Power Only dispatch for owner-operators
Your tractor pulls a trailer supplied by the shipper or broker.
We find and negotiate power only loads on your lanes, coordinate pickups and deliveries, and handle detention, TONU, lumper and paperwork. 5% of the rate con or $250 a week, no contract.
Power Only
You provide the truck and driver; the trailer belongs to the shipper, broker or a trailer pool. You pick up a loaded or empty trailer, deliver it and return or drop it as instructed.
Freight it commonly carries
- Pre-loaded dry van or reefer trailers
- Empty trailer repositioning
- Drop-and-hook freight between facilities
Typical shipments
- Pull a loaded trailer from a shipper yard to a distribution center
- Reposition empty trailers between yards
- Shuttle trailers between a plant and a warehouse
Equipment & capacity considerations
- Your tractor must be compatible with the trailer (fifth wheel, air and electrical connections, and reefer fuel if pulling a reefer).
- Trailer interchange agreements and insurance (such as trailer interchange coverage) may be required.
- Inspect the trailer before leaving and record any damage.
- Know where and when the trailer has to be returned.
Common challenges
- Trailers that are damaged or not ready at pickup
- Unclear return instructions and late fees
- Insurance requirements that differ between brokers
How THC dispatch helps
- Find power-only loads and trailer moves on your lanes
- Check interchange and insurance requirements before booking
- Confirm trailer pickup, return and drop instructions
- Document trailer condition issues with the broker
Check before accepting a load
- Trailer type and any special equipment
- Interchange agreement and insurance requirements
- Pickup and return locations and deadlines
- Who pays if the trailer isn't ready
General industry information. Weight, dimensions, permits and endorsements are checked for each load against current rules.
Power Only dispatch pricing
Same two options for every truck type. You choose.
5%
of the rate confirmation total (linehaul + fuel surcharge)
$250
per week, only for weeks we book at least one load
No contract. Accessorials such as detention, layover, TONU and lumper are not included in the 5%. Compare both options with an example week.
Start power only dispatch
A dispatcher contacts you to talk through your lanes and loads. Asking costs nothing.
Power Only dispatch questions
What insurance do I need for power-only?
Requirements vary by broker and trailer owner. Many ask for trailer interchange coverage in addition to your usual policies. We check requirements before booking so you can confirm with your insurance agent.
Do I need my own trailer for power-only loads?
No. The trailer is supplied by the shipper, broker or trailer pool. You need a tractor that can connect to it and the paperwork they require.
How is the dispatch fee calculated?
You choose one: 5% of the rate confirmation total (linehaul + fuel surcharge), or $250 per week, only for weeks we book at least one load. Accessorials such as detention, layover, TONU and lumper are not included in the 5%.
Are loads or rates guaranteed?
No. Load availability, rates, accessorial approvals and payment timing depend on the market, the broker and the agreements for each load.
Who approves each load?
You do. We don't book a load without your OK.