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TruckMars
Drop & hook, fast turnaround

Power Only Dispatch Service

Power only dispatch for carriers who supply the tractor and pull broker- or shipper-owned trailers.

$2.10/mi
Avg. power only rate
60+
Active power only lanes
5-7%
Dispatch fee
24-48h
To first load
Why it works

What Makes Power Only Dispatch Different

Minimal load/unload wait

Power only freight cuts out load/unload wait time almost entirely: you hook a pre-loaded trailer and go, translating into more loaded miles per day.

Drop-yard trailer tracking

We track drop yards along your regular lanes so you're not driving out of route just to find equipment.

Interchange paperwork handled

We confirm trailer location, condition, and any interchange paperwork before you're dispatched, so there are no surprises at the yard.

No trailer investment required

Power only means no trailer purchase, maintenance, or depreciation on your end, since the broker or shipper owns and maintains the trailer.

Retail and drop-trailer network access

We work with brokers running established drop-trailer programs for major retail and distribution accounts, a steady source of power-only freight.

Predictable turn scheduling

Because there's no dock wait, power-only lanes tend to run on more predictable schedules, which we build into your weekly plan.

Deep dive

Power Only: Everything You Need to Know

Power only is a straightforward trade: you supply the tractor, the broker or shipper supplies the trailer, and you keep loaded miles high by skipping the wait most other freight involves. It rewards carriers who value turnaround speed and predictable scheduling.

Power Only Trucking in 2026: The Freight Market Reality

Power only freight has grown alongside retail drop-trailer programs, where major shippers pre-load trailers at distribution centers for carriers to simply hook and haul. This model has expanded steadily as retailers look to cut dock congestion, giving power-only carriers a growing, relatively stable freight base.

How a Power Only Dispatcher Changes Your Bottom Line

The value in power-only dispatch is almost entirely about minimizing dead time: confirming a trailer is actually where it's supposed to be, in usable condition, before you drive there. A dispatcher who skips this verification step costs you wasted trips to empty or unusable drop yards.

Power Only Lane Strategy: Where the Money Lives

Retail and grocery distribution networks with established drop-trailer programs offer the most consistent power-only freight. We prioritize lanes tied to these networks over one-off power-only postings that may not repeat.

What Power Only Operators Get Wrong About Rates

Some carriers compare power-only rates directly to standard dry van rates without accounting for the time saved. A slightly lower per-mile rate with near-zero dock wait can out-earn a higher rate that includes hours of load/unload time.

Getting Started as a Power Only Carrier

You'll need a road-ready tractor, current insurance and authority, and familiarity with basic trailer interchange agreements. We walk new power-only carriers through interchange terms before their first load so you know exactly what you're responsible for.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, power only means you supply just the tractor. The trailer belongs to the broker or shipper.
We walk you through trailer interchange agreements before your first power-only load so you know what you're responsible for.
Power only typically runs slightly below standard dry van on paper, currently around $2.00-$2.20/mile, but often out-earns it per hour worked due to minimal dock wait.
We confirm the exact drop-yard location and trailer number before you're dispatched, so there's no guessing when you arrive.
It can be a solid fit, since the predictable schedule and minimal wait time suit carriers still learning to manage their time, though standard new-authority broker restrictions still apply.

Ready for Better Power Only Loads?

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