Power-Only
What is power-only? Power-only is a freight model where the carrier provides only the tractor — the shipper or broker provides the trailer.
Full definition
Power-only flips the standard model: the carrier brings a Class 8 tractor and the shipper or broker supplies a loaded trailer. The carrier hooks, hauls, and drops at destination.
The arrangement is common at high-volume shippers (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx Ground contractors), retailers running their own trailer pools, and intermodal operations using carrier-owned chassis.
For owner-operators, power-only freight eliminates the capital cost of trailers but ties the carrier to whatever the trailer-providing party pays. Margin is lower but the equipment outlay is much smaller.