Simplify Power Only Freight Transportation

Power only freight is an extremely beneficial method of shipping goods for companies who have their own trailer and goods ready to go, but no driver or tractor available. This method of shipping differs from traditional freight in the sense that you only have to provide the trailers and goods, not the trucker!

What is it?

So, what exactly is power only freight trucking? This method of shipping combines two companies in order to make their deliveries. One company provides the trailer, the goods and the logistics of the operation. The other company simply provides the driver and the truck to haul the freight.

What are the Advantages?
  • One of the most expensive areas of a shipping business is buying and maintaining trucks, but with power only freight shipping, the company who is shipping goods does not have to worry about this expensive area.
  • Another major cost on the payroll for a company are its employees, from their pay to their benefits. Through power only freight, the company does not have to worry about hiring and paying a driver.
  • Helps create a more efficient supply chain due to the ability to avoid government policy of a truck driver being limited to a 14 hour window. The company is simply able to start a driver in one area, then meet up with another driver to finish the load. This allows the shipment to arrive quicker and more efficiently than if they were just using one driver.
  • Finally, the advantage of using another company to provide the trucking service is that they are equipped with adjustable fifth-wheel hitches, ensuring the ability to tow a wide range of freights to meet your needs. This offers flexibility in the type of haul you need completed, including flatbed trailers, shipping containers, refrigerated trailers, dry vans, and tankers.

What are the Disadvantages?

While shipping via power only is beneficial to many companies, there are a few disadvantages as well.

  • One glaring disadvantage is that a shipping company is relying on another company to fulfill your shipping needs. In many cases this is an advantage, but there are times that a company may be unable to find a driver or a truck and could be late to notify you. It is extremely important that a company finds a reliable company to work with, which may seem obvious, but it is very important to note.
  • Another disadvantage is that it could become too costly to rely on another company to supply drivers or trucks if the need is short notice.
  • Finally, this process could complicate the supply chain logistics if there is a need to switch drivers or trucks along the route.
Different Scenarios

There are many different ways power only trucking may be used.

  • Power Only with Leased Trailers
    • This scenario gives shippers the control of the asset carrier and the flexibility, responsiveness and scalability of a 3PL.
      • The 3PL will lease trailers based on the shipper’s needs.
      • The 3PL will coordinate with a carrier, or multiple carriers, to drop trailers at the shipper’s facility.
      • The shipper will load at the trailer when they are ready, coordinating with the 3PL who will source power only capacity to run the drop pool, picking up loaded trailers and delivering
    • This method is extremely helpful when there are major warehouse moves, peak shipping seasons, weekend surges, and special shipping projects.
  • Power only with Shipper’s Trailers
    • This scenario is common when a shipper does not have enough drivers for the trailers they have going out.

Important Terms to Remember

If you are interested in using power only trucking within your business, here are a few important terms to remember!

  • Drop Trailer

This is when a trailer is unhooked from the truck and left at its current location. This allows the driver to continue on to other loads while that trailer is being loaded.

  • Drop-and-hook

In this scenario, the driver drops the load they are currently hauling at a facility, and then hooks up to another trailer already loaded and hauls it away.

  • Trailer Pools

This is a term that is used within bigger facilities – it is also known as a “Drop Pool” where a single facility has multiple trailers all within one location from different companies.

  • Trailer Leasing

This term is typically used seasonally, or when a company is short on trailers. Instead of purchasing a trailer, they simply lease a trailer that is located at a trailer pool for a load.

Power Freight only Companies

If this is something that interests you, here are a few companies that provide the power!

Conclusion

Overall, using power only trucking to complete your shipping needs offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages, it really depends on the company you are running and what you want to be responsible for. If you are the type of person who needs to be in charge of every aspect of your delivery service, this method would not be the choice for you since you are not in control in a major aspect – the trucking. However, if you prefer to worry more about having the trailers and goods to ship, this is a great way to conduct your business.