Power only
A move where the carrier supplies tractor power but pulls another party's trailer.
Written and reviewed by LaneMath Editorial Team, with carrier workflow review from Dale Morrow where practical dispatch, paperwork, or lane-planning context is involved. Updated 2026-06-29. LaneMath pages use public references, example-only math, and conservative editorial review.
Carrier note
Use this term in context with the rate confirmation, broker communication, facility instructions, and billing paperwork. A short definition is useful, but the written load terms control the actual freight decision.
Carrier example
A carrier checks power only requirements before booking because equipment details can change time, cost, and risk.
Common mistake
Assuming power only requirements are standard without asking about the actual shipment.
Paperwork note
For power only, keep the written instruction or dispatch note close to the rate confirmation so the term has load-specific context.
Power-only changes which equipment the carrier controls
In a power-only move, the carrier supplies the tractor and driver while pulling a trailer provided by another party. That shifts attention from trailer ownership to trailer condition, registration, inspection, interchange or use terms, pickup release, and responsibility for defects found before or during the move.
Before hooking, the driver should have the correct trailer number and instructions for documenting condition. Existing damage, tire or light problems, seal information, and required return location belong in the record. The carrier should not assume that a provided trailer removes inspection, insurance, or service questions.
Power-only versus carrier-owned trailer service
With carrier-owned trailer service, the carrier controls both tractor and trailer condition and availability. In power-only work, the trailer comes from another party, so interchange, inspection, pickup release, and return instructions become part of the load decision.
Power-only also differs from towing disabled equipment or casual trailer repositioning. The confirmation should identify the trailer, freight status, origin, destination, and responsibilities clearly enough that the driver knows what is being moved and under whose instructions.
Questions to ask in context
- Who owns or controls the trailer, and what document authorizes the carrier to move it?
- Has the driver recorded trailer number, condition, defects, seal, and pickup location before departure?
- Where must the trailer be delivered or returned, and who handles a defect discovered en route?
References and methodology
- Industry terminology and editorial explanation - LaneMath Editorial Desk. Used here for: Plain-English definitions, checklists, and example-only calculations.Editorial explanations are not official guidance, legal advice, or market data. Last checked 2026-06-29.