If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of power-only freight or how it could make your shipping more efficient, this guide is for you. Power-only freight is a smart option if you already own or lease your trailers, as it can help your business save time, cut costs, and stay in control.
However, before making use of power-only freight services, it's important to know if it's suitable for your shipping needs. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of power-only freight and when it may be necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Power-only freight is a service in which a carrier provides a truck and a driver for shippers who already own or lease their trailers.
- You need power-only freight services if you're handling peak demand, facing tight deadlines, or want to be in full control of your loading times.
- Power-only freight services help your business save money on repair, maintenance, and insurance. Their flexibility and scalability are just a few of the key benefits of power-only freight that support growing businesses.
What Is Power-Only Freight?
For power-only freight, a trucking company provides just the truck and the driver, but not the trailer. This setup is ideal for businesses that already own or lease trailers and simply need a reliable carrier to transport them. This means the shipper doesn’t need to hire a full-service carrier that supplies both the truck and trailer.
Instead, the shipper can maintain control of their trailers and just outsource the “power” to move them. Once the truck and driver arrive, the driver simply needs to connect the pre-loaded trailer and head to the destination. This setup significantly reduces lead time and helps keep your logistics operation running efficiently.
When Might You Need Power-Only Freight?
Power-only freight isn’t always the default choice, but in certain situations, it can offer clear advantages. As a business owner or logistics manager, understanding when this option is most effective can help you make smarter logistics decisions.
Here's when you might need power-only freight:
- Handling Peak Demand – You can use a power-only freight when your business faces a sudden peak in demand, like busy seasons or special events.
- Drop-and-Hook Operations – If your shipping process relies on quick drop-and-hook setups, power-only freight helps keep things moving fast.
- Logistics Control – Power-only freight is a great fit if you want full control over trailers and loading schedules.
- Trailer Flexibility – Some shipments require specific types of trailers, like refrigerated, flatbed, or custom-sized containers. If your business already owns or leases these specialized trailers, power-only freight allows you to continue using them without relying on a carrier’s equipment.
Power-Only Freight, Pros and Cons
While power-only freight offers significant advantages for many businesses, it’s not the right fit for every shipping need. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- More Flexibility – Power-only trucking lets you adjust your shipping needs quickly. Since you use your own trailers and only rent the truck and driver, you can easily add or reduce capacity during busy times without long contracts.
- Saves Money – You don’t have to buy or maintain trucks, which means you save a lot on upfront costs and ongoing repairs. Also, you save on insurance since you’re not responsible for the tractor and driver.
- Easy to Scale – Power-only trucking lets you grow or reduce your transportation needs depending on demand. This is great if your business experiences busy seasons or rapid changes.
Cons
- Higher Costs on Short Notice – Last-minute power-only freight can be expensive, as limited truck and driver availability often drives up costs.
- Supply Chain Complications – If there are mix-ups with trailer availability, scheduling, or loading, it can cause delays and disrupt your supply chain. This can make it harder to keep everything running on time.
Partner With a Trusted Texas Logistics Company for Power-Only Freight
The benefits of power-only freight go beyond cost savings. It offers your business greater flexibility and more control over your shipping process. However, to make the most of this setup, it’s important to choose the right Texas logistics provider.
At Lean Cargo Logistics, we understand how power-only freight works and how to tailor it to fit your business needs. Whether you need extra trucks during busy seasons or want to stay in control of your own trailers, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to our logistics service team today.
