Power Only Trucking Companies for Flexible Shipping Options

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Power only trucking companies offer flexible shipping options that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. This type of trucking is ideal for shippers who need to transport their own trailers to a destination.

One benefit of power only trucking is that it can save you money on fuel costs. According to a recent study, power only trucking can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional trucking methods.

By choosing a power only trucking company, you can also enjoy more control over your shipping process. This includes being able to load and unload your own trailers, which can be a major time-saver.

Power only trucking companies often have a wide range of equipment and services available to meet the needs of their customers. This can include everything from dry van and refrigerated trailers to flatbed and step-deck trailers.

What Is Power Only Trucking?

Power-only trucking is a type of transportation service where a carrier only uses the power unit, or tractor, of a commercial truck. They don't own or operate trailers, instead relying on customers or other carriers to provide them.

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This business model allows power-only carriers to focus on driving and operating their equipment, avoiding the costs and responsibilities of trailer ownership and maintenance. They're responsible for attaching and hauling the trailer, but not for loading or unloading the cargo.

By not owning trailers, power-only carriers can save on costs and increase their efficiency, making it a popular choice for many trucking companies.

Benefits and Flexibility

Being a power-only carrier offers numerous benefits, including flexibility, reduced expenses, and improved efficiency. Power-only carriers can choose the types of loads and routes they want to haul, allowing them to tailor their business to their preferences and maximize their earnings potential.

With lower overhead costs, power-only carriers can focus on driving and delivering loads, rather than spending time loading and unloading trailers. This allows them to complete more deliveries and increase their earning potential.

Here are some of the specific benefits of being a power-only carrier:

  • Flexibility to choose the types of loads and routes you want to haul.
  • Reduced expenses due to lower overhead costs.
  • Improved efficiency by focusing on driving and delivering loads.
  • Increased earning potential by providing specialized service.
  • Diversified customer base, including freight brokers, retailers, manufacturers, and logistics companies.

Delivers Flexibility

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Power-only options deliver flexibility, which is a major advantage for shippers and carriers alike. This flexibility can serve a variety of needs, including local market coverage with the option of drop and hook.

Power-only carriers have the flexibility to choose the types of loads and routes they want to haul, allowing them to tailor their business to their preferences and maximize their earnings potential.

Shippers who need specific trailer requirements or specialized trailers for their products may prefer to use power only, ensuring that the transportation method aligns with their product's needs and specifications.

Power-only carriers can earn higher rates per mile than traditional carriers, as they are providing specialized service and have the flexibility to choose their loads and routes.

The benefits of being a power-only carrier include flexibility, reduced expenses, improved efficiency, increased earning potential, and a diversified customer base.

Here are some ways power-only options can deliver flexibility:

  • Local market coverage with the flexibility of drop and hook.
  • More capacity in the Schneider regional and over-the-road networks.
  • Pop-up capacity for surges in shipments.
  • Expedited and team solutions.
  • Warehouse moves.
  • Cross-border moves.

By providing their own trailers, shippers can ensure that the transportation method aligns with their product's needs and specifications, and they have more control over loading and unloading processes, trailer utilization, and scheduling.

Benefits of West Coast Carriers

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West Coast Carriers is known for their punctuality, ensuring deliveries on time and eliminating costly delays. They often outpace the competition in terms of timeliness and load management.

Their senior-level professionals have the experience needed to transport your power only load, providing strategic advice to optimize trailer usage and reduce costs. They're not just about moving trailers, they're about helping you navigate logistics.

Safety is their top priority, with stringent safety protocols in place to ensure all power only loads are roadworthy. They conduct thorough pre-trip inspections of both tractors and trailers to prevent issues that could delay transit.

Their staff is highly trained in safety procedures and compliance with industry regulations, maintaining a high level of safety and reliability. This attention to detail gives you peace of mind, knowing your load is in good hands.

West Coast Carriers consistently receives accolades for their client-first approach and proactive communication. They provide real-time updates and personalized solutions, keeping you updated throughout the entire process.

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Their pricing structures are designed to offer competitive power only rates without sacrificing quality of service. This means you get the best of both worlds – affordability and reliability.

West Coast Carriers offers seamless service to metropolitan areas in Canada, making them an ideal choice for clients with international logistics needs. This dual-nation coverage sets them apart from competitors that are primarily U.S.-focused.

Their adaptability is unmatched, allowing them to handle even the most complex logistics with ease. Whether it's specialized trailer relocations or time-sensitive power only loads, they've got you covered.

By emphasizing client relationships and treating power only drivers with respect, West Coast Carriers stands out from the competition. Their responsive support teams ensure every logistical detail is addressed promptly, providing peace of mind to clients at every step.

Services and Options

Any shipper can consider using power only as an option to move their products. This service involves using a truck and driver provided by a power-only provider, while the shipper supplies the trailer.

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Power only services are particularly useful in situations where a shipper needs flexible transportation solutions. For instance, container hauling and delivery require a specialized network to handle freight safely and efficiently.

We specialize in providing power only trucking solutions for businesses across various industries, including container hauling and delivery, cross border power only trucking, and expedited power only trucking.

Our Services:

We offer a range of services that cater to different business needs. Our Power Only Services are designed to meet the specific requirements of various industries.

We specialize in providing power only trucking solutions, which means you can rely on us to handle the transportation of your freight.

Container Hauling & Delivery is one of our specialties, allowing us to skillfully handle transport of your freight.

Our team is well-versed in international shipping regulations, making cross border power only trucking a seamless process.

Expedited Power Only Trucking is our area of expertise, where we efficiently meet tight deadlines.

Full Truckload & Power Only Hybrid Solutions offer the flexibility of a dedicated truck or your own trailers, giving you the freedom to choose.

Shipper Options

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As a shipper, you have options to consider when moving your products. Any shipper can use power only as an option to move their products, which involves using a truck and driver without a trailer.

You can provide your own trailer, and the power-only provider supplies the tractor and driver. This arrangement is often used by trucking companies or logistics providers.

There are several situations where shippers might choose power only, such as when they need to transport a specific type of cargo that requires a particular trailer. In these cases, using a power-only provider can be a cost-effective solution.

A shipper can use a combination of drop trailer and power only to move their freight. Drop trailer involves loading the trailer and dropping it at a designated location, where the carrier picks it up for delivery.

This combination can achieve several benefits, including more efficient loading and unloading processes and greater flexibility in scheduling. By using drop trailer and power only together, a shipper can streamline their logistics operations and reduce costs.

Can I Be a Solo Owner-Operator?

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As a solo owner-operator, you have the freedom to run your own trucking business, but it's essential to understand the responsibilities that come with it. You can be a power-only owner-operator with one truck, owning and operating your own tractor while leasing it out to a carrier or running it under your own authority.

You'll need to have your own tractor, as well as the necessary licensing, insurance, and permits. For a full list of licenses and permits needed in trucking, you can read our blog on the topic. This will help you understand what's required to get started.

As a solo owner-operator, you'll be responsible for all the costs associated with maintaining and operating your tractor, including fuel, maintenance, and repairs. You'll also need to handle administrative and logistical tasks, such as bookkeeping and record-keeping, which can be time-consuming but essential to running a successful business.

You'll need to be prepared to handle these tasks yourself, or hire someone to help you manage the business side of things. This will help you stay organized and focused on driving and earning income.

Best Load Boards

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If you're a power-only carrier looking for reliable load boards, you're in luck. There are several options available that can connect you with shippers and brokers who have freight to move.

DAT is one of the largest load board providers in the trucking industry, offering a dedicated section for power-only loads. You can search for loads based on your location, preferred trailer type, and other criteria.

Truckstop.com is another popular load board that offers a dedicated section for power-only loads. Carriers can search for loads by location, trailer type, and other factors.

123Loadboard offers a wide range of load types, including power-only loads. Carriers can search for loads based on their location, preferred trailer type, and other criteria.

NextLOAD is a load board that focuses on providing carriers with accurate and up-to-date load information. The platform offers a variety of load types, including power-only loads.

Here are some popular load boards for power-only carriers:

Getting Started

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Starting a power-only carrier business requires careful planning and research. You'll need to start by creating a business plan to determine your rates and profit goals.

To do this, you'll need to understand your costs, market demand, and competition. This will help you make informed decisions about your business.

You can find more information on creating a business plan for a trucking company by reading our guide here.

To become a power-only carrier, you'll need to acquire one or more power units, also known as tractors. You can either purchase new or used trucks or lease them from a trucking company.

Here are the general steps to follow:

  1. Purchase or lease power units
  2. Get the proper licenses and permits
  3. Get insurance
  4. Establish relationships with shippers and brokers
  5. Manage your business
  6. Ensure compliance with regulations

Remember to check with your local authorities to determine the specific licenses and permits required for your location.

Load Management

Load management is a crucial aspect of power only trucking companies. To find loads, power only carriers typically use load boards like DAT, Truckstop.com, 123Loadboard, and NextLOAD.

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These load boards offer dedicated sections for power only loads, allowing carriers to search by location, trailer type, and other criteria. For instance, DAT is one of the largest load board providers in the trucking industry and offers a dedicated section for power only loads.

Here are some popular load boards for power only carriers:

Once a load is found, power only carriers will typically negotiate the terms with the broker or shipper, including pick-up and delivery dates, payment rates, and other details.

Finding Loads

Finding loads can be a challenge, but there are several ways to go about it. Load boards are online marketplaces that connect carriers with shippers and brokers who have freight to move.

Some popular load boards include DAT, Truckstop.com, and 123Loadboard. These platforms specialize in connecting carriers with power-only loads, making it easier to find the right freight.

Freight brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, and they often have access to a wide range of power-only loads. You can find freight brokers by searching online directories or by networking within the industry.

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Industry associations can also provide resources and connections to help carriers find power-only loads. The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) are two examples.

Direct shippers can also be a good source of power-only loads. By researching and approaching shippers directly, you can establish a long-term relationship with a customer.

Here are some popular load boards for power-only carriers:

What Are Loads?

Loads are the heart of load management, and understanding what they are and how they work is crucial for any owner-operator or carrier.

A load can be a trailer already loaded with goods, or it can be a trailer that needs to be loaded at a different location. This depends on the broker or carrier you're working with, and rates can vary accordingly.

To find a load, you'll typically use a load board, which is a platform that connects carriers with shippers and brokers. Once you find a load, you'll contact the broker or shipper to negotiate the terms of the load, including the pick-up and delivery dates, the payment rate, and any other details.

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Here are the typical steps involved in handling a power-only load:

  1. Finding a Load: you'll typically use a load board to find available power-only loads.
  2. Confirming the Load: after negotiating the terms of the load, you'll confirm the details with the broker or shipper and receive any necessary paperwork.
  3. Picking up the Trailer: when you pick up a trailer for transporting a power-only load, it will go one of two ways: the trailer will already be loaded or you'll need to pick up the trailer in one location and take it to be loaded in another location.
  4. Transporting the Load: you'll then transport the trailer to its destination, maintaining the safety and security of the trailer.
  5. Delivering the Load: upon arrival at the destination, you'll generally have one of two scenarios: you'll simply unhook the trailer or you'll get the trailer unloaded and take the trailer to another designated location.

Freight and Logistics

Power only freight is a cost-effective solution for shippers that need to move large volumes of cargo over long distances. This type of transportation is commonly used in the shipping industry to move cargo containers between ports, warehouses, and rail yards.

In power only freight, the trucking company provides the tractor or power unit, while the trailer is owned by another party. This arrangement allows shippers to save on costs associated with owning and maintaining their own trailers.

By using power only freight, shippers can move large volumes of cargo efficiently and effectively, making it a popular choice for companies that need to transport goods over long distances.

Load Payment

As a power-only carrier, getting paid promptly is essential to keep your business thriving. Factoring allows you to sell your outstanding invoices to a third-party company for quick payment.

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Getting paid on time can be a challenge, especially for power-only carriers. This is where factoring comes in – it helps you get paid for your hard work quickly.

Factoring can provide you with the financial stability you need to keep your business running smoothly. It's a valuable tool for any power-only carrier looking to stay on top of their finances.

Getting paid promptly can help you take care of your expenses, pay your drivers, and invest in your business. By using factoring, you can ensure that your business has the financial resources it needs to succeed.

What Is Freight?

Freight is a type of transportation that involves moving goods or cargo from one place to another. It's a vital part of the global economy, enabling businesses to get their products to market.

Freight can be moved by various modes of transportation, including trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes.

Power only freight is a type of freight transportation where a trucking company provides the tractor or power unit to move a trailer owned by another company. This can be a cost-effective solution for shippers moving large volumes of cargo over long distances.

Freight transportation is often used to move cargo containers between ports, warehouses, and rail yards.

Nationwide and Cross-Border Coverage

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West Coast Carriers offers nationwide coverage, serving the entire United States. Their extensive network allows them to provide tailored solutions for each type of trailer.

They're not limited to domestic moves, either - they also extend their services into metropolitan areas of Canada. This means businesses with cross-border logistics needs can trust them for international moves.

Their wide-reaching service area is a major advantage over other Power Only Trucking Companies. They can handle one-time hauls or ongoing partnerships with ease.

Here are some of the services they offer across their extensive network:

  • Dry Van Trucking: Efficient transport for standard and high-cube dry van trailers.
  • Refrigerated Trucking: Ensuring temperature-controlled loads arrive safely at temp. and on time.
  • Flatbed Trucking: Expertise in handling oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
  • Over Dimensional Loads: Managing permits and additional pilot cars, pole cars or escorts as needed.
  • Heavy Haul: Ensuring proper weight distribution per axle and in line with each state’s regulations.

Understanding Trucking Companies

Power only trucking companies offer a logistics method where a carrier provides the truck and driver but not the trailer for hauling freight. This setup is ideal for shippers who own or lease trailers but need a trucking solution to transport their loads.

Not all power only trucking companies are created equal, some may offer basic services, but West Coast Carriers provides comprehensive solutions for an array of trailers across extensive regions. They maintain strict safety standards and offer a distinct advantage over other companies.

A reliable power only carrier can give businesses peace of mind knowing they are working with an industry leader that prioritizes professionalism, efficiency, and safety.

How Trucking Works

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Trucking companies use various methods to transport freight, but one common approach is power-only trucking. This process involves partnering with a transportation provider to find an available power unit near the shipper's location.

The provider assigns a driver with the expertise to handle the shipment safely. This method is particularly effective for companies that regularly move freight using their own fleet of trailers.

In power-only trucking, the driver connects the trailer to their truck, secures the freight, and begins the journey. This streamlined process saves time and resources for both the shipper and the transportation provider.

Difference Between Only and Drop Trailer

In the world of trucking companies, there are two types of services that are often used together: power-only and drop trailer. Power-only freight involves a truck driver using their tractor to pull a trailer that belongs to someone else, with no cargo on board.

The key difference between power-only and drop-trailer freight is that power-only involves transporting an empty trailer belonging to someone else, while drop-trailer freight involves leaving a loaded trailer at a designated location for pickup by another driver.

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A shipper can use a combination of drop trailer and power only to move their freight, which allows for more efficient loading and unloading processes and provides flexibility in scheduling. By using both services, the shipper can achieve several benefits.

Here are the main differences between power-only and drop-trailer freight:

The driver who delivers the trailer to the warehouse is not responsible for picking up the next load, as this is typically handled by a separate driver.

Understanding Trucking Companies

West Coast Carriers specializes in power only trucking, which is a logistics method where a carrier provides the truck and driver, but not the trailer for hauling freight.

This setup is ideal for shippers who own or lease trailers but need a trucking solution to transport their loads.

In power only trucking, the process is straightforward: a shipper partners with a transportation provider to find an available power unit near their location, and the provider assigns a driver with the expertise to handle the shipment safely.

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West Coast Carriers offers comprehensive solutions for an array of trailers across extensive regions while maintaining strict safety standards.

Their expertise includes transporting a wide variety of trailer types, such as dry van, refrigerated, job site, frac, flatbed, rock crushers, step deck, relief, mobile food, containers, and heavy haul.

Here are some of the specific trailer types they specialize in:

  • Dry Van Trucking: Efficient transport for standard and high-cube dry van trailers.
  • Refrigerated Trucking: Ensuring temperature-controlled loads arrive safely at temp. and on time.
  • Job Site Trailers: Precise relocation of mobile offices and worksite assets with precision.
  • Frac Trailers: Expertise in moving frac tanks to and from job locations, minimizing downtime.
  • Flatbed Trucking: Expertise in handling oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
  • Rock Crushers: Expertise in transporting and minimizing over-dimensional transport costs.
  • Step Deck Trucking: Safe transport for lower-clearance equipment, freight or cargo.
  • Relief Trailers: Expertise in providing transport for mobile medical and natural disaster relief trailers.
  • Mobile Food Trailers: Expertise in transport for festivals, sporting events, concert venues, Disaster relief.
  • Containers and Drayage: Moving trailers to and from all ports and container yards within the United States.
  • Over Dimensional Loads: Managing permits and additional pilot cars, pole cars or escorts as needed.
  • Heavy Haul: Ensuring proper weight distribution per axle and in line with each state’s regulations.

West Coast Carriers' proactive approach to compliance and customer-centric philosophy instills confidence in their clients.

Disadvantages

As a trucking company, it's essential to understand the potential downsides of being in the industry. Limited control over trailers is a significant disadvantage, as you don't own or control the trailers you're hauling, which can limit your decision-making power.

This lack of control can be frustrating, especially when it comes to deciding where to drop off the trailer or how to load it. In fact, as a power-only carrier, you may experience more downtime between loads as you wait for brokers or shippers to provide you with information about the trailers.

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Effective communication is crucial in the trucking industry, and as a power-only carrier, you'll need to be skilled at negotiating rates, coordinating pick-up and delivery times, and handling any issues that may arise while changing trailers.

Power-only carriers may also face higher insurance costs because they're responsible for transporting other companies' trailers and cargo. Most brokers will require that you have trailer-interchange insurance in case of accidents.

Here are some of the key disadvantages of being a power-only carrier:

  1. Limited control over trailers
  2. Higher risk of downtime
  3. Need for strong communication skills
  4. Potential for higher insurance costs

Disadvantages

Being a power-only trucking company comes with its own set of challenges.

Limited control over trailers is a major disadvantage, as you don't own or control the trailers you're hauling. This can make it difficult to make decisions about where to drop off the trailer or how to load it.

Higher risk of downtime is another issue, as power-only carriers may experience more downtime between loads while waiting for brokers or shippers to provide information about the trailers.

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Effective communication is crucial in this business, as you need to be skilled at negotiating rates, coordinating pick-up and delivery times, and handling any issues that may arise while changing trailers.

Power-only carriers may also face higher insurance costs, as they're responsible for transporting other companies' trailers and cargo. Most brokers will require trailer-interchange insurance in case of accidents.

Here are some of the key disadvantages to consider:

  1. Limited control over trailers
  2. Higher risk of downtime
  3. Need for strong communication skills
  4. Potential for higher insurance costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Schneider have power only loads?

Yes, Schneider offers power-only loads through its FreightPower platform, where you can search and book loads 100% online. Download the app to instantly book loads and get personalized recommendations.

Does Landstar have power only loads?

Yes, Landstar offers Power Only loads, allowing us to service customers nationwide with our extensive network of over the road drivers.

Does Werner do power only loads?

Yes, Werner offers power only opportunities that pay for all miles, helping drivers eliminate waste by covering empty miles between loads. This can be a game-changer for drivers looking to maximize their earnings.

Darla Bartell

Senior Assigning Editor

Darla Bartell is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and journalism, she has honed her skills in identifying and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including Truck Dimensions and Regulations, where she has consistently delivered insightful and informative content that meets the needs of her audience.

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