How to Get Power Only Loads

How to Get Power Only Loads

“Power only” loads, sometimes referred to as bobtail (though technically bobtail means a tractor without a trailer), involve a truck tractor hauling a trailer provided by the shipper or broker. These are ideal for owner-operators or carriers who have a truck but no trailer—or want to avoid trailer maintenance and ownership costs.

Finding Power Only Loads

  • Load boards (e.g. DAT, Truckstop, 123Loadboard)
  • Freight brokers with regular drop-and-hook contracts
  • Dedicated lanes with preloaded trailers
  • Government or event transport (e.g. FEMA, concerts, fairs)

Benefits of Power Only

  • No trailer investment or maintenance
  • Faster turnarounds (often drop & hook)
  • Flexibility in trailer types and freight

Challenges

  • Lower rates compared to loads with your own trailer
  • Trailer condition and maintenance may vary
  • Scheduling issues if trailers aren’t ready

Here are several reputable freight brokers and logistics companies that regularly offer power-only freight:

1. Landstar

  • Power Only Program: Yes – very active
  • How to Access: Must lease on as an owner-operator (Landstar BCO) or work with approved agents
  • Website: landstar.com

2. C.H. Robinson

  • Power Only Available: Yes
  • Platform: Navisphere Carrier
  • Notes: Large broker with a lot of national freight; has power only for drop and hook or event-based transport
  • Website: chrobinson.com

3. J.B. Hunt 360

  • Power Only Loads: Yes – includes dedicated drop & hook
  • Platform: J.B. Hunt 360 Carrier Portal
  • Strength: Very strong in power only, especially for regional and dedicated routes
  • Website: jbhunt.com

4. XPO Logistics

  • Power Only Freight: Available occasionally
  • Platform: Drive XPO or Carrier Portal
  • Type: Usually available for dedicated or seasonal surges
  • Website: xpo.com

5. DAT Load Board

  • Power Only Filter: Yes
  • Type: Access loads from many brokers that are listed as “power only”
  • Website: dat.com

6. Truckstop.com

  • Power Only Loads: Yes, filter available
  • Advantage: Wide variety of brokered freight
  • Website: truckstop.com

7. Convoy (status may vary)

  • Power Only Offered: Used to offer, check platform for current options
  • Platform: Convoy app
  • Website: convoy.com

8. Amazon

  • Power Only: Amazon Relay allows owner-operators and carriers to haul Amazon trailers
  • Platform: Amazon Relay
  • Website: https://relay.amazon.com

9. Werner

10. Schneider

Most Common Requirements to Haul Power Only

  • Compliance with performance standards
  • Active MC and DOT number
  • Carrier entity must be authorized for Hire
  • At least 1 power unit
  • Valid insurance:
    • Auto liability: $1,000,000
    • Cargo: $100,000
    • Workers’ Comp (if applicable)
  • Additional requirements may apply
You are currently viewing How to Get Power Only Loads
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,