A Reliable Escort Vehicle and Pilot Car Company in the United States
Nationwide Escort Vehicle Services Provider
Are you transporting an over-dimensional load that needs pilot cars? Well, you’re at the right place. We help businesses and individuals haul loads exceeding specific states' legal limits with ease. As a pilot car company, we have specific types and minimum amounts of insurance, often including general liability and vehicle insurance. Depending on your load's pick-up and drop-off locations, we can decide on the correct number of pilot cars assigned to your shipment and pull permits if needed. Remember that a load can be oversized in one state but not another, and all the requirements of individual states must be met. For example, if we pull permits for an oversized load in Florida, we will also need to pull permits for the rest of the states it will pass through if it exceeds their legal limits and ensure we meet all the pilot car requirements.
LET THE PROFESSIONALS CONDUCT A ROUTE SURVEY BEFORE YOUR OVERSIZE LOAD IS DISPATCHED
State to State Route Survey Services
Transportation of over-dimensional loads is demanding and must be carefully planned before dispatch. One of the major concerns is where the load will pass. We conduct route surveys before the shipping date and map out the best roads to use on the transport day. That helps us determine the best and most convenient routes and ensure no hindrances once the load is dispatched. Depending on the size of the load, we use pilot cars equipped with height poles to confirm if the load can fit. For overheight and overwidth loads, we have to contact the permittee to remove some structures, such as overhead lines, to avoid damaging them. That may also call for particular permit types, which cost an extra fee. Regardless of your shipment's demands, we will ensure all its needs are met before the shipping date to avoid delays.
Why You Should Book Our Pilot Car Services
When you book our pilot car services in any state, you can trust that your shipment is in good hands. Below are some reasons you should trust us with your over-dimensional load.
- We have 14+ years of experience.
- Our drivers are experienced, vetted, and licensed.
- Work with dedicated experts.
- 24/7 Free consultation.
- We have modern state-of-the-art cars and resources.
- We’re fully insured, licensed, and bonded.
- Affordability.
We have a team of dedicated experts who will oversee your shipment from start to finish. Contact us today to get started!
States We Offer Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services
We offer pilot car services in each of the following states. Whether your oversized load is traveling within or from one state to another, we will ensure it’s accompanied by the right pilot cars and delivered safely.
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What Are the Uses of Pilot Cars?
Pilot cars are necessary when transporting oversized loads. Here’s why.
- Escorting Oversized Loads: Pilot cars help ensure that the load can safely navigate the roads by alerting the driver of the oversized vehicle of any obstacles or hazards.
- Warning Other Road Users: Pilot cars are equipped with flashing lights, signs, and flags to warn other road users of the approaching oversized load. That helps prevent accidents, giving other drivers time to slow down, change lanes, or take other precautions.
- Route Guidance and Safety: Pilot cars guide the driver of the oversized load, especially when navigating difficult or complex routes. They help guide the vehicle through narrow roads, sharp turns, or low-clearance areas, ensuring the load remains within safe limits.
- Traffic Control: Pilot cars help manage traffic around the oversized load. They may block intersections, stop traffic, or direct vehicles to ensure the load's safe passage.
- Communication: Pilot cars are equipped with communication devices to stay in constant contact with the driver of the oversized vehicle and other pilot cars involved in the convoy.
- Ensuring Compliance with Regulations: Pilot cars help ensure that the transport of oversized loads complies with local, state, and federal regulations. That includes adhering to permitted routes, speed limits, and other safety requirements.
- Providing Assistance in Case of Emergencies: In an emergency, such as a breakdown or accident, pilot cars can provide immediate assistance by alerting emergency services, helping to manage traffic, and ensuring the safety of the load and other road users.
What Are Pilot Cars Equipped With?
Pilot car requirements vary from state to state. To learn about specific requirements, go to our state pages, where you will find a conclusive list of what’s required. However, here are some of the most common items in all pilot cars.
Vehicle Requirements:
- The vehicles used must be properly maintained and in good working order. (Some states have limits on how much the vehicles used should weigh)
- The car must be equipped with a warning light (usually amber), a "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" sign, and flags ( red or orange).
Communication:
- The pilot cars must communicate two-way with the truck driver and other pilot cars if used. The communication system (radios) must have a sufficient range and be interference-free.
Escort Requirements:
- The number of pilot cars required varies depending on the load size, route, and state regulations. It could range from 1 to 4 cars.
- Front escorts are usually required for narrow roads or in specific urban areas, while rear escorts are often needed on highways.
Vehicle Signage:
- Vehicles must display proper signage indicating they are escorting an oversized load.
- Signs should be visible and legible on the pilot vehicle's front and rear.
Lighting:
- Vehicles must have rotating or flashing amber lights visible from a certain distance, usually 360 degrees.
- Some jurisdictions also require flags mounted on the vehicle.
Driver Qualifications:
- Must hold a valid driver’s license.
- Some states may require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- In some regions, specific qualifications like defensive driving certification may be required.
Operational Rules:
- Pilot car drivers must follow specific operational guidelines, such as speed limits, distance from the load, and positioning during escort.
- Drivers may also be responsible for scouting routes ahead of the oversized load and communicating potential issues.
Let us know the specifications of your oversized load, where you’re transporting it to and from, and the shipping date, and we will offer you a conclusive solution for properly executing the move. Transporting an oversized load that requires pilot cars without them or proper permits can lead to heavy fines and cancellation of the driver’s license, besides other penalties. Contact our team today for pilot car services you can count on.