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Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services Provider in Massachusetts

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Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services in Massachusetts

Transporting oversized loads in Massachusetts is fast and reliable with Wide Load Shipping. We offer tailored pilot car services in all 50 states. Our services are innovative in accommodating unique loads, which may call for special handling or transport of vehicles. Oversized regulations can be complex in the Bay State, with state highways and turnpikes having different regulations. Over a decade of operating in the state, our teams have mastered the local regulations and routes. Pilot cars are necessary for oversized shipping to prevent damage to road infrastructure, public utilities, and the load. They can be either civilian or police escorts, depending on the requirements. Where police escorts are needed, we contact the state police department to book and cover the costs they incur. The same goes for utility companies and railway companies. Some types of oversize loads we escort include aircraft parts, mobile home units, large construction machinery, and steel pipes. Book our services for a free quote.

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When Pilot Cars Are Required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts DOT may require your shipment to have a pilot car(s) or escort vehicle(s) if you are over any of the following dimensions on public roads and highways;

  • Length: 80′ – 94′ 11″ in length will require you to have one rear pilot car/escort. If over 94′ 11″, you must have one front and one rear pilot car. If you are over 134′ in length, you must have one front and rear pilot car and a police escort.
  • Width: Shipments that are from 12′ 1″ and up to 13′ 6″  wide require one rear escort vehicle unless you are shipping a dozer. A dozer requires one front pilot car and one rear escort vehicle. For shipments over 13′ 6″, you must have one front pilot car and 1 rear escort on all roads.
  • Height: If your shipment exceeds  13′ 8″, you must have a high-pole escort and a route survey. If it’s over 14′ 11″, you must have one front pilot car with a high pole and one rear escort with a police escort.
  • Weight: It depends on the route and whether you can maintain the minimum posted speed limits. 
  • Overhang: If your rear overhang is over four ′, you must have one rear escort vehicle.

NOTE: 

  • If your shipment’s routing will take you through tunnels, you will need at least one rear escort vehicle if it is over 8′ 6″ —12′ wide. 
  • Turnpikes have different regulations on oversized loads that don’t fall under state jurisdiction.

Pilot Cars Certifications & Requirements in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts DOT requires that pilot cars and escort vehicles meet the following requirements:

  • Pilot cars in the state have to either be light trucks or passenger cars.
  • They should have two roof-mounted flashing or strobing amber lights visible from both the vehicle’s front and rear.
  • They must have two safety-colored red or orange flags that are no less than 24″ square in shape.
  • Escort vehicles must have at least one sign that states “OVERSIZE LOAD” mounted and visible from either the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on whether it is front or rear.

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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 Route Surveying Services in Massachusetts

Wide Load Shipping collaborates with customers and the Department of Transportation to simplify the permitting process by conducting thorough route surveys of all proposed routes. Route surveys allow us to map out all aspects of a route to determine its viability, safety, and legal requirements. Depending on its features, a route might call for additional inspections, police escorts, or paperwork, all adding time to the permitting process. The law mandates that certified drivers conduct surveys in marked pilot cars. When choosing a route, it is also vital to consider traffic patterns and density. Rush hour traffic is best avoided as oversized loads can significantly interrupt traffic flow unless planned. Some ideal routes in the state include;

  • Interstate 90 (I-90): Also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, this major east-west highway connects Boston to the state’s western regions.
  • Interstate 95 (I-95) connects important cities like Boston and Worcester.
  • Interstate 495 (I-495) is a beltway around the greater Boston area.
  • US Route 1: This highway runs parallel to I-95.

Contact us today to book our services.