Continuous Move

A continuous move is a routing arrangement where a carrier picks up a load, delivers it, then picks up a second load nearby – and potentially a third – before eventually returning toward the origin. Instead of the truck deadheading (running empty) back after each delivery, the carrier strings together loads to keep the truck loaded in both directions and across multiple stops. The shipper typically gets lower rates because the carrier's asset utilization improves.

Continuous moves are most effective on lanes where the shipper has consistent, complementary freight flows. A food manufacturer shipping outbound loads from a Midwest plant to East Coast distribution centers might pair those outbound FTLs with inbound raw material loads from East Coast suppliers – creating a continuous loop that keeps the carrier's truck productive. The carrier avoids repositioning costs, and the shipper benefits from rates that reflect the carrier's improved economics.

The planning complexity is real. Continuous moves require tight alignment between pickup and delivery schedules across multiple loads. If the first delivery is delayed, the second pickup is at risk. The shipper needs to coordinate with the carrier on feasible time windows across all legs and have enough lane consistency to make the pattern repeatable. One-off continuous moves are possible but hard to sustain.

Shippers who identify continuous move opportunities – through lane analysis and carrier collaboration – often secure committed capacity at below-market rates. It's a win-win arrangement, but it requires the data visibility to spot complementary freight patterns and the operational discipline to keep the schedule tight.