WHAT IS A POWER-ONLY LOAD IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY?
“Power only” in transportation refers to a type of trucking service where a trucking company provides only the tractor unit (or “power unit”) for hauling a shipper’s trailer.
In a typical power-only arrangement, the trucking company or carrier typically operates as an independent contractor and is not responsible for the contents of the trailer or any damages that may occur during transit. This type of service is commonly used by businesses that have their own trailers and only need the trucking company to provide the tractor for transportation. Power-only transportation can be more cost-effective for shippers compared to full truckload (FTL) services, where the trucking company provides both the tractor and trailer.
However, for many shippers, the availability of trailers is scarce and the ability to store their freight for just-in-time delivery can be a challenge. What if you needed a more flexible solution?
INTRODUCING PAPER TRANSPORT’S POWER-ONLY SOLUTION
Through the versatility of Paper Transport’s Brokerage, Asset-Based, and Intermodal lines of business, shippers can find the best solution to meet their needs. Our latest addition of Power Only into our Brokerage capacity network is rapidly expanding. Carriers in the industry are swiftly adopting this mode as it gains popularity among shippers, brokers, and carriers.
This solution is appealing to shippers because it provides the feeling of an asset-dedicated service and fleet flexibility. The ability for shippers to pool trailers and store products, while not having maintenance costs of the trailer as well as for carriers to work with a trusted Broker without the added cost of the trailer makes it a win-win for both shippers and carriers.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
To start a power-only operation, Paper Transport would drop a defined pool of trailers at a shipper. Once the pool of trailers is ready for pickup, a shipper notifies Paper Transport’s Logistics team. Paper Transport sources a third-party power to pick up the preloaded trailer. Our team tracks the order until the trailer’s delivery and until it is back in the original trailer pool.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASSET AND NON-ASSET POWER ONLY?
The biggest difference between asset vs. non-asset power only is how the preloads are picked. When Paper Transport’s assets come in, we will pick the preloaded trailer as a true drop and hook. When a third-party power unit comes to pick, they will not drop an empty trailer.
Another difference would be where Paper Transport can go. Our assets will need to stay within the Paper Transport network, where a third-party power has the flexibility to go anywhere within a 500-miles radius.
WHO SHOULD USE THIS SOLUTION?
Carriers who are looking for a trusted broker solution should utilize Paper Transport’s power-only solution. With the flexibility to not own a trailer, carriers can run freight with a leased trailer.
Power only works best for shippers that are currently operating a drop and hook strategy or would like to start. Paper Transport’s solution allows for a consistent pool of trailers to be utilized and allows for warehouse flexibility with loading. The shipper is not liable for the trailers but must inform Paper Transport of any incidents involving the trailer.