Power Only Dispatch Services for Tractor-Only Carriers
Power only lets you run without owning a trailer, pulling shipper- or carrier-provided equipment on drop-and-hook programmes. Lower fixed cost and much less time at docks, in exchange for rates that reflect the reduced capital you have at risk.
- Indicative rate
- $3.00 - $4.00
- Per mile, national average
- Typical use
- Drop and hook programs
- Dispatch fee
- 5%
- Of gross linehaul
- Coverage
- 48 states
- 24/7 dispatch desk
What moves on power only
- Drop and hook trailer moves
- Shipper-owned trailer repositioning
- Dedicated network runs
- Trailer pool balancing
- Intermodal container chassis moves
Common lanes
- Regional drop and hook networks around major distribution hubs
- Intermodal ramp moves out of Chicago, Kansas City, and Memphis
- Dedicated retail and grocery network runs
- Port drayage and chassis moves in coastal markets
Where it pays
- No trailer purchase, maintenance, or registration cost
- Drop and hook means far less time waiting at docks
- More predictable, often scheduled work
- Faster turns can offset the lower rate per mile
What to watch
- Lower rate per mile than pulling your own trailer
- Dependent on the trailer provider's network and volume
- Equipment condition is outside your control but your problem on the road
- Less flexibility to take opportunistic freight
How our dispatchers work power only
The habits that separate carriers who do well in this segment from carriers who grind.
Inspect before you hook
You are responsible for the condition of what you pull. Tyres, lights, brakes, and airlines all get inspected at the scale regardless of who owns the trailer. Photograph anything wrong before you leave.
Compare on revenue per day, not per mile
Power only rates look lower until you count how much time you are not spending at docks. Two quick drop-and-hook turns can beat one live-load run that eats six hours.
Confirm who covers what
Trailer breakdown responsibility, tyre replacement, and detention when a trailer is not ready should all be clear in writing before you start on a programme.
Revenue per day, not rate per mile
Power only rates look low until you count the hours you are not sitting at a dock. Two drop-and-hook turns can beat one live-load run that eats six hours. We compare programmes on revenue per working day and confirm who covers trailer breakdowns, tyres and not-ready detention before you hook.
Rolling in 24 hours, not 24 days
Onboarding is deliberately boring. Four steps, one phone call, and a short document list.
Onboarding call
A 15-minute call to map your equipment, home base, preferred lanes, and the rate floor you refuse to go below.
Paperwork setup
We collect your MC authority, W-9, certificate of insurance, and factoring notice, then set you up across our broker and shipper network.
First load booked
Most carriers are rolling within 24 hours. Nothing gets booked without your approval on the rate. Ever.
Keep rolling
Your dispatcher pre-plans the next load, files the paperwork, and invoices the broker while you are still on the road.
Power Only questions
No, that is the point. You provide the tractor and pull trailers supplied by the shipper, broker, or a trailer pool. Your fixed costs drop substantially as a result.
It can be. You save the trailer payment, maintenance, and registration, and drop-and-hook work means far fewer hours sitting at docks. Compare revenue per working day rather than rate per mile to see whether it works for you.
Drivers who stopped hunting loads
Names and companies used with permission. Ask us for a reference in your lane and we will connect you.
Put your power only to work
Send your MC number and your lanes. We will pull real rates and tell you honestly whether we can beat what you are getting now.