Power Only Trucking Dispatch
Power Only Dispatch Services
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 can focus on driving.
March 2026 Power Only Market:
$2.55
Spot Rate/mi
$2.95
Contract/mi
$4,200
Avg Weekly Gross
Power Only Dispatch: 6%
Industry average is 10%. We charge less because we run lean.
Rate negotiation on every load
We push for top-of-market, not just "available"
No hidden fees or minimums
You only pay when we book loads
Broker vetting standard
FMCSA SAFER checks, payment history, references
80+
Carriers Served
50
States Covered
24/7
Dispatch Support
6%
Commission Only
What Power Only Trucks Typically Haul
Common freight types for power only equipment:
Strong Power Only Lanes
High-demand corridors for power only freight:
Market Reality Check
Maximize Your Earnings
Related Guides
Power Only Dispatch by State
Select your state to learn about local power only freight markets and rates.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
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.
Power Only Dispatch FAQ
Common questions about our power only dispatch services.
What are current power only rates per mile in 2026?
As of March 2026, power only spot rates average $2.55/mile nationally, with contract rates around $2.95/mile. 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. We track rate trends daily and push for top-of-market pricing on every load we book. See our rate negotiation guide for tactics that add $0.25+/mile.
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. At current rates ($2.55/mi spot, $2.95/mi contract) and diesel around $3.50/gallon, power only can gross roughly $4,200/week running 2,000+ miles. After fuel, insurance, and maintenance, net depends heavily on your cost structure. According to ATBS data, average owner-operator net income is $64,524/year. Carriers with paid-off equipment net significantly more. See our operating costs breakdown for detailed expense analysis.
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.
Why is power only dispatch 6% instead of a flat fee?
Percentage-based dispatch aligns our incentives with yours - we only make more when you make more. At 6%, we're motivated to negotiate higher rates rather than just fill your truck with whatever's available. Industry average is 10%, we're at 6% because we keep overhead low. No hidden fees, no weekly minimums. View our complete pricing breakdown for full transparency.
Other Dispatch Services
Learn more: Read our complete Power Only glossary guide for equipment specs, typical freight, and industry terminology.
Trucking Guides
Broker Verification
Protect yourself from freight fraud
Operating Costs Guide
Know your true cost per mile
Rate Negotiation
Get better rates from brokers
Detention Pay
Compensation for waiting time
Layover Pay
Overnight wait compensation
Factoring
Get paid in 24 hours
TONU
Canceled load fee protection
Accessorial Charges
All trucking extra fees
Broker Credit Check
Check broker payment history
Cost Per Mile
Calculate your true operating cost
Fuel Advance
Get fuel money before delivery
Deadhead Miles
Reduce costly empty miles
Rate Confirmation
Protect yourself with proper docs
Dispatcher
What truck dispatchers do
Spot Market
On-demand freight marketplace
Load Board
Find available freight
Owner Operator
Independent trucker guide
MC Authority
Your operating authority
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