Volvo Trucks: Innovative Initiative to Reduce Empty Runs

Volvo Trucks North America recently introduced an innovative tool called Load Finder, which helps freight carriers minimize empty runs. This free offering contrasts with mostly paid alternatives and is aimed at both new carriers and established fleet operators looking to increase their efficiency. Load Finder simplifies the search for loads by consolidating freight information from over 40 sources. As a result, carriers can access diverse freight options without logging into multiple platforms. Volvo Trucks is collaborating with the Canadian startup Class8 to aggregate the necessary data. Madeline Sullivan, Product Marketing Manager at Volvo Trucks, explains that this is the first time an original equipment manufacturer has offered such a load platform for its customers. For Volvo customers, this feature is part of Volvo Connect, the company's fleet management platform. The partnership with Class8 provides a year of exclusivity, during which only Volvo and Mack can offer this service. The origin of this development lies in the Volvo Innovation Lab, which became aware of Class8 at a Plug and Play event. Since the start of a pilot program in early 2025, over 21,000 loads have been successfully mediated. According to Sullivan, the current market environment, however, has an impact on the service. Recent studies by the American Transportation Research Institute show that about 16 percent of all non-tank truck operations consist of empty runs, causing significant costs and environmental damage. Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America, emphasizes that Load Finder provides a simple and cost-free solution to improve utilization, reduce costs, and decrease emissions. The tool does not require additional hardware or software and can be used on both desktops and mobile devices. Existing systems such as electronic logging devices and transport management systems can be integrated via an API connection.