Pre Form - On Sticky Header

Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services Provider in Hawaii

Shipping Quote - Homepage

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services in Hawaii

Wide Load Shipping offers pilot car services in all eight of Hawaii’s main islands. Although Hawaii has interstates constructed to mainland standards, all four are located on Oahu. Moving oversized loads to the rest of the islands is extremely difficult. Hawaii’s landscape is highly diverse, ranging from lava deserts, misty plateaus, and fern and bamboo forests to the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea. We, Wide Load Shipping, have served our clients here for years. Our teams are specialized and experienced in safely traversing the entire state. Equally, we use state-of-the-art equipment. Every state mandates that pilot cars follow or lead over-dimensional loads on public roadways. They serve several roles, including warning other motorists, checking for obstacles ahead, guiding the load around tight bends, and, in the case of high pole cars, verifying height clearances. Among the types of oversized loads we ship in Hawaii are boats. Hawaii has a thriving boat scene for both commercial and recreational boats. Whether your oversize load is moving to one of the islands or across multiple islands, Wide Load Shipping guarantees timely delivery. We also acquire all the required permits and liaise with utility companies in cases where overhead utilities need moving. Book now to get started.

icon of truck that hauls oversize equipment
Logo 04

When are Pilot Cars Required in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, length limitations do not apply to vehicles transporting pipe, poles, timbers, reinforcing steel, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered. When moving at night, such vehicles should be equipped with sufficient clearance lamps on both sides of any projecting load to mark the load’s dimensions. Many of the requirements in Hawaii are undefined and depend on the route taken; hence, you must always consult with a professional.

  • Length: Depends on routing.
  • Width: Loads over 12 feet wide require one front escort, while those over 14 feet require two escorts, one front and one rear. 
  • Height: Depends on routing.
  • Overhangs: One escort vehicle is required for horizontal projections exceeding 4 feet.
  • Weight: Undefined

Pilot and Escort Vehicle Regulations

Whenever an escort vehicle is required by statute or under the conditions of the special permit, the owner should provide such a vehicle to accompany the move. 

  • The escort vehicle may be a passenger car or a 2-axle truck with a rated capacity not exceeding 20,000 pounds gross and designed to afford the driver a clear and unobstructed view to the front and rear. 
  • The escort vehicle should have at least one rotating or oscillating amber light mounted on the cab. The lights should be sufficiently intense to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight.
  • The escort and hauling vehicles must be equipped with a two-way CB radio and maintain continuous communications between all the units involved.
  • An escort vehicle should have low-beam headlights and maintain the state-required distance ahead or behind the carrier unit. 
  • Generally, separate escort vehicles should be provided for each vehicle or load when required by permit or statute.

Get Your Wide Load Shipping Quote!

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

icon of extended double drop trailer

Step Deck Trailer

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

Max Weight: 48,000LBS

icon of step deck trailer

Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)

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

Max Weight: 150,000LBS

RGN trailer Illustration

Flatbed Trailer

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

Max Weight: 48,000LBS

icon of flat bat trailer

Get Your FREE Oversize Shipping Estimate

Shipping Quote - Mid Page

Hawaii Route Surveying Services

To choose the most ideal route for an oversized load, we first conduct a route survey to aid in route planning and permit applications. In Hawaii, route surveys may be mandated for many routes for a permit to be issued. Route surveys also aid in identifying railway crossings along the route so that operators and railway authorities can coordinate to prevent accidents. It is also important to identify areas where road closures may be necessary, as state police require a minimum of three days’ notice. While the state’s unique geography poses significant challenges for oversized loads, here are some key routes suitable for oversized transports

  • H-1 Freeway: It is the main highway in Oahu, connecting Honolulu to the west side. 
  • H-2 Freeway: This route connects the H-1 to the central part of Oahu. 
  • H-3 Freeway runs between Oahu’s east and west sides and can accommodate large vehicles.
  • Maui’s Piilani Highway (Highway 31) is one of the critical routes to southern Maui, though it is a bit narrower than the others.
  • Big Island’s Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) – This highway connects Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Contact Wide Load Shipping and enjoy personalized and reliable pilot car services across the beautiful state of Hawaii.