Everything You Want to Know About Power Only Loads (Updated: November 2024)

In an ever-changing freight market, logistics providers like us are looking for creative ways to expand capacity and provide comprehensive freight solutions to customers. Meanwhile, the national trucker shortage and other various industry challenges present obstacles to businesses that want to reduce wait times and increase productivity. At Werner, we work with carriers like you to support our customers and drive operational efficiencies by utilizing drop-and-hook freight networks.

What is the PowerLink option? It’s simple:

An asset-backed 3PL like Werner Logistics uses a third-party carrier’s driver and truck to transport shipments to a specified destination. You no longer have to find freight, or purchase and maintain additional equipment like trailers. We do all that work for you so you can focus on your business goals.

By joining PowerLink, our power only program, you can focus on daily services and let us focus on building network density for you. Together, we bring scalable value to customers.

What Are the Benefits of PowerLink?

• Maintain your own authority
• Potential cost savings
• Provides regional opportunities
• Provides drop-and-hook, no-touch freight
• 24/7 assistance from a team of logistics experts
• Carrier Rewards Program including quick pay, fuel and maintenance discounts and driver parking

How Does PowerLink Save You Time?

Carriers don’t have to waste time searching for freight with Werner’s extensive drop-and-hook network of more than 30,000 trailers. Our power only solution includes predictable routes, a single point of contact and 24-hour service.

In addition, we have one of the newest trailer fleets in the industry, helping you avoid costly repairs and downtime.

Your logistics provider streamlines the entire freight process, freeing up your valuable time and resources.

What Are the Benefits of Power Only Freight Loads for Drivers?

By working with a driver-focused company like ours, it’s easier for carriers to stay productive. Searching for freight takes drivers away from the money-generating task of being behind the wheel delivering freight. PowerLink simplifies the process by offering no-touch, driver-friendly freight. It also provides regional, cross-border, and 48-state over-the-road opportunities, providing drivers with flexibility to operate in the area of their choice.

Our PowerLink program gives drivers more time at home. Research shows that compensation and quality of life are the biggest factors that attract drivers. Power only helps improve work-life balance and provides productive miles where drivers get paid through more freight options.

Because power only provides drivers with consistent freight, this solution increases driver retention. Drivers have a steady stream of work and enjoy the many benefits of the power only solution.

More Opportunities for Carriers

A reputable logistics provider like Werner offers carriers the following opportunities:

• Dedicated Solution: Consistent origins and destinations for drivers who want to return home regularly.
• Regional: Offers multiple power only loads in regions where drivers prefer to operate.
• Cross-Border: Provides cross-border power only loads to and from Mexico.
• On-the-Road (OTR): Maximizes miles for drivers who are typically on the road for two weeks at a time.

How Do Some Power Only Opportunities Reduce Waste?

The goal in every business is to eliminate waste. Werner has some power only opportunities that pay all miles and eliminate your waste by paying empty miles between loads. While deadhead miles don’t technically disappear, on some opportunities Werner pays miles to carriers at the same rate as loaded miles, creating a consistent revenue stream for both the carrier and the driver.

The PowerLink Solution

Whether you’re a carrier looking for creative solutions or wanting to drive revenue into your business, PowerLink from Werner can diversify your freight execution strategy. Werner offers perks to carriers, such as truck leasing opportunities and access to our 24,000-trailer network with the latest model with driver-friendly freight.

With PowerLink, we’re helping carriers further address the issues facing the industry today by providing opportunities to grow your business, reduce costs and haul consistent freight.

For more information, contact Werner’s PowerLink team at 800.848.5218 or fill out the form below.