mean in Car Shipping?

In auto transport, a backhaul is the return trip a carrier takes after completing a delivery, ideally with a load scheduled for the way back. Rather than returning empty, carriers pick up vehicles en route to maximize efficiency and reduce operational costs.

This practice benefits both the carrier and the customer. For example, if you’re flexible with timing, booking a vehicle shipment as a backhaul load through AutoStar Transport Express can sometimes save you money.

 

Benefits of Door-to-Port Shipping

Convenience: Customers don’t have to transport their vehicles to a shipping port themselves, saving time and effort.

Cost-Effective: By handling only part of the journey (to the port), this option tends to be more affordable compared to full-service transport methods like door-to-door car shipping.

Ideal for International Shipping: Perfect for those looking to ship a car overseas without worrying about the final delivery leg.

Door-to-port shipping is ideal when you’re shipping a vehicle internationally but want to keep costs lower while still enjoying the convenience of having the vehicle picked up from your location.

Your Guide to Common Auto Transport Terminology


Auto Racking System Auto Freight Accessorial Charge Actual Time of Departure Air Freight Axle Load Backhaul Binding Estimate Blind Shipping Bobtail Break Bulk Cargo Car Load Capacity Chain and Strap Tie-Downs Coast-to-Coast Car Shipping Carrier Availability Cargo Insurance Chargeable Weight Chassis Usage Fee Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Container Chassis Deadhead Miles Deck Height Clearance Delivery Estimate Drive-On/Drive-Off Service Drop Deck Trailer Door-to-Port Shipping Day Cab Delivery Window Dispatch Sheet Door-to-Ramp Double Trailers Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Freight Forwarder for Cars Freight Classification Full Truckload Ground Transport Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Hauling Permit Hazardous Materials Inspection Certificate Intermodal Load Configuration Lower Deck Transport LTL (Less Than Load) Auto Transport Less Than Container Load (LCL) Lift On Lift Off (LOLO) Master Bill of Lading MC Authority Motor Carrier Non-Binding Estimate Open Deck Hauler Overland Transport Partial Load Proof of Delivery (POD) Ramp Loading Regional Auto Hauling Ramp-to-Ramp Route Optimization Seasonal Demand Surcharge Short-Haul Transport Soft Tie-Downs Stacked Hauling Secure Vehicle Storage Shipper's Liability Shipping Manifest Tilt-Bed Hauler Top Deck Loading TWIC Card Unloading Zone Vehicle Condition Report Wheel Straps Winch Loading Weight Restrictions