What are power only loads ?

Technically that would be a load-out trailer (listed under code LDOT on the board.) Typically LDOTs pay literally almost nothing (At least these days. I've seen them $100-$300 moving within my region.) But as you say that's because they let you use it to book and load your own work on before releasing it to its final destination.

True power only loads (PO) generally pay about the same as a van load on the spot market, sometimes more. They generally pop up on the board when a customer really needs to move something that happens to be on one of their drop trailers. Sometimes you are just repositioning empty equipment such as a LDOT, but without permission to use the equipment. Entering a contract for power only freight I would expect to take a hit on the rate compared to bringing your own equipment, but not necessarily. Moving containers is typically PO work, and typically doesn't pay squat. But it could be good filler work if you run a dump truck.

 

Touring companies often use power only guys during tour season.