What is Power Only Drop and Hook Trucking?

Power only drop and hook is a type of drop and hook service where a trucking company provides only the tractor, and the customer provides the trailer.

This is a type of service from Power only trucking.

The driver picks up the pre-loaded trailer and drops it off at the destination, where it is picked up by another driver.

Drop and hook trucking allows the driver to drop off a full load and hook up to a preloaded or empty container at the same facility.

This eliminates the need for the driver to wait for the cargo to unload, saving precious time.

Turns out, it is called no-touch freight, as the driver does not have to handle the cargo.

Here is the key pros and cons of it, later on, I will discuss more in the article

Who uses drop and hook trucking services?

To take the service you must need to utilize drop and hook trucking services. Better Logistics can assist in deciding if these loads are appropriate for your business. Shippers opt for these services due to various reasons, and here are some of the most common ones:

1. Loose, floor-loaded cartons: Loading and unloading loose items can be more time-consuming than loading a container. For certain shippers, it is more convenient to pre-load such freight into a trailer, thereby saving time that would have been spent on a live load.
2. Warehouse backups: Scheduling live load appointments can be challenging when the warehouse is backed up. In such situations, drop and hook may be the most efficient solution, particularly when there is an abundance of goods or insufficient staff.
3. Availability of trailers and parking space: A facility must have multiple trailers and adequate space to park them, regardless of how backed up the warehouse is, to accommodate drop and hook services.
4. Time constraints: Loads and unloads that consume excessive amounts of time have a ripple effect on the transportation process. Delivery dates may be postponed, trucks may be backed up, and transportation expenses may rise.
5. High volume shipping: Those with consistent high shipping volumes may find that utilizing drop and hook trucking services helps them to stay on track. Only a certain number of live load appointments can fit in a day, and there are only so many hours available.

Advantages of drop and hook power only service

1. No contact: A drop and hook trucking allow a driver to deliver a load without touching any of the cargo. As a result, the driver doesn’t have to wait for the warehouse staff to unload, taking up to 48 hours.
2. Make deliveries faster with less downtime: With a drop and hook option, the delivery process is much faster. In addition, since the driver does not have to wait to unload the cargo, the driver can get another load and go to its next destination faster. As a result, the driver has the potential to do more deliveries in a shorter period.
3. Drivers are not relying on others: While some companies do not need the driver to unload the cargo, they are delivering, and the driver may need to wait onsite while the companies’ employees unload the cargo. This means the driver must rely on others to unload the cargo before they can leave. As a driver, it can be frustrating if there are delays preventing you from getting back on the road for your next pick-up.
4. Cut costs: Shippers pay a steep amount to the driver while they wait for their container to be unloaded, known as a waiting fee. As a result, the shipper can eliminate that cost. Thus, making a drop and hook delivery a win-win for both the shipper and the driver.

Disadvantages of drop and hook power only service

Although a drop and hook option may seem appealing to drivers, it also comes with its disadvantages.

• The ability to keep perishable items: Drop container service becomes infeasible for temperature-controlled perishable items such as seafood, poultry, or pharmaceuticals. For refrigerated shipping service dropping off a container and picking up another wouldn’t work since there is no scheduled time for unloading, and refrigerated containers cannot maintain their temperature.
• Space needed for drop service: A shipper must have an adequate amount of space for drivers to drop off their containers and “house” empty or preloaded containers. For this reason, drop service is challenging to manage for shippers/receivers who do not have enough yard space for stagnant containers. In addition to this, dropping a fully loaded container and replacing it with an empty trailer to match can be time-consuming. This can be difficult for smaller operations that do not have yard employers onsite who oversee moving trailers in the loading area.
• Lead time: A drop and hook service requires a good amount of lead time. Shippers need a proper warning that the driver will be dropping their container off and hooking to one from their yard.

Although dropping a container is convenient for drivers because they could haul other loads immediately after, it takes planning on the shipping side. This decreases the ability to adjust to urgent shipments. Thus, making drop and hook services not practical for last-minute shoppers.

Wrap up

In conclusion, drop and hook trucking services could make a significant impact on the right company. This service has the potential to reduce transportation costs for shippers and increase potential earnings for carriers. However, it may not be suitable for all businesses.