PILOT CAR SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA
The role of pilot cars in transporting oversized loads across the states cannot be understated. In California, oversized load permits and pilot cars are required by law. Pilot cars lead or follow an oversized load when in transit to ensure the safety of the load itself and other motorists on the road. These cars warn motorists to keep their distance or clear the road ahead where necessary. Nationwide Transport Services is your go-to provider for California's best pilot car services. We boast the most experienced drivers and logistics specialists and guarantee a seamless experience with our services.
Pilot cars reduce the transit times for oversized loads by controlling the traffic around the load, ensuring the flow remains smooth. They also guide the load around tight turns or where the roads are too narrow.
A route survey is vital to the transportation of oversized loads. A professional must travel along the route in a pilot car, assessing for tight turns, infrastructure inconveniences, or narrow roads. The height of the bridges, load ratings, and railway crossings must also be documented.
Pilot Car Regulations in California
California has unique requirements for any vehicle serving as a pilot car. To qualify, a vehicle must be at least 60 inches wide and meet all the required licensing and insurance requirements. An escort car must lead all oversized loads across when reviewing an operational California Highway Patrol (CHP) scale and inspection facility. These vehicles communicate with the rest of the convoy using two-way radios and maintain a safe distance from the towing vehicle to allow for both passing and warning oncoming traffic.
Transporting oversized loads in California requires a special permit from the California Department of Transportation Office of Commercial Vehicle Operations. Single trip permits are required for loads greater than 8 feet 6" wide, 14 feet 0" high, and over 80,000 pounds. These oversize permits are valid for seven days in California.
Why Choose Our California Oversize Load Escort Services?
Nationwide Transport Services is one of the leading pilot car and escort vehicle companies in California. We offer the following services and more.
- Lead Escort Services in California
- Rear Escort Services in California
- Flagging Services in California
- Chase Car Services in California
- High Pole / Height Pole Services
- Route Survey Services
- Port Escort (TWIC CARD) Services
- Bucket Truck Services in California
- Super Load Escorting Services in California
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When does a load need Pilot cars in California?
Height Regulations
- Height poles are not a requirement in California but are allowed as a permittee request.
Width Regulations
- Loads wider than 12' and up to 14' wide require one front escort on two-lane roads or one rear escort for multilane roads.
- Loads over 14' wide require one front and one rear pilot car on all roads.
Length Regulations
- In LA County and LA City, one rear and one front pilot car must escort loads with lengths from 85 feet up to 135 feet and loads past 100 feet long.
- Front and rear law enforcement escorts should accompany the convoy for lengths greater than 150 feet.
Overhang Regulations
- A rear pilot car is needed for loads with rear overhangs of more than 5 feet.
- A front escort is required for loads with front overhangs extending 10 feet or more.
Special Stipulations
- Transit of oversized loads is restricted from half an hour before sunrise to the same after sunset.
- Travel is allowed all day Saturday, but no travel is allowed on Sunday.
- Travel is not permitted on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day.
