Power Only Truck Dispatcher
Power Only Dispatch Services — $250/Week Flat Rate
Flat $250/week per truck. Unlimited loads, no per-load commission. Tractor-only moves pulling shipper or broker-owned trailers. No trailer investment required. Intermodal trips average 78 miles. Port drayage requires TWIC card ($125, 60-day processing). We find loads, negotiate rates, and handle broker verification so you focus on driving.
Power Only market — O Trucking estimate, February 2026:
$2.55
National spot/mi
$250/wk
Flat dispatch fee
Power Only Dispatch Pricing
Flat Weekly Rate
$250
per truck per week
Unlimited loads · No per-load commission
Run harder, keep more — your fee never goes up
No contracts · Cancel anytime · No setup fees
Unlimited loads · FMCSA broker vetting
Key Takeaways
- Power Only dispatch is a flat $250/week per truck — unlimited loads, no percentage-of-gross commission.
- Power Only spot rates averaged $2.55/mile (O Trucking estimate, February 2026).
- Service includes 24/7 load booking, aggressive rate negotiation, broker vetting, and paperwork — no forced dispatch.
- No contracts, no setup fees, cancel anytime; a 6% commission dispatcher would cost far more on the same freight.
Flat $250/wk vs percentage
How O Trucking's flat $250/week compares to a typical 6%-of-gross commission dispatcher for a power only carrier.
| Scenario | O Trucking (Flat Rate) | Commission Dispatcher (6%) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly cost | $250 flat | 6% of every load |
| Cost at $5,000/wk gross | $250 | $300 |
| Cost at $8,000/wk gross | $250 | $480 |
| Annual cost at $5,000/wk gross | $13,000 | $15,600 |
| Fee rises as you gross more? | No — always $250 | Yes — you pay more per load |
| Contract required | No | Often |
Gross figures are worked examples, not averages: the commission cost is 6% of whatever you gross, while the flat fee stays $250/week.
What power only dispatch covers
Common freight types for power only equipment:
Power Only lanes we run
High-demand corridors for power only freight:
Market Reality Check
Related Guides
Power Only Dispatch by State
Select your state to learn about local power only freight markets and rates.
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Power Only Trucking: What You Need to Know
Essential information about power only operations, rates, freight types, and how to maximize your earnings. Check current rates on DAT Trendlines and verify carrier authority on FMCSA SAFER.
What is power only trucking?
Power only trucking means the carrier provides only the tractor (power unit) while the trailer is owned by the shipper, broker, or another carrier. You hook up to their pre-loaded trailer, haul it to the destination, and drop it. Common power only work includes intermodal container moves from rail yards, Amazon relay trailers, shipper drop trailers, and port container drayage. Intermodal trips average 78 miles; most stay under 300 miles.
Do I need a TWIC card for power only port drayage?
Yes, if you're entering port facilities for container pickup or delivery. TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is required for unescorted access to secure maritime facilities. Without TWIC, you must pay an escort to accompany you - adding cost and wait time. TWIC costs $125 ($117 online), takes 45-60 days to process, and is valid for 5 years. TSA recommends applying 60+ days before you need it.
Is power only trucking profitable for new owner-operators?
Power only is often ideal for new owner-operators. You save $30,000-60,000 by not buying a trailer, plus $500-1,200/month in trailer payments and $1,000-3,000/year in trailer insurance. However, you lose control over trailer maintenance (citations are your problem), and liability insurance for new authority can add $30,000 annually. Net profit can match trailer ownership if you manage costs, but trailer owners typically earn more during hot spot markets.
What are power only trucking rates in 2026?
February 2026 power only rates average $2.55/mile for general drop-and-hook freight. Intermodal/drayage commands premium rates at $3.44/mile. Rates are typically flat per trip plus fuel surcharge, especially for drayage. Urban routes pay more than rural. Power only rates run $0.20-0.40/mile lower than pulling your own trailer, but lower expenses can mean similar net profit.
What equipment do I need for power only trucking?
For power only you need: a Class 8 tractor with air brake connections, fifth wheel coupling, glad hands for air lines, and electrical connections (7-way). Day cabs are common for short intermodal runs; sleepers work for longer relay hauls. Intermodal container loads have 42,500 lb cargo limit - sleeper cabs cut into this, so day cabs offer more freight flexibility. No trailer registration, insurance, or maintenance needed.
What is the difference between power only and drayage?
Drayage is a type of power only that specifically involves moving containers to/from ports, rail yards, or intermodal facilities. All drayage is power only, but not all power only is drayage. General power only includes Amazon relay trailers, shipper drop trailers, and trailer repositioning jobs. Drayage typically pays better ($3.44/mile intermodal vs $2.55 general) but requires port access (TWIC card) and dealing with rail/port congestion.
Flat $250/week · unlimited loads · no contracts · equipment desk for power only carriers.
What power-only means
Power only means you pull shipper- or broker-provided trailers — often drop-and-hook — instead of supplying your own van or reefer box. It can cut trailer payments and speed turns when pools are healthy.
Trailer pools and drop-hook
We prioritize pools with reliable empty trailers and fair detention rules. Bad pools waste days; we track which accounts actually hook you out on time.
Rate structures
Power-only pays differently than loaded van RPM — watch for all-in vs linehaul plus FSC and detention language. Our desk negotiates with those structures in mind. Flat dispatch $250/week.
Power only dispatch process
Pool fit, rate check, vetting, your approval, RC, then support through hook and delivery.
Next step
See the FAQ on this page for rates and profitability questions. Prefer a deeper guide? Read power only dispatch services guide, review pricing, then get started. Back to the dispatch hub for all equipment types.
Power Only Dispatch FAQ
Common questions about our power only dispatch services.
What are current power only rates per mile in 2026?
As of February 2026, power only spot rates averaged $2.55/mile (O Trucking estimate). Rates vary significantly by lane - Port of LA/Long Beach tends to pay above average, while oversaturated lanes pay less. Check DAT Freight & Analytics (dat.com) for real-time lane-specific rates. See our rate negotiation guide.
What freight do power only trucks typically haul?
Power Only trailers commonly haul: Intermodal containers, 53-foot rail containers, Shipper drop trailers, Port drayage, Amazon relay trailers, Trailer repositioning. The specific freight you'll run depends on your lanes and the relationships we build with shippers. Some loads pay better than others - we'll help you understand which freight types maximize your revenue per mile. Our owner operator costs guide breaks down how different freight affects your bottom line.
Is power only trucking profitable right now?
February 2026: Lower startup costs (no $30,000-60,000 trailer), faster drop-and-hook turns, 78-mile average trip for intermodal. Intermodal spot rates at $3.44/mile. Drawbacks: no control over trailer maintenance, $30,000+ added liability insurance for new authority. Port work requires TWIC card ($125, 60-day processing). Best for: new owner-operators, carriers wanting flexibility without trailer investment. The national spot average was about $2.55/mi (O Trucking estimate, February 2026) with diesel near $6.29/gallon (mid-September 2026). Net income depends on your own cost per mile, miles run and lanes — see our operating costs breakdown.
What are the best lanes for power only freight?
Strong power only lanes include: Port of LA/Long Beach, Port of Houston, Port of Savannah, Chicago intermodal, Dallas rail hubs. The "best" lane depends on where you want to home time and whether you're running OTR or regional. Use DAT's Rate Pro or Truckstop Rate Analysis to compare lane-specific rates. We'll work with your preferences to find consistent freight in lanes that make sense for your schedule.
What does power only dispatch cost at $250/week flat?
Flat $250/week per truck — that's it. Unlimited loads, no per-load commission, no surprises. Industry-standard dispatchers charge 5–10% of every load (that's $250–$500/wk on a $5,000 gross). No contracts, no setup fees. See our complete pricing breakdown.
Other Dispatch Services
Browse Power Only Dispatch Coverage
Learn more: Read our complete Power Only glossary guide for equipment specs, typical freight, and industry terminology.
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