Power-only trucking offers owner-operators and small fleets a flexible way to haul freight without the overhead of trailer ownership. In this model, you supply the tractor and driver, while the shipper provides the trailer and its contents. It’s a smart solution for carriers who want to stay lean, reduce overhead, or get started without major equipment investments.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about power-only trucking, how it works, who it’s for, and how to get started on the right foot.
What is Power-Only Trucking?
Power-only trucking is a type of freight service where you bring the tractor (also known as the power unit) and the driver, while the shipper or a third-party logistics company supplies the trailer and the freight. This setup is different from traditional trucking, where you’d typically provide both the tractor and trailer.
Shippers often use power-only freight in situations where they already own trailers or need extra hauling capacity on short notice. Common examples include:
- Companies with their own trailer fleets
- Port and rail container drayage
- Seasonal contracts that require quick access to additional capacity
How Power-Only Trucking Works
Power-only trucking is a simple setup. You provide the truck and driver, while the shipper supplies the trailer, the freight, and pickup details. But there are a few things to know before you hook up and haul.
The Power-Only Pickup and Delivery Process
The process involves close coordination between you and the shipper. Here’s how it typically works:
- The shipper or broker arranges a load and preloads their trailer
- You arrive with your tractor and hook up to their trailer
- Freight is delivered according to the schedule
- The trailer is either returned to a specified location or dropped based on contract terms
Types of Trailers Commonly Hauled
Power-only trucking gives you access to a range of trailer types, depending on the shipper’s freight needs:
- Dry vans – General freight, retail, packaged goods
- Flatbeds – Heavy equipment, building materials
- Reefers – Perishables, pharmaceuticals
- Containers – Port and rail yard moves (drayage)
Trailer Interchange Arrangements and Insurance
Most power-only loads require a trailer interchange agreement, which defines who’s responsible for the trailer during transit. You’ll also likely need trailer interchange insurance, since you’re hauling equipment you don’t own. This coverage protects you if the trailer is damaged while in your care.
Who Uses Power-Only Trucking (and What They Get Out of It)
Power-only trucking benefits both shippers and carriers, but for very different reasons. For shippers, it’s a way to control trailer assets while moving freight more efficiently. For carriers, especially owner-operators and small fleets, it’s a flexible, low-barrier path to take on more loads without investing in trailers.
Carriers & Owner-Operators
Power-only freight is especially valuable for independent drivers and small carriers who want to stay agile and cost-efficient. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this model offers several operational and financial advantages:
- Lower upfront costs: No need to purchase or maintain trailers
- Flexible load options: Haul different trailer types without owning them
- Scalable operations: Add capacity during peak seasons without long-term equipment investments
- Faster turnaround times: Drop-and-hook setups reduce dwell time and keep you moving
- Access to niche markets: Enter drayage, retail, and manufacturing lanes that rely on trailer pools
Pairing power-only freight with factoring from OTR Solutions helps carriers maintain steady cashflow and reduce administrative friction, especially when working with brokers or high-volume shippers.
Shippers
Shippers with established trailer fleets turn to power-only trucking when they need reliable power units without giving up control of their equipment. It’s a strategic way to improve efficiency and scale shipping without relying solely on full-service carriers.
- Trailer consistency: Use your own equipment with known specs and capabilities
- Faster dock turns: Preload trailers and streamline pickup/drop-off with drop-and-hook
- Cost control: Separate trailer investment from transportation costs to optimize your freight strategy
- Flexible capacity: Scale power as needed without expanding your driver pool
Challenges to Consider with Power-Only Trucking
Power-only trucking comes with flexibility, but it also brings a few challenges that carriers need to plan for:
- Inconsistent load availability – You may need to stay flexible on lanes, timing, and trailer types
- Higher insurance requirements – Trailer interchange coverage adds cost when hauling non-owned trailers
- Geographic or equipment restrictions – Some trailers are limited to specific regions or require specialized hookups
- Empty miles – Without a backhaul, you could be driving unpaid miles between loads
- Unpaid travel time – Return trips without freight can cut into profits if not properly planned
- Fuel cost responsibility – You cover all fuel expenses, which requires careful trip and rate planning
Strong back-office support from a reliable partner like OTR Solutions reduces the friction of chasing payments, letting you focus on keeping your power-only truck moving and finding profitable loads.
How to Get Started in Power-Only Trucking
Getting started with power-only trucking means making sure your paperwork, equipment, and relationships are all in order. Once you’re set up, you can tap into a wide range of freight opportunities without investing in your own trailer.
Equipment and Documentation Needed
Before you can start hauling power-only freight, you’ll need to meet several key legal and operational requirements:
- A well-maintained tractor that meets current safety and emissions standards
- Active MC and DOT numbers to operate across state lines
- FMCSA-compliant insurance coverage, including trailer interchange if required
- An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) to accurately track hours of service
Staying compliant with FMCSA rules and keeping up with regulatory updates and new trucking laws helps keep your authority active and your operations protected.
Load Access and Relationship Building
To succeed in power-only trucking, building the right relationships is just as important as having the right equipment. Focus on:
- Networking with brokers and shippers who consistently need power-only carriers
- Maintaining organized paperwork like rate confirmations, BOLs and PODs, and submit them promptly
- Staying responsive and reliable to build repeat business and long-term partnerships
OTR Solutions helps you stay organized and get paid faster with tools built for independent carriers, so you can spend more time on the road and less time chasing paperwork.
Why Factoring Is Crucial for Power-Only Trucking Success
Many power-only loads come through brokers or involve short-term contracts with payment terms stretching 30 to 45 days or longer. For owner-operators covering fuel, insurance, and day-to-day expenses, that kind of delay can put serious strain on cashflow.
Partnering with a trusted factoring company like OTR Solutions helps bridge the gap and keep your operation running smoothly between paydays.
How OTR Solutions Helps Power-Only Carriers:
- Same-Day Funding: Get paid fast. Once your invoice is approved and processed, we fund it the same day so you’re not stuck waiting weeks for broker payments
- TRUE Non-Recourse Factoring: No chargebacks. Once you’re paid, you’re done with the invoice, even if the broker doesn’t pay us (as long as they’re approved to factor with OTR)
- Easy Document Upload: Submit paperwork in seconds using the OTR Client Portal or Mobile App, whether you’re on the road or at home
- Dedicated Back-Office Support: Our team helps ensure your documents are accurate and follows up on collections, so you stay protected and get paid without the hassle
- Additional benefits: Fuel discounts through the OTR Fuel Card, OTR Fuel Credit options, and business checking through OTR Clutch give you complete financial control over your power-only trucking operation
Is Power-Only Trucking Right for You?
Power-only trucking can be a smart move if you’re looking to stay lean and flexible. It’s especially appealing for owner-operators who want to reduce overhead and access a broader range of freight.
Consider power-only trucking if you:
- Want to avoid trailer ownership and maintenance costs
- Live near high-volume freight hubs like ports, warehouses, or distribution centers
- Prefer flexibility in the types of loads and partners you work with
- Are looking to grow your operation without investing in additional equipment
This model works particularly well for carriers who can turn loads quickly and maintain strong relationships with shippers. In a competitive freight market, maximizing fleet efficiency is key to staying profitable.
Power-Only Trucking with a Trusted Partner
Power-only trucking gives you the flexibility to operate and grow without the burden of trailer ownership, but flexibility alone isn’t enough. Steady cashflow, protection from non-paying brokers, and responsive support are what truly keep your wheels turning.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, OTR Solutions helps you fuel smarter, operate leaner, and focus on hauling instead of waiting to get paid.
Ready to get started?
Apply to factor with OTR today and keep your power-only operation running strong.