How to find a return load
- Before you set off, note where and when you will be empty.
- Search the European board by pickup country and town near that drop-off, and the date you are free.
- Filter by your vehicle — curtainsider, mega, reefer, van up to 3.5 t — and sort by rate or rate per kilometre.
- Agree the job with the poster before you unload, so the truck leaves loaded.
Domestic return loads abroad: cabotage rules
A return load that starts and ends inside the country where you delivered is cabotage. After an international delivery, an EU carrier may make up to three cabotage operations in that country within seven days, then must wait four days before doing cabotage there again. Posting-of-drivers rules apply to cabotage and cross-trade.
The simplest return load is therefore an international one back towards your base country.
Return loads for vans
Van drivers filter by the “Van / Sprinter” type. Vans over 2.5 t doing international work for hire need an EU Community licence.
Frequently asked questions
Is a backload the same as a return load?
Yes — both mean a load that fills the return journey after a delivery.
Can I see return loads without registering?
Yes. Route, dates, vehicle type, weight and rate are public; contact details need a paid, active plan.
Which countries are covered?
European and UK freight. EU and UK accounts see both markets; Turkish accounts also see Turkish freight.
Your next step
Looking for loads? Check the routes, then browse the board for your market.
What you get
- Free, without an account: browse the load and vehicle boards.
- After registering: a 3-day trial (card required). Verified companies can post loads.
- Broker contact details unlock with the first payment of your plan.
Related
Facts on this page last checked 2026-10-14.