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Everything You Need To Know About Pilot Car Escort For Your Oversize Loads

Table of Contents

What Are Pilot Cars?

Pilot cars, also known as lead cars, escort vehicles, or chase cars, are used to lead or follow oversized loads such as windmills when moving from one point to another. They’re driven by drivers who act as the secondary eyes for the drivers carrying the oversized loads. Pilot cars guarantee oversized loads’ safe passage throughout the journey. Consequently, they have flags, signs, and flashing lights to warn other motorists of the oversized loads.

However, note that the need for pilot cars and the type you require depend on your shipment. For instance, when shipping over-height loads, you will require a pilot car, also known as a pole car. This car is attached to an extended vertical pole to check the plausibility of the route. Therefore, consider the weight and dimensions of your oversized load and the designated route before shipping.

When Are Pilot Cars Used?

Before shipment, various factors must be considered to ascertain whether you require a pilot car. It’s always important to have your facts checked clearly to ensure you abide by the rules and regulations of shipment and save on cost where needed. Understanding when you need a pilot car also cuts into how many pilot cars you need and where they should lie during shipment. However, most often, you will need a pilot car when;

1. Your cumulative vehicle and load size exceeds the legal limits

You need a pilot car mainly when your load exceeds the legal weight and dimensions. However, legal size limits differ from one state to the other, so check with the authorities of the particular state you are shipping to for clarity. The general dimensions that necessitate the use of pilot cars are;

  • Length: When the vehicle and its load exceed 80 feet
  • Width: When the vehicle and its load exceed 12 feet
  • Height: When the vehicle and its load exceed 14.5 feet

2. The type of cargo under transportation contains hazardous material or is hazardous itself

3. A pilot car is necessary for the route being taken. Depending on the route’s structure, such as winding routes and narrow sections, a pilot car may be necessary even when the size limitations aren’t relevant.

4. When moving convoys of large vehicles

5. Pilot cars are needed when vehicles are passing through construction sites.

6. When guiding aircraft on the tarmac

Why Are Pilot Cars Used?

Pilot cars serve many purposes, all inclined towards ensuring the safety of oversized load transport. They;

  1. Save on time: when traversing winding roads or narrow routes, pilot cars help clear the way for transportation, saving time.
  2. Enhance road safety: Pilot cars warn other motorists and road users of the oncoming oversized loads.
  3. Protect infrastructure: Pilot cars help prevent low-hanging bridges, roads, and other infrastructure damage. They also ensure the load stays intact.
  4. Aid in traffic control: Pilot cars ensure organized traffic flow around the oversized load.
  5. Regulate insurance rates: Pilot cars drastically reduce the odds of accidents, maintaining low insurance rates.

What’s The Importance of Pilot Cars?

There are several benefits to employing a pilot car when the need arises. Some of these include;

  • They keep the roads and cargo safe.
  • They prevent damage to the roads and other infrastructure.
  • They save you a run-in with authorities.
  • Pilot cars scout the routes before transportation, enabling you to use the most efficient route. 

How Much Do Pilot Car Services Cost?

Regarding the cost of hiring pilot cars, there are many factors to consider before you can conclude. For example; 

  • The number of pilot cars needed
  • Distance traveled
  • Size and weight of your shipment
  • Lead time
  • Weather
  • Route taken
  • Fuel cost

Equipment used for handling can also affect the final quote. Before deciding, discuss all the above factors with your transportation company.

Your choice of pilot car service provider is critical. They ensure your transportation process runs smoothly for you, your load, and everyone else. Consequently, opt for a licensed, bonded, and fully insured pilot car service provider like Wide Load Shipping. Experience is also essential when judging your preferred providers. Ensure you lean towards a company with reliable data on the legal requirements and permits to avoid delays or fines during shipment.

What is the Difference Between Lead and Chase Pilot Cars?

Pilot cars can either be at the front of the load under transport or the rear. Depending on the position they are in, they get different references. That is;

  • Lead cars are the pilot cars ahead of the load along a specific route. They ensure the load follows the right track and spot heavy traffic and obstacles. 
  • Chase cars follow the load. They keep the load driver aware of traffic coming from behind and protect the lane the oversized load might redirect towards, ensuring safety since the driver can’t see behind him.

Whether your load needs a lead or chase car or both is relative to the state and local regulations, depending on your route and load type.

What's a Pole Car, and When is it Used?

A pole car is a type of pilot car, also known as a flag car. It acts as a lead pilot car, measuring the height of obstructions using a high pole. Pole cars are not used depending on the load width or length but only when their height exceeds a specific limit. Pole cars are mandatory in some states, so pay attention when moving an overheight load across states.

Which Type of Vehicle Can Be Used as a Pilot Car?

There is a wide array of cars when selecting a vehicle to use as a pilot car. However, ensure they can guarantee visibility for the driver. They should also be easily visible to the other drivers on the road, ensuring safety and reliability. Some of the most common vehicles to use as pilot cars when fitted with features such as CB radios, flags, and lights include:

  • Vans
  • Pickup trucks
  • Sedans and
  • SUVs.

However, some states are more particular about the pilot car requirements and state they must;

  1. Allow the driver a 360-degree view, which eliminates otherwise usable cars.
  2. Weigh at least 2,000 pounds if they are a passenger vehicle.
  3. They must be pickup trucks rated for at least a quarter-ton capacity.

Small pickup trucks are preferred because they allow the driver to see the road ahead and use fuel more cost-effectively.

What Are the Pilot Car Requirements?

After choosing the most suitable vehicle for use as a pilot car, there are specific requirements you must fulfill to make it legal. They include having:

  • Reflective Triangles: Carry at least nine reflective Triangles
  • Class II ANSI Safety Vest: Even when inside the pilot car, you should have on an orange safety vest
  • 18-inch Stop/Slow Paddle: The text size on this paddle differs from state to state, so it is confirmed depending on where you are going.
  • Amber Beacon Light: You need at least a single spare of Amber Beacon Light. They serve as a visible alert for other drivers.
  • 10-pound Fire Extinguisher—The fire extinguisher should be fully charged and within valid use dates. The number of fire extinguishers you need varies between states.
  • 18-inch × 18-inch Red Oversized Load Flags – Prominently display three flags on the vehicle.
  • Flares: In emergencies, carry roadside flares that can burn for at least 15 minutes. Most states require at least eight such flares per pilot car.
  • Oversized Load Banner: Have two of these for the front and rear of the vehicle. Some states require lettering at least 10 inches high.
  • Hard Hat: Always wear a hard hat when operating a pilot car. The specific color of the hat might depend on the state, but most localities opt for orange hard hats.
  • Flashlight: Have a functional flashlight in case of emergencies
  • Spare Batteries and fluids: You should have spare batteries for your flashlight and other emergencies. The fluids should include oils, windshield washers, and coolants.
  • A 24-inch × 24-inch high pole flag or a stuck flag should be 24 inches wide and high, with weighted tips.
  • CB/Handheld Radio: Your pilot car should have a functional radio for communicating with the oversized load driver and other team members.
  • Reflective Traffic Cones: Have three 36-inch reflective traffic cones to warn other motorists in case of emergencies.
  • High Pole: Although you do not always need them, ensure that when you do, you have a non-conductive high pole that quickly sets accurate measurements.
  • First Aid Kit: Ensure your kit is fully loaded with usable medicine. Check it constantly for expired medicine and replace it.
  • Traffic Wand: Most of the United States require that your pilot car have a 6-inch orange or red traffic wand. It attaches to the flashlight’s end and helps direct traffic. However, some states indicate a 9-inch cone instead of the 6-inch traffic wand.


Over time, you will realize that though not legally mandatory, items such as a spare jack and tire are beneficial. Also, if your state of operation necessitates your certification, get an insignia highlighting that you’re certified. Before embarking on the road, check with the relevant authorities regarding pilot car requirements in the localities you wish to operate.

How Can You Become a Pilot Car Driver?

Pilot car drivers direct enormous trucks as they maneuver various roads carrying oversized loads. Becoming a pilot car driver might entail different requirements depending on the state. However, there are various general requirements. The step-by-step guide is to:

  • Understand the Requirements. For instance, you may need your high school completion certificate or GDE. An educational background is mandatory when applying for various pilot car driver positions in some areas.
  • Get a valid driver’s license. Most states require you to have a class A, B, or C commercial driver’s license to operate within their boundaries as a pilot car driver. Once you obtain the license, maintaining a clean record will benefit you among employers.
  • Get Certified. State certification requirements vary. If your state requires certification, do not skip the process.
  • Study the rules of pilot cars. Depending on the state, learn the regulations you must abide by, the tools you always have in your car, and how to operate them.
  • Get insurance. Obtain suitable insurance coverage, such as commercial auto coverage or professional liability coverage. It’s relative from state to state.

Conclusion

Pilot cars are beneficial for everyday transportation needs. They keep you and me safe whenever we are using the roads. Equally, they protect your precious cargo between locations and protect your tax money used to develop infrastructure. Pilot cars also guarantee hassle-free oversized load shipments as they are legally mandated.

It’s, therefore, your responsibility to select a dependable pilot car service provider. At Wideload Shipping, we understand the ins and outs of pilot car services. We have operated in the United States for over 15 years. Our dedicated specialists will help you acquire the necessary permits to allow seamless passage of your oversized load within and between states. We also reach out to individuals who own low-hanging features such as billboards to see through their removal before transport legally and their restoration afterward. Adhering to the set laws is crucial, saving you fines and delays.

Our drivers have experience maneuvering even the most challenging roads while keeping your oversized load a priority. Before the shipment, our drivers traverse the proposed route to familiarize themselves with challenges and coordinate how to conquer them. For instance, they coordinate with train stations to prevent interference with the train schedule, delays, or accidents. During shipment, they use their expertise in operating pilot cars and coordinating with truck drivers to deliver your load on time every time.

Contact us today for top-rated, affordable pilot car shipping services. Our quotes are free, without obligations or hidden charges. Wideload Shipping is a transparent pilot car service company.