Power Only Trucking: Considerations for Shippers and Carriers
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a close-up image of a white peterbilt truck from the front
There are a lot of options when it comes to getting freight from point A to point B. The trucking industry has everything from dry vans to reefer trailers and beyond.
One shipping option is the power only load. Like all forms of shipping, power only loads have their pros and cons, both for carriers and shippers.
Are you thinking about working with power only loads? Here are some important things you should consider.
What Is a Power Only Load?
a red semi truck with no trailer attached
A power only load is a load that is carried by a power only truck, or "power unit." Power only carriers provide the truck without providing an empty trailer to go with it.
Shippers often look for power only carriers if they already own trailers or shipping containers for their cargo.
Pros and Cons of Power Only Trucking for Carriers
a two-lane highway at daytime with trees on either side
Some carriers only provide power only load services. Others handle multiple types of services, including power only trucking. Either way, power unit services have both benefits and drawbacks for trucking companies. If you're thinking about adding power only carrier options to your business, knowing the pros and cons can help you get started.
Benefits of Power Only Loads for Carriers
For a power only carrier, the biggest advantage may come from saving money on maintenance costs. When you focus on power only trucking, you only have to maintain the truck, not the trailer. The trailer owner is responsible for keeping the trailer in its best condition.
Power only trucking companies can save time in the process, too. Trailer maintenance takes a lot of effort, and by reducing the effort you spend on equipment, you may increase your overall efficiency.
Another benefit of power only trucking is that it can allow you to avoid wait times between loads. When you work with the right shippers, you can often find new loads quickly, and as a result, you have a cost effective option for avoiding deadhead miles.
Because of all of these benefits, many owner operators use the power only business model. The extra time, savings, and flexibility can work very well for drivers who own their own trucks.
Drawbacks of Power Only Loads for Carriers
While a power only load can absolutely bring advantages, power only load services have some drawbacks for carriers, too.
For example, while power only trucking can help you avoid deadheading, you may find yourself in a few scenarios that require empty miles.
Of course, most shippers who use power only trucking services know how to move their freight in a cost effective way. They have their own trailers that move in a cycle, so empty trailers don't have to be returned to their original location before the next load becomes available.
However, if you do return an empty trailer to its owner, you'll have to think about deadhead safety considerations.
You may also face complications along the way, depending on what type of loads and trailers you pick up.
Dry vans, reefer trailers, and other trailer types require different considerations on the road. Drivers will have to keep these considerations in mind from one load to the next.
Pros and Cons of Power Only Trucking for Shippers
a row of storage containers
Much like carriers, shippers also see pros and cons when it comes to power only trucking. The right choice depends on your company, needs, and freight.
Benefits of Power Only Loads for Shippers
Shippers can absolutely benefit from sending out a power only load. In fact, like carriers, shippers can enjoy saving money, increased efficiency, and extra flexibility.
For example, if you own your trailers or storage containers, you do pay for your own equipment upfront, but depending on how often you send out loads, you could save money on trailer rental fees and similar expenses over time.
You can also save money on truck upkeep if you're deciding between owning a fleet of trucks and owning both trucks and trailers. Regular maintenance is far more expensive and time consuming for a truck and trailer than for a trailer alone.
Plus, owning your own trailers can help you save space. If you have non-perishable freight, that freight can stay on your trailers rather than taking up space in your working areas. If your goods need to wait until a carrier is found, or if you're not in a big hurry to send out a particular load, having limited space won't force you to send out your freight any earlier than necessary.
Drawbacks of Power Only Loads for Shippers
For many shippers, the benefits of power only trucking outweigh any drawbacks. Still, it's important to consider any potential difficulties.
For instance, if you own your trailers, you're responsible for their maintenance, which may or may not be cost effective depending on your company and the freight you ship. For that matter, owning and leasing trailers is an expense in and of itself.
You'll also need to make sure that you use your trailers efficiently on their way back to your location. Power only loads tend to work best for shippers who send their cargo in cycles. If you send freight to one destination and can receive freight from that same location, having your own trailers can make a great choice.
However, if your trailers aren't loaded before they come back to you, then you're paying for empty loads.
Using Third Party Logistics for Power Only Loads
Whether you need to send out a power only load, or you have a power only company and need a more efficient way to book loads, load boards aren't your only option.
A third party logistics company can help you move power only loads when the load boards alone aren't enough.
Look for a freight brokerage that has experience with power only loads. Because power only shipping requires specific considerations, it's important to have a brokerage on your side that understands these unique needs.
If you're a shipper who needs to find power only tractor, or if you're a carrier looking for available loads, contact Pearce Worldwide today to ask about your freight options.
