empty miles

[/ˈɛmpti maɪlz/]
noun
quilômetros vazios
1. Distance traveled by a vehicle, typically a truck or taxi, without carrying cargo or passengers, generating no revenue
The trucking company tried to minimize empty miles by finding return loads for their drivers.
A empresa de transporte tentou minimizar quilômetros vazios encontrando cargas de retorno para seus motoristas.
2. In ride-sharing and taxi services, miles driven while waiting for or traveling to pick up a passenger
Uber drivers are frustrated by empty miles between passenger pickups in rural areas.
Motoristas da Uber ficam frustrados com quilômetros vazios entre buscas de passageiros em áreas rurais.
3. Unproductive distance that increases operational costs without generating income
Reducing empty miles is crucial for improving logistics efficiency and profitability.
Reduzir quilômetros vazios é crucial para melhorar a eficiência logística e rentabilidade.
This term is primarily used in transportation, logistics, and ride-sharing industries in both the USA and Brazil. In the American trucking industry, it's a significant concern for profitability and environmental impact. In Brazil, it's increasingly relevant with the growth of ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99. The term reflects modern supply chain management challenges and is critical to discussions about operational efficiency and sustainable transportation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
deadheadingunloaded milesnon-revenue milesidle miles
Antonyms / Antônimos
loaded milesproductive milesrevenue miles

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
quilômetros vazios
Standard term used in logistics and transportation industry
São Paulo
quilômetros vazios / km vazio
Commonly used abbreviation in trucking and logistics sectors
USA
empty miles
Industry-standard terminology in trucking and transportation
Portugal
quilómetros vazios
Alternative spelling with emphasis on logistics terminology

Related Words

logisticsfreight transportationtrucking industryride-sharingoperational efficiencybackhaul

Related Idioms & Phrases

running empty
deadheading
wasted miles
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