Power-only freight shipping is a model where a carrier provides just the tractor (the "power") to pull a shipper's or broker's loaded trailer. Unlike standard truckload shipping where the carrier provides both tractor and trailer, power-only separates the two. This model has grown significantly in recent years and offers unique advantages for shippers with their own trailer fleets.
How Power-Only Works
In a power-only arrangement, the shipper (or broker) provides a loaded trailer at a designated location. A carrier dispatches a tractor-only unit to hook up the trailer, transport it to the destination, and drop it at the delivery point. The carrier never touches the freight itself, just moves the trailer from A to B. This is common in drop-trailer programs where trailers are pre-loaded and staged at a yard or dock, and carriers cycle through to pick up and deliver them.
Advantages for Shippers
Power-only eliminates driver detention because the trailer is pre- loaded and ready to go. The carrier simply hooks up and drives. This can save $150-$500 per load in detention charges. It also gives shippers more control over loading quality and timing, as the freight can be loaded on the shipper's schedule rather than when the carrier arrives. For shippers with seasonal surges, power-only provides flexible capacity: you can scale tractor capacity up or down without committing to full-service carrier contracts.
Cost Considerations
Power-only rates are typically 5-15% lower than standard FTL rates because the carrier does not provide the trailer. However, the shipper bears the cost of owning, maintaining, and insuring trailers. A dry van trailer costs $30,000-$50,000 new and requires annual maintenance, registration, and insurance. The math works when you have enough volume to keep trailers utilized. If you need 10+ trailers in constant rotation, the per-load savings from power-only usually justify the trailer investment.
Power-Only vs. Standard FTL vs. Drop Trailer
Standard FTL: Carrier provides tractor and trailer. Simple but subject to detention. Drop trailer:Carrier drops their trailer at your facility, you load it, and the carrier picks it up later. Eliminates detention but requires yard space. Power-only: You own the trailer and the carrier just moves it. Maximum control but requires trailer fleet investment. For a deeper comparison, see our guide on drop trailer shipping.
Getting Started with Power-Only
If you are considering power-only, start by calculating your current detention costs and trailer utilization. If you are paying more than $50,000 per year in detention and have consistent lane volume, power- only likely makes financial sense. Work with a freight partner who specializes in power-only to access carriers comfortable with this model. Not all carriers accept power-only loads, so having a partner with a dedicated power-only carrier network is essential.