Power-only dispatch: your tractor, somebody else’s trailer, the right load.
Power-only carriers pull trailers that belong to a shipper, a broker or a leasing company. There is no trailer to buy or maintain, and preloaded drop trailers mean less time at the dock — but the load still has to be booked, the trailer checked and the insurance in order.
What power-only tractor dispatch really involves.
Preloaded trailers, less waiting
Much power-only freight is drop and hook: the trailer is loaded before you arrive. We look for those loads first, because time not spent at a dock is time on the road.
Someone else’s trailer
You are responsible for the trailer while it is hooked to your tractor. We make sure the driver inspects it at pickup and records any damage before leaving the yard.
Trailer interchange insurance
Many shippers and brokers require trailer interchange coverage before they release a trailer. We check what each load asks for against your policy before it is accepted.
Where the trailer ends up
Power-only loads often end at a drop yard or back in the shipper’s trailer pool. We plan the next load from there, so the tractor is not left bobtailing for miles.
Everything a power-only tractor carrier hands us.
One agreement, month to month. Rates are quoted per carrier — your equipment, lanes and fleet size decide it.
- One dedicated dispatcher who knows your tractor, the trailers you pull and the lanes you want to run
- Load boards and direct broker relationships worked all day, matched to your equipment
- Rates negotiated against what the lane is really paying, not the first offer
- Rate confirmations, BOLs and carrier packets handled, and every load tracked to delivery
- Detention, TONU and layover claims pursued with the broker
- A login to Smart Haul TMS — loads, documents and settlements, live
Power only dispatch FAQ
What do I need to run power only?
A tractor, your own MC authority, and insurance that includes trailer interchange coverage — or whatever the broker or shipper on the load requires.
Do you book drop-and-hook power-only loads?
Yes, and we look for them first, because preloaded trailers keep your tractor moving instead of waiting at a dock.
Can I run power only and my own trailer?
Yes. If you pull your own trailer on some loads and run power only on others, we book both and use whichever pays better on the lane.
Tell us about your power-only tractor.
A dispatcher calls you back within one business day. Nothing is committed by sending this.
Dispatch 7am–5pm Central, seven days · after-hours support for breakdowns · 224 278 9494