Pre Form - On Sticky Header

Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services Provider in Idaho

Shipping Quote - Homepage

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services in Idaho

We have a world-class department that helps you navigate the complex, oversized regulations in Idaho, as many are route-dependent. We maintain contact with our clients throughout the shipping process for maximum transparency. Pilot cars accompany oversized loads on public roads to warn other drivers, clear traffic, and ensure the integrity of road infrastructure is not compromised. Most highways and bridges have minimum speed limits; hence, over-dimensional loads traveling below these speeds can lead to catastrophic consequences. The height for over-height loads can vary across the journey, so front pole cars verify height clearances and warn the load driver where necessary. 

Wide Load Shipping serves Idaho’s many rural areas and cities, including Couer d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Lewiston. We handle oversized loads of different sizes, shapes, and weights and guarantee timely delivery. Train carts, excavators, mining equipment, and steel beams are among the oversized loads we regularly escort in Idaho. Book now to get a free estimate.

icon of truck that hauls oversize equipment
Logo 04

Pilot and Escort Vehicle Certifications in Idaho

For a vehicle to legally serve the role of a pilot car in Idaho, it must meet the following specifications;

  • In Idaho, pilot and escort vehicles must be passenger cars, light trucks, or authorized vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 16,000 pounds. 
  • They must display an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign at least 5′ wide and 12″ tall with black letters at least 8″ high with a 1″ stroke on a yellow background. Each end of the sign must have flashing or rotating amber lights or beacons mounted above the roof, visible from a minimum of 500 feet. 
  • Pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a two-way CB radio.
  • Other requirements include an 18″ STOP/SLOW paddle sign, three bi-directional emergency reflective triangles, a reflective orange vest, shirt, or jacket, two additional “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs, a non-metallic height pole, and a 5-lb type B and C fire extinguisher. During operation, escort vehicle headlights and taillights should be on.

When are Pilot Cars Required in Idaho?

Approximately 1,000 feet should be maintained between the escorting vehicle and the oversized load in rural areas during oversized transports. This spacing may be reduced in urban areas to allow for traffic control during turning movements. An extra pilot car will be required where traffic needs to be held up at turnouts and intersections to allow the load’s passage. Escort and pilot cars are required for heavy-haul and oversized loads if:

  • Length: Loads over 100′ long require one on two-lane roads. Over 115′ requires one on Interstate highways.
  • Width: Loads over 12’1″ require one escort vehicle on two-lane roads. Loads over 15’1″ wide require one escort vehicle on four-lane roads.
  • Height: Loads over 16 feet high require one front pole car with a non-metallic height pole.
  • Weight: Undefined.
  • Overhang: Undefined.

Get Your Shipping Quote!

Haul your load with the best transporters in the industry!

Transport with the Right Trailer

With our dedicated agents, you can trust that youโ€™ll have the right trailer every time, ensuring your shipment arrives on time and intact.

Double Drop Deck Trailer

Max dimensions:

29FT Length | 8.5FT Width |11.5FT Height

Max Weight:

45,000LBS

Step Deck Trailer

Max Dimensions:

53FT Length | ยฐ 8.5FT Width | 11.5FT Height

Max Weight:

48,000LBS

Removable Gooseneck Trailer

Max Dimensions:

29FT Length | 8.5FT Width |11.5FT Height

Max Weight:

45,000LBS

Get Your FREE Oversize Shipping Estimate

Shipping Quote - Mid Page

Oversize Load Route Surveying Services in Idaho

Oversized loads require a physical survey of a proposed route to validate if the load can safely navigate from point A to point B while mitigating any risks to the traveling public and the load itself. For overheight loads, the results of the route survey must be presented before a permit can be issued. Route surveys identify points where the road is too narrow and might require a road closure. It allows for arrangements with law enforcement, who require a 3-day notice when booking police escorts and road closures. Height clearances, bridge weight limits, and railway crossings are essential in route surveys since they influence the ease or challenges associated with oversized load shipments. Idaho has several key routes suitable for transporting oversized loads. Some of the best options are:

  • Interstate 84 (I-84): A central east-west corridor running through southern Idaho. 
  • Interstate 15 (I-15): Joining Idaho to Montana and Utah.
  • U.S. Route 20: Runs east-west across the state.
  • U.S. Route 93: Runs north-south, connecting several vital areas.
  • Idaho State Highway 55: It has sections large enough for super-sized loads.

Wide Load Shipping offers personalized and reliable pilot car services in Idaho and all 50 states. Contact us to book our services today.