Power-Only Trucking: Run Amazon, XPO, and Uber Freight Without a Trailer
The Short Answer
Power-only lets you skip the $30K+ trailer purchase — you pull the shipper's trailer. Rates $1.80–$2.40/mile on Amazon, XPO, Uber Freight, and JB Hunt networks. Best for operators wanting drop-hook consistency without trailer maintenance headaches.
Power-only removes the trailer from the equation. You show up with just a tractor and hook to whatever the network provides. Here is how it actually pays.
Power-only means you own only the tractor. The shipper, broker, or network (Amazon, XPO, JB Hunt) provides the trailer. You drop and hook, never own or maintain trailers. Rates $1.80–$2.40/mi, drop-hook lifestyle.
Power-Only Networks
- Amazon Relay
- XPO Direct
- JB Hunt 360
- Uber Freight (some loads)
- Werner Trailer Interchange
- Schneider Choice
Advantages
- No trailer purchase ($25K–$95K savings)
- No trailer maintenance
- No trailer insurance (usually covered)
- Drop-and-hook = less waiting
- Steady lane availability on big networks
Downsides
- Rates 5–15% lower than owned-trailer freight
- Locked into network rate cards (limited negotiation)
- Trailer damage disputes (photograph everything)
- Depends on network volume — one bad quarter and volume drops
The photograph-everything rule
Every trailer you pick up: photograph 4 sides, tires, floor, doors, and reefer unit if applicable. Trailer damage disputes are the #1 friction in power-only. Photos save you $2K–$10K per incident.
Power-Only vs Owned-Trailer Math
| Line | Owned trailer | Power-only |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer capex | $35,000 | $0 |
| Trailer payment/mo | $650 | $0 |
| Trailer insurance/mo | $120 | $0 |
| Trailer maintenance/mo | $200 | $0 |
| Rate/mile | $2.40 avg | $2.10 avg |
| Monthly rate diff @ 10K mi | $3,000 higher revenue | -$3,000 |
| Monthly net difference | ~$1,030 in favor of owned | ~$1,970 to power-only |
When Power-Only Wins
New owner-operators without $30K for a trailer. Operators who don't want trailer maintenance responsibilities. Anyone who values drop-and-hook consistency over rate maximization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you make with power-only trucking?+
$6K–$9K/month net for solo operators running Amazon, XPO, or JB Hunt networks consistently.
Do I need my own trailer to be an owner-operator?+
No — power-only lets you run with just a tractor. Networks like Amazon Relay and JB Hunt 360 provide trailers.
Is power-only better than owning a trailer?+
Depends on capital and preference. Power-only saves $30K+ upfront but caps rate potential. Owned trailers earn more per mile but require capex and maintenance.