Power Only Loads: Complete Guide for Carriers

Looking to start hauling without buying a trailer? Power-only loads let carriers move pre-loaded trailers with just a tractor, saving money and time. This guide explains how power-only trucking works, who it’s best for, and how you can find loads to maximize earnings and keep your truck moving efficiently.

What Exactly Are Power Only Loads?

Power-only loads are a simple and flexible way to start hauling freight without owning a trailer. In this setup, shippers provide pre-loaded trailers, and all you need is a tractor and a driver to move the load. You arrive at the pick-up location, hook up to the trailer, and deliver it to its destination — no trailer ownership or maintenance required.

These loads can involve a wide variety of trailer types, including:

• Shipping containers – often used for international shipments or large cargo.
• Dry vans – enclosed trailers ideal for general goods.
• Open deck trailers – perfect for oversized or awkwardly shaped items.
• Flatbeds – for construction materials, machinery, or vehicles.
• Refrigerated trailers – for temperature-sensitive goods that need to stay cool during transport.

Power-only loads are a win-win for both new and experienced carriers. New owner-operators can start hauling immediately with just a tractor, avoiding the cost of buying a trailer right away. Experienced carriers or companies with fleets can specialize in power-only operations, moving trailers efficiently and taking advantage of faster turnarounds.

For example, a small car importer might have several loaded trailers at their facility. By hiring a power-only carrier, they can have each trailer picked up and delivered without investing in trucks or hiring permanent drivers. Similarly, a new owner-operator can take on these loads to start earning income immediately while saving money for future trailer purchases.

How Does Power Only Trucking Work?

Power-only trucking works much like regular trucking, but with one big difference: you don’t need to own a trailer. Here’s the typical step-by-step process:

1. Arrive with your tractor – You drive your tractor to the pick-up location where the trailer is already loaded.
2. Hook up to the trailer – Using the kingpin and fifth wheel connection, you securely attach your tractor to the trailer.
3. Deliver the load – Transport the trailer to its destination safely and efficiently.
4. Return or pick up another load – After delivery, you can either return home empty or find another nearby power-only load to maximize your time and earnings.

Shippers love power-only trucking for several reasons. Many times, their trailers are already loaded and ready to go, so they don’t have to wait for a truck to arrive. Quick turnarounds are possible because the trailer can sit loaded until a driver is available. This is especially useful for shippers with irregular or unpredictable freight supply, as they don’t need to worry about providing a full truck and driver for every shipment.

For example, a small car dealer may have trailers full of vehicles waiting at their lot. With a power-only carrier, they can have each trailer picked up as soon as a driver is available, keeping their shipments moving smoothly without investing in a fleet of trucks or drivers.

Who Is a Good Fit for Power Only Loads?

Power-only loads are ideal for a variety of carriers, especially those looking to start small, diversify, or specialize in flexible hauling.

• New owner-operators without trailers: If you’re just starting out, you might only have a tractor and limited funds. Power-only loads let you begin hauling immediately without the expense of buying a trailer. This way, you can start earning income while saving for future equipment.
• Experienced drivers looking to diversify: Even if you already own a trailer, power-only loads can be a smart way to mix up your work. They often involve faster turnarounds and varied routes, giving you more opportunities to increase your earnings while keeping your schedule flexible.
• Specialized power-only carriers: Some carriers focus entirely on moving pre-loaded trailers for shippers. By operating as a power-only specialist, you can streamline operations, reduce costs, and serve multiple shippers efficiently.

For example, imagine a small car hauler with only a tractor. Instead of waiting to buy a trailer, they take power-only loads from YK Freight, picking up pre-loaded car trailers and delivering them to dealerships. Or consider an owner-operator with their own trailer, who still accepts power-only loads to fill gaps in their schedule, increase revenue, and keep their truck moving.

What Are the Benefits of Power Only Trucking?

Power-only trucking offers a range of advantages that make it especially appealing for small carriers and owner-operators looking to save money and maximize earnings.

1. Flexibility – With power-only loads, you can haul a variety of trailer types, from dry vans to flatbeds or refrigerated trailers. This means you’re not limited to just one type of freight, and you can pick loads that fit your schedule and capabilities.

2. Lower Costs – Since you don’t need to purchase or maintain a trailer, you save on major expenses like trailer financing, storage fees, registration, and regular maintenance. All you need is your tractor, which keeps your startup costs low and makes it easier to stay within a budget.

3. Fast Turnaround – Many power-only loads offer drop-and-hook options, allowing you to quickly drop a delivered trailer and pick up another one at the same location. This reduces downtime and keeps your tractor on the road earning money instead of sitting idle.

4. Higher Earning Potential – Faster turnarounds and more loads in a day mean you can increase your earnings without adding extra trucks or drivers. Urban routes, where trailers are loaded and waiting nearby, often pay more and allow you to complete multiple deliveries in a single day.

5. Independence and Job Variety – Power-only trucking gives you control over your schedule. You can choose the loads you want, plan your routes, and enjoy a mix of hauling opportunities. This variety keeps the work interesting and lets you avoid the monotony of routine hauls.

For example, a budget-conscious car hauler might start with just a tractor and take power-only loads from YK Freight. They could pick up a trailer full of vehicles in the morning, deliver it to a dealership, then quickly grab another nearby trailer. Over the course of a day, they move multiple shipments without ever having to invest in a trailer, maximizing earnings while keeping costs low.

Can You Book Power Only Loads With Your Own Authority?

Yes! If you’re an owner-operator with your own authority, you can book power-only loads directly. All you need is a tractor to pick up and deliver trailers. This makes it an excellent option for carriers who want to start hauling quickly without investing in additional equipment.

However, there are some paperwork and regulatory considerations to keep in mind:

• IRP (International Registration Plan): Required if you operate across multiple states, ensuring your vehicle registration fees are properly distributed.
• IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement): Needed for multi-state operations to report fuel taxes efficiently.
• FMCSA regulations: Make sure you comply with hours-of-service rules, safety standards, and carrier authority requirements.

Despite these requirements, starting with just a tractor is much simpler than managing a full trailer fleet. You can begin hauling power-only loads immediately, earning income while gradually expanding your equipment and operations.

For example, a new owner-operator might purchase a single tractor first. By using YK Freight to find power-only loads, they can start earning right away, learn the ropes of the industry, and save for future trailer purchases — all without the financial burden of a full fleet.

Where Can You Find Power Only Jobs?

If you’re looking for power-only loads, YK Freight is one of the best platforms to get started. The platform connects carriers with shippers who need trailers moved, making it easier to find work that fits your schedule and equipment.

Load boards like YK Freight work by allowing carriers to post their availability, search for nearby loads, and compare rates in real time. You can see which shipments are available, how much each pays, and plan your routes efficiently to avoid empty miles. Some features even let you track trends, find high-demand areas, and pick loads that maximize earnings.

Here are a few practical tips for small carriers to make the most of power-only opportunities:

• Plan ahead: Check YK Freight regularly to find loads that match your route and schedule. Early booking helps you secure better rates.
• Stay flexible: Power-only loads often involve quick turnarounds, so being ready to move a trailer at short notice can increase the number of loads you complete in a week.
• Combine loads strategically: If you’re picking up one trailer, see if another nearby load can be picked up after delivery to avoid deadhead miles.
• Track rates and routes: Compare rates across different shipments and choose the most profitable options, especially in urban areas where pay is often higher.

For example, a small car hauler could use YK Freight to locate a trailer full of vehicles at a dealership in the morning, deliver it to another lot, and then pick up a second nearby trailer for a return trip. By planning routes efficiently, the driver maximizes earnings while keeping costs low.

In short, YK Freight makes finding power-only jobs simple, helping carriers of all sizes stay busy, save money, and increase their revenue without the need for a full trailer fleet.