Power-Only vs Hot Shot: Which Earns More and Why?

Power-Only and Hot Shot are two of the fastest-growing lanes in trucking today and they attract different types of owner-operators.

But one question comes up every day:

“Which one makes more money?”

The truth is this: Both can earn extremely well, but for different reasons and the most profitable drivers understand where the revenue actually comes from.

This breakdown will help you understand:

• Which pays more

• Why markets behave differently

• Who each equipment type is best for

• Where the profit traps are

• How to maximize earnings in either lane

  
  

Let’s dive into the reality of PO vs Hot Shot, based on real load data, lane patterns, and what we see every week in the dispatch world.

1. Understanding Power-Only Earnings

Power-Only (PO) is simple:You bring the truck, the shipper or broker provides the trailer.

PO is the backbone of:

• Amazon Relay

• JB Hunt Power-Only

• FedEx lanes

• Drop & hook freight

• Trailer repositioning

• Contracted lanes

  
  

Average Weekly Gross (Conservative): $6,500–$7,500

Many PO drivers gross $8,000–$10,000 in strong regions, but the realistic, year-round average is in that $6.5K–$7.5K range.

Why PO Pays More on Average:

1. Drop & Hook = More Time Driving, Less Time WaitingYou’re not sitting in docks 4 hours at a time.

2. Heavier Freight = Higher RatesHeavier loads carry premium pay because shippers need reliable capacity.

3. Massive Market DemandPower-Only is used by nearly every major carrier.

4. Works in More RegionsPO is more consistent across the country.

5. Better Lane DensityMore opportunities mean fewer 100-mile deadhead runs.

   
   

2. Understanding Hot Shot Earnings

Hot Shot is built around speed and flexibility.

Most freight is:

• Lighter

• More urgent

• Time-sensitive

  
  

Average Weekly Gross: $4,000–$5,000

In strong markets, Hot Shots can reach $6,000–$7,000, but it varies heavily.

Why Hot Shot Pays Less on Average:

1. Less Freight VolumeHot Shot loads exist everywhere — just not at PO volume.

2. More Pickup/Delivery VariabilityResidential, oil fields, rural areas → unpredictable.

3. Higher CompetitionEasy entry means more trucks in the market.

4. Longer dock times & schedulingEven small loads can get delayed.

   
   

BUT…

Hot Shot can still be extremely profitable for the drivers who understand:

• Lanes

• Timing

• Seasonality

• Backhaul planning

• Urgent freight cycles

  
  

3. So… Which One Earns More?

Winner on Average:

⭐ Power-Only

But here’s the nuance that matters:

• PO wins on average weekly gross

• PO wins on consistency

• PO wins on ease of planning

BUT Hot Shot can win in certain niche markets, especially short-haul urgent freight where:

• Pickup/drop is fast

• Rates surge

• Volume spikes seasonally

  
  

A smart dispatcher can pair Hot Shot drivers with:

• Repeat lanes

• Dedicated customers

• Oilfield or construction freight

• Local hot-freight cycles

  
  

4. Profit Potential: The REAL Question Drivers Should Ask

“Which earns more?” is the wrong question.The REAL question is:

“Which gives ME the best chance to profit consistently?”

If you want:

• Drop & hook

• Stable weekly income

• Better lane density

• Easier planning→ Choose Power-Only

  
  

If you want:

• Flexible loads

• Faster pickups

• Smaller equipment cost

• Certain niche markets→ Choose Hot Shot

  
  

5. The Biggest Profit Traps in Each Lane

Power-Only Traps:

• Bad Amazon Relay regions

• Oversaturated drop/hook cities

• Long deadhead to reposition trailers

• Low-paying contracted freight

  
  

Hot Shot Traps:

• Running into rural drop zones

• Competing with underpriced carriers

• High empty miles

• Seasonal rate swings

  
  

6. The Hidden Factor That Decides 90% of Earnings: Dispatch Strategy

Most drivers blame:

• Freight

• Brokers

• Equipment

• Markets

  
  

But earnings come down to:

• Lane selection

• Market timing

• Knowing hot zones

• Rate negotiation

• Avoiding dead markets

• Running strategically, not emotionally

  
  

A veteran-style dispatch plan stabilizes earnings in both equipment types.

Think of it like this:

• PO gives you volume + efficiency

• Hot Shot gives you flexibility + niche advantage

  
  

But both require discipline, timing, and smart strategy.

7. Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

⭐ Power-Only makes more money for the majority of drivers.

But…

⭐ Hot Shot can match or exceed PO earnings with the right lanes, dispatcher, and consistency.

Your earnings come down to:

• Strategy

• Markets

• Deadhead control

• Lane cycles

• Discipline

• Dispatch support

• 
  

If you want stable, predictable money → POIf you want flexibility and lower barriers → Hot Shot

With veteran-led dispatch, either one can be extremely profitable.

🇺🇸📌 If you're serious about maximizing Power-Only and Hot Shot earnings, American Trust Logistics gives you the edge.

Apply today and run with a team that brings military precision and profit-first strategy to every mile.