Heavy Haulers Daily Blog

Metal Roof Trusses on a flatbed trailer for transport

What is Power Only Transport?

Power-only transport is a trucking service where third-party carriers provide only a driver and semi-truck needed to haul equipment or freight, not the trailer it rests on. In power-only trucking, the driver doesn’t come with a trailer but hauls a pre-loaded trailer owned or leased by the shipper or business.

Power-only trucking provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for manufacturers, grocers, e-commerce, and other companies who need to haul their products but don’t have trucks or drivers to move them. This article explores power-only transport, including its benefits to a business.

How Does Power-Only Transport Work?

When a business opts for a power-only shipping solution, the driver only drives the truck, typically known as a power unit, to the designated location and hooks it up to a trailer already prepared by the business. The trailer is pre-loaded to make it easier and more convenient for the driver to hook it up and get moving.

Benefits of Power-Only Transport

With power-only transport, businesses can haul their equipment or combine it with leased trailers for transport, creating a versatile and efficient solution. Some of the key benefits of using power-only transport include:

Speed and Flexibility

Power-only trucking allows shippers to send drivers when and where they are needed. It allows businesses to load and unload trailers as needed. You can combine job stability with greater flexibility to improve your cash flow.

Greater Efficiency

Power-only shipping adds efficiency to logistical operations. It allows shippers and businesses to focus on other parts of their business and enhance the efficiency of their production schedule. Power-only service providers leverage top-notch solutions to coordinate pick-ups. This helps businesses stick to their deadlines and offer more reliable services to customers.

Lower Costs and Improved Profits

New equipment requires substantial investment. With a power-only transport solution, businesses avoid extra expenses such as purchasing tractors and owning such equipment’s maintenance and labor costs. Since you are not responsible for the expenses related to owning and operating a pool of tractors, you can use this money in other aspects of your business that improve your profitability.

No Insurance

In most US jurisdictions, the shipper is not responsible for paying insurance fees when using a power-only trucking firm. This can save a business significant amounts of money, which can be used for other business opportunities.

Offers Scalability

You could be limited to your carrier’s capacity when using traditional trucking methods. However, with power-only trucking, you can choose a carrier that offers the specific solutions you need at a given time. Whether peak or off-peak season, a power-only trucking solution can keep your operations running smoothly.

When Should I Consider Power-Only Trucking?

Here are several times when a power-only solution is ideal:

During Peak Shipping Times

During peak shipping times, like the holidays, demand for shipping services is high, and the supply is low. Shipping companies are more likely to prioritize time-sensitive shipments and charge higher service prices. In this situation, a power-only solution can be ideal because it allows you to control the shipping process from start to finish and minimize the risk of shipping delays or higher costs.

When Moving to a New Location

When moving to a new location, you must ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time. A power-only solution can help you achieve this by completely controlling the shipping process. You can choose the type of equipment you need, such as a van, trailer, or flatbed, and you can hire drivers with the experience and skills needed to transport your belongings to your new location.

When Scaling Up/Down Business Operations

When scaling up or scaling down your business operations, a power-only solution can be ideal because it gives you the flexibility to respond quickly to changes in demand. You can hire drivers and equipment as needed, allowing you to adjust your shipping operations to meet the needs of your business. This flexibility can be especially valuable if you need to respond quickly to changes in the market, such as new competition, shifting consumer demand, or changes in regulations.

When Using Just-in-Time Shipping Model

If you use a just-in-time shipping model, a power-only solution can be ideal because it allows you to manage your shipping operations in real-time. This level of control can be especially valuable if you are dealing with perishable goods or other time-sensitive shipments, as it allows you to respond quickly to any issues that arise and minimize the risk of shipping delays.

Get a Power Only Transport Quote!

Step 1: Fill Out Quote Form

Fill out the short & easy quote form.

Step 2: Speak With An Agent

We’ll pick up your heavy equipment or vehicle.

Step 3: Get Transported On Time

We deliver on time so you can get back to work.