Vehicle transfer Plan your return journey wisely: Tips for independent drivers
Februar 02, 2026
The Author
“Hello! My name is Katharina Weyergraf. As part of the marketing team at ONLOGIST, I focus on topics related to mobility and share my insights in articles about vehicle transfers.”
Return trip after vehicle transfer: smart strategies from connecting trips to e-scooters
After transfer of a vehicle from one's hometown to another city, most independent drivers the return trip. Train or bus rides, car sharing, or taxis—the return trip can quickly become expensive, time-consuming, and nerve-wracking.
A few years ago, e-scooters were already considered a flexible solution for short return trips after a vehicle transfer. Today, practice shows that return trips can be optimized in a variety of ways – with follow-up orders, structured tours, travel packages, or additional mobility options.
With clever planning, the right tools, and a few practical tricks, the return trip after a vehicle handover can be made efficient—and, in the best case, even profitable.
Tip: Vehicle transfers can also be used for private purposes—for example, to visit relatives in other cities, meet friends, or take a city break. The best part is that you even get paid for the trip, allowing you to cleverly combine work and leisure while financing your journey at the same time.
Why the return journey after vehicle transfer is crucial
Even if it is "only" the return trip, the time, organizational effort, and travel costs quickly add up. Especially when regularly transferring vehicles on their own wheels, it is worth planning this phase carefully—instead of treating it as a chore after the actual transfer driver job .
Practical fact: In European road freight transport, empty runs account for around 21.8% of the kilometers driven – in national transport, the figure is as high as around 26%. (Eurostat, "Road freight transport by journey characteristics")
Even if vehicle transfers are not directly comparable to empty truck journeys, these statistics show that every cleverly planned return journey saves money.
ABC and ABA trips: paid return trips instead of empty runs
ABC trips – longer distances instead of empty return journeys
ABC trips follow the pattern A → B → C. These are continuation trips with a stopover, in which two different vehicles are transferred one after the other.
Example:
Hamburg → Hanover, immediately followed by Hanover → Berlin. Such constellations often arise when car rental companies relocate. car rental companies.
Advantages:
- longer compensated distance
- No direct return journey necessary
- Better geographical position for later return journeys
Mnemonic:
ABC trips = first continue driving, then return – more revenue, less idle time.
ABA trips – there and back, cleverly planned
ABA trips follow the pattern A → B → A. After the outward journey, a second order is immediately accepted for the return journey.
Typical for subscription models or workshop trips such as tire changes.
Advantages:
- paid return trip
- No travel expenses
- High predictability
- Maximum daily efficiency
Note:ABA trips = vehicle transfer with direct paid return trip.
Other ways to plan your vehicle transfer return trip efficiently
In addition to ABC and ABA trips, there are other ways to organize your vehicle transfer return trip cleverly. Whether it's team coordination, clever vehicle selection, or flexible mobility solutions—with the right strategies, you can save time, reduce costs, and increase your daily allowance.
Trip packages – efficiency for teams
Plan multiple vehicles at the same time, coordinate return trips, and save time and money together. save time and money.
Trailers and transporters – triple the benefits
When vehicle transfer:
- more orders, even on "external axis"
- better pay
- Return trip included
Other transport options
E-scooters & e-bikes (often foldable for transport in a vehicle)
Car sharing & rental cars
Public transportation
Carpooling & driver networks
Bonus tip – Plan your meals wisely
ONLOGIST app – Plan your return journeys the smart way
Filters for ABC/ABA & trip packages
Personalized notifications
Tour overview
Region and date filters
Extra tip: So many well-known clients post their car transport orders on ONLOGIST – in Germany and across Europe – that with clever planning, you can organize your trips to maximize your profits, regardless of whether you do vehicle transfers "part-time" or full-time. The app is also being continuously developed to make planning even easier.
Practical tips for transportation service providers: Organize return trips more efficiently
Prefer ABC/ABA trips
Use trip packages
Use trailers
Combine e-scooters, public transport, and car sharing
Utilize networks
Activate app notifications
Take food with you
Combine private transfers
Conclusion: Optimize vehicle transfers and get more out of every job
The return leg of a vehicle transfer is a key lever for profitability. Clever use of connecting trips, trip packages, trailers, or flexible return options reduces idle time and increases daily earnings.
The ONLOGIST app supports you with filters, notifications, and transparent route planning.
Mantra: Plan your return trip smartly = more money, less stress, smarter work.
