South Carolina Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Company

SOUTH CAROLINA PILOT CAR SERVICES

Nationwide Transport Services is the top provider of affordable pilot car services in South Carolina. We have been operating in the state for over a decade and have vast experience with its regulations. We employ the most experienced drivers in the state. Creativity and experience are crucial in avoiding delays when moving oversized loads.   

The state requires permits for all oversized loads and pilot cars for those that qualify. Oversized loads are loads that exceed the legal size and weight dimensions. Our pilot cars will escort your oversized load to warn traffic for road safety and guide it around any obstacles. We also handle the acquisition of permits and insurance covers for your load. In cases where roadside utilities interfere with the passage of your load, the law requires us to inform the owners and arrange for removal and compensation of costs. Route surveying is another essential part of planning the journey for our customer's shipments. It involves driving a route in a pilot car to check for height clearances, railway crossings, and any tight spots that may restrict movement. We use this as the basis to plan for the swiftest route and one with the most minor permit approval times. South Carolina's oversized permits are valid for seven days, with operators needing one before entering the state.

South Carolina Pilot Car Requirements

In South Carolina, a vehicle transporting a load can also serve as an escort vehicle.  Each escort vehicle must display a strobe light or rotating amber beacon, which hazard lights can not substitute. The vehicles should also have an OVERSIZE or WIDE LOAD sign on the front of the lead escort vehicle or at the rear for rear escorts. The pilot and towing vehicles must also maintain direct two-way radio communication during transit. Positioning of the escort vehicle relative to the over-dimensional load must be sufficient to give other motorists maximum warning and to allow the load driver enough time and space to maneuver the load safely.

The legal dimensions in South Carolina are:

  • Length: 53 feet for semitrailer and load.
  • Overhang: 5 feet rear overhang on 48 feet semitrailers and none on 53 feet semitrailers.
  • Width: 8 feet 6 inches on the interstate and designated highways.
  • Height: 13 feet 6 inches.
  • Weight: 80,000 gross vehicle weight.

Nationwide Transport Services offers convenient and timely oversized load escort services to and from South Carolina. Provide us with the specifications of your load for a free estimate and advice. (877) 278-3135.

Why Choose Our Oversize Load Escort Services in South Carolina?

Book the following oversized load escort services in South Carolina for a free quote. 

  • Lead Escort Services in South Carolina
  • Rear Escort Services in South Carolina
  • South Carolina Flagging Services
  • Chase Car Services in South Carolina
  • High Pole / Height Pole Services in South Carolina
  • Route Survey Services in South Carolina
  • Port Escort (TWIC CARD) Services in South Carolina
  • Bucket Truck Services in South Carolina
  • Super Load Escorting Services in South Carolina

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When Do I Need a Pilot Car or Escort Vehicle for Shipment in South Carolina?

Length:

  • The requirements for overlength loads are tricky in South Carolina. Always contact the DOT for the correct information.

Width: 

  • Loads 12 to 14 feet in width will require one front pilot car on 2-lane roads.
  • On all state roads, loads 14 to 16 feet in width require one front and one rear pilot car.
  • For loads over 16 feet wide, you must have three pilot cars, one front, one rear, and one police escort in the rear.

Height: 

  • Loads over 13 feet 7 inches require a pilot car with a height pole. Requirements may vary with the route.

Weight:

  • Requirements vary depending on weight and the minimum speed. The permit will indicate where pilot cars will be necessary.

Overhang: 

  • Overhangs over 15 feet require at least one pilot car.
Oversize load transport
Oversize Wheel Loader