Power Only Loads – Everything you need to know

What is power only in trucking?

Power only trucking is a full truckload capacity solution that occurs when a carrier provides only a driver and a tractor (also known as a “power unit”).

For power only loads, the driver does not bring a trailer, but instead hooks up to and hauls a trailer that is either leased or owned by a third-party logistics provider or shipper. Every carrier can become a power only carrier — it just depends on how they use their driver capacity.

Power only carriers can haul multiple trailer types:

• Flatbed & open deck trailers
• Dry vans
• Refrigerated trailers
• Shipping containers

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What are power only shipments?

Power only trucking is a full truckload capacity solution that occurs when a carrier provides only a driver and a tractor (also known as a “power unit”). In power only trucking, the driver does not bring a trailer, but instead hooks up to and hauls a trailer that is either leased or owned by a 3PL or shipper.

How does power only work?

When a shipper has a load of freight but no tractor or driver to haul it, they can connect with a power-only trucking company directly or work with a broker to find the right carrier.

The process of employing power-only trucking — for each shipper — is really quite simple. Instead of sourcing for truck and trailer capacity, shippers that utilize this service work with their transportation partner to find a “power-unit” in their area and match it to their freight.

Shippers can use power-only trucking in different ways. If they have frozen foods, fresh produce, or other perishable items, those goods will require temperature control throughout their journey. The shipper may already have the temperature-controlled reefer units they need but not enough drivers and tractors to haul them. This is especially common when quantities of perishable items vary throughout the year.

Another common way for shippers to use power-only trucking is to load goods onto trailers well in advance. The trucking industry can be affected by many factors, from supply chain issues to weather conditions. Some shippers find it easiest to keep their own fleet of trailers, load them up as they go along, and then hire a power-only trucking company when they’re actually ready to go.

What is the best power only load board?

VeriTread moves thousands of Power Only loads every year and can quickly generate a reliable estimate on the go. Our extensive specs and dimensions database of 60,000+ items, ensures you spend less time researching and more time putting your equipment to work. The VeriTread Shipper quote process is the simplest way to receive competitive quotes from vetted transport providers. Follow these easy steps and you will receive a quote in under one minute:

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• Select Ready To Ship from the Freight Options Page
• Enter a Manufacturer & Model
• Verify or Edit Your Machine Dimensions
• Enter Pickup & Drop Off Locations
• Your Quote is Ready!

We believe our suite of innovative decision tools empower our customers to make smarter and more informed transportation decisions, reducing overall uncertainty, and saving you time and money. If you have questions contact us at (800) 880-0468 or (863) 226-0903 and let our team of experts help you with your transport needs.