Power-only trucking means the tractor — the power unit — is provided by one party, and the trailer is provided by another. If power is what you need, power is what RJ Logistics will find you. We put the pieces of the shipping puzzle together to get your trailers of goods delivered efficiently.
We employ three strategies for moving trailers with power-only trucking: optimizing load planning and staging; improving reliability through strong partnerships, and achieving efficiency and flexibility with advanced coordination.
Strategy 1: Optimizing Load Planning and Staging
In power-only shipping, “dynamic load planning involves analyzing real-time data and using it to optimize trailer assignments and load distribution,” Truck Drivers USA said. “Leveraging advanced telematics systems, fleet managers can gain insights into the weight, size, and volume of shipments. This information helps determine the most efficient way to load trailers, maximize space, and reduce the number of trips required.
“Additionally, adopting dynamic load planning enables better coordination with shippers, ensuring that trailers are filled to capacity, reducing the likelihood of partial loads, and minimizing wasted space.”
Effective pre-loading and staging of trailers can also maximize efficiency in power-only operations. And, ensuring that trailers are pre-loaded and staged correctly also minimizes driver wait times. Shippers, carriers, and logistics providers can streamline these processes with dedicated staging areas and the clear labeling of trailers.
Strategy 2: Improving Reliability Through Strong Partnerships
It’s important to partner with trusted providers for scheduling drivers and tractors. Develop best practices for selecting and maintaining partnerships with reliable power-only carriers, and be sure to set clear expectations. Regular communication and established protocols also can improve reliability and trust.
“Collaboration is key in the logistics industry,” Truck Drivers USA said, pointing out that establishing relationships “can lead to increased trailer utilization. By sharing trailer space with partners when backhauling or when there’s excess capacity, fleets can optimize their resources and reduce the number of empty trailer miles. This not only benefits both parties involved but also contributes to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.”
Strategy 3: Achieving Efficiency and Flexibility with Advanced Coordination
Power-only trucking maximizes efficiency by separating truck and trailer operations, but it also requires superior coordination among parties in the supply chain. Technology helps achieve this through enhanced real-time tracking, scheduling, and communication, reducing deadheading and idle time. Flexible operations also allow drivers to be sent where loads are ready, avoiding unnecessary wait times.
“Maximizing load efficiency and managing freight transportation services is easier with the help of power-only trucking,” FreightWaves Ratings said. “From faster loading and unloading to a more streamlined approach and driver management tools, this innovative transportation service is changing the industry.”
Fine-Tuning Your Shipping Strategy
Fine-tuning your strategy can help determine if power-only shipping can set you apart from your competitors.
“Power-only freight demand is growing because it’s a cost-effective solution for shippers looking to move freight,” DAT Freight & Analytics said.
Your shipping strategy also can determine how fast your freight can get where it needs to go.
“Drop and hook operations involve separating the loading and unloading processes from the time-sensitive transportation phase. This strategy allows for quicker turnaround times, as drivers can drop offloaded trailers and pick up pre-loaded ones without waiting for loading or unloading. This not only reduces idle time but also increases the overall number of trips a trailer can make in a given timeframe,” Truck Drivers USA said.
RJ Logistics can be entrusted to help you develop and fine-tune your shipping strategy and determine if power-only is a good fit for your shipping needs.
RJ Logistics Is Available for Shippers’ Power Only Needs
Digital freight brokerage Convoy launched a power-only service in 2021. The company developed severe money troubles and went bankrupt last year. Still, the rationale behind its power-only service was sound, with Convoy explaining that “the process of moving trailers is highly inefficient and costly. With a 4:1 trailer-to-tractor ratio among private fleets, many shippers operate with a shortfall of power units and drivers.
“When demand surges, these shippers often have to rely on the spot market, where they face higher rates, increased risk from working with unfamiliar carriers, and the possibility of service failure. … And with empty miles among private fleets estimated at 40%, shippers waste fuel and money while needlessly increasing CO2 emissions,” it said.
Convoy promised flexible tractor capacity, backhaul opportunities, real-time tracking, and vetted carriers. RJ Logistics can do all that and more — and we’re still in business.
At RJ Logistics, we are experts at delivering whatever our customers need for the most efficient and strategically advantageous movement of their freight. We are driven by our mission to deliver positive experiences for our customers, partners, and community through actions guided by our core values and principles.
Through our strategic partnerships, our expert service options include flatbed, Conestoga, cargo van, dry van, and expedited.
Schedule a call with RJ Logistics today.
