Drop Trailer
A drop trailer program is an arrangement where a carrier leaves a trailer at a shipper's facility to be loaded at the shipper's convenience, then returns to pick it up loaded. It is similar to drop and hook but from the carrier's perspective of managing trailer assets.
In Depth
Drop trailer programs are common with large shippers who have high freight volume. The carrier drops an empty trailer, the shipper's crew loads it on their schedule, and the driver returns to hook up the loaded trailer when ready — eliminating live-load wait time.
For owner-operators, drop trailer programs require owning or leasing trailers to leave at customer sites. This is a larger capital investment but often leads to premium contract rates and dedicated freight relationships.
Drop trailer arrangements also require clear contractual terms about trailer rental fees, damage liability, and how long a trailer can sit at a shipper's facility before daily fees apply.
Usage Example
Example: 'I dropped an empty at the food plant on Monday. They loaded it overnight and I hooked it up Tuesday morning — no waiting.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Drop and Hook
Drop and hook (D&H) is a freight arrangement where a driver drops an empty or loaded trailer at a facility and picks up a pre-loaded trailer, eliminating wait time at the dock.
Power Only
Power only hauling means a driver provides only the tractor (the power unit) to move a trailer that is owned by a shipper, carrier, or leasing company. The driver does not own or manage the trailer.
Contract Rate
A contract rate is a pre-negotiated, fixed rate per mile agreed upon between a shipper and carrier for freight movement over a defined period, typically 6–12 months. Contract rates provide revenue predictability for carriers and capacity reliability for shippers.
Detention
Detention pay is compensation for time spent waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed free time, typically 2 hours. Standard detention rates range from $50–$100/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own trailer for drop trailer programs?
Yes. You need a trailer to leave at the shipper's facility. This is the main capital difference between drop trailer and drop and hook.