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Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services Provider in California

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Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services in California

When moving oversized loads that qualify for California pilot cars, you must choose a trustworthy provider with local experience. Oversized loads pose a significant danger to other motorists on the road as they travel below highway speeds or occupy multiple lanes. Pilot and escort vehicles accompany these loads to ensure they get to their destination intact and on time. Depending on the load size, pilot cars can be civilian or part of the state’s law enforcement agencies. Our drivers have spent years mastering the art of navigating over-dimensional loads through the many dense urban metros that dot California. To ease the shipping process for our customers, we handle the paperwork. Our services cover loads of all types, shapes, and sizes. Our extensive and diverse equipment inventory allows us to serve any customer regardless of their unique demands. Get a free estimate today. 

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When do I Need a Pilot Car or Escort Vehicle in California?

  • Length: If over 100′ in length in Los Angeles or Los Angeles County, you need one front and one rear pilot car/escort. It may be required in other areas as well. If over 120 feet and no longer than 135 feet in length on some routes, you will be required to have one front and one rear pilot car/escort vehicle. If over 135′ in length, you must have one front and one rear escort on any road in the state.
  • Width: If your shipment is over 12′ wide, the “general rule” is to have one front pilot car on 2-lane roads or one rear escort on 4-lane roads. However, note that two pilot cars are required on some routes. Any shipment over 12 feet should have at least two pilot cars or escort vehicles.
  • Height: For loads 18 feet or more, you’ll be required to have a height pole pilot car/escort vehicle, and before you even apply for your permit, you have to conduct a route survey with the pole set at a minimum of 18 feet and 3 inches (18’3″) as well as a utility company clearance letter. Consequently, you must notify all utility companies if you are over this height before transporting.
  • Weight: If your shipment cannot meet the minimum speed requirements, you will more than likely be required to have at least one front and one rear pilot car/escort vehicle and, in some cases, a police escort. 
  • Overhang: If you deal with a shipment with 20′—25′ of overhang, you require at least one pilot car/escort vehicle. If the overhang is in the front, then one lead pilot car, and if it’s in the rear, one chase pilot car. If you have both front and rear overhangs that are in excess (30′ front and 25′ rear), count on being required to have one front and one rear pilot car/escort vehicle.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Certifications and Requirements in California

Pilot cars (escort vehicles) meet various requirements, for example;

  • Have at least one flashing or strobing amber light mounted at the highest point of the vehicle. The light must be visible from 360 degrees and a distance of at least 500′ and completely covered when not tending a shipment. 
  • Pilot car vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or a 2-way communication device with a range of at least 15 miles and constantly communicate with all parties related to the shipment while in transit. 
  • The vehicle must have identification signs on each side of the vehicle stating the company name, address, and contact telephone number. 
  • Vehicle must be equipped with the appropriate banner/sign stating ‘OVERSIZE”, with “OVERSIZE LOAD,” “WIDE LOAD,” and “LONG LOAD” being used when appropriate that is a minimum of 5′ in width and 10″ in height with black lettering no less than 1 5/8″ letter thickness and a yellow background mounted no less than 48″ from the pavement surface. This sign must be fully covered or removed if not tending a shipment. 

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Haul your heavy load with the best transporters in the industry!

Transport Your Load On The Right Trailer With Us

Double Drop Deck Trailer

Max Dimensions: 29FT Length, 8.5FT Width, and 11.5FT Height

Max Weight: 45,000LBS

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Step Deck Trailer

Max Dimensions: 53FT Length, 8.5FT Width, and 11.5FT Height

Max Weight: 48,000LBS

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Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)

Max Dimensions: 53FT Length, 8.5FT Width, and 11.6FT Height

Max Weight: 150,000LBS

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Flatbed Trailer

Max Dimensions: 53FT Length, 8.5FT Width, and 8.5FT Height

Max Weight: 48,000LBS

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Oversize Load Transport Route Surveying in California

Route surveys are crucial to planning the route your oversized shipment will take. We must validate a route before transport commences to avoid delays, traffic flow interference, and road infrastructure damage. At Wide Load Shipping, safety is our top priority; hence, we take great care to ensure we choose the correct route for your load. Some of the ideal highways for moving oversized loads in California include

  • Interstate 80 (I-80): connects the Bay Area to the east.
  • State Route 99: This route runs parallel to I-5 in the Central Valley 
  • State Route 58: This east-west route connects I-5 and I-15 

Contact Wide Load Shipping today to enjoy quality pilot car services in California.