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Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services in North Dakota

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North Dakota Pilot Car Services

Simplify your oversized transport needs in North Dakota with Wide Load Shipping’s pilot car services. Our services are easily accessible and customized to fit our customers’ loads. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve gained extensive knowledge of local rules and regulations. We frequently travel North Dakota’s interstates and can pick up your load from any city in the state, such as Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Grand Forks, and more, ensuring statewide coverage for your oversized loads. Our complimentary services enhance your experience by reducing the hassle involved in transport. We handle the acquisition of permits, insurance covers, police escorts, consent letters, and representatives from utility companies. It makes the entire process easier for our customers as navigating the loads of paperwork can be complex. Pilot cars, a legal requirement in every state, lead or follow oversized loads to warn other drivers and protect road infrastructure. Certified pilot cars are also necessary for conducting route surveys. North Dakota is home to significant industries that regularly deal with oversized loads, such as oil drilling, gas extraction, and agriculture. Our portfolio of successful escorts over the years includes mining equipment, large dozers, combine harvesters, aircraft parts, and manufactured homes. No matter the size and shape of your over-dimensional load, our services have you covered.

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Pilot and Escort Vehicle Requirements in North Dakota

The requirements for pilot cars depend on the load dimensions and route. In North Dakota, they are as follows:

  • Length: Loads over 120′ require one escort.
  • Width: On 2-lane highways: Loads over 14’6″ up to 16′ require one escort or use of a lighted rotating or flashing amber lights visible for 500′ from the front and rear instead of escort. Loads over 16′ require two escorts. On 4-lane highways: Loads over 16 feet require one escort.
  • All highways: Loads over 18′  require one official escort unless exempted by Highway Patrol. For widths over 14’6 “but not over 16 ′’, a pilot car may be replaced by lighted rotating or flashing amber lights visible from the front and rear at least 500 feet.
  • Height: Loads over 18′  require one escort and written clearances from utility companies

Pilot Car Certifications in North Dakota

For pilot cars to operate in North Dakota, they must meet the following regulations:

  • Pilot and escort vehicles must be either a 2-axle truck or a passenger car and must meet the requirements of the North Dakota Century Code, Title 39.  All vehicles not registered in North Dakota must purchase temporary registration when escorting intrastate movements.
  • They should have “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs measuring a minimum of  5′ x 12″ written in black letters 8″ high x 1″ brush stroke on a yellow background.
  • Flashing amber lights should be mounted on the ends of the sign or have one centrally mounted revolving amber light on top of the sign.
  • Each vehicle should have a two-way CB radio for communication with the load and other escorts.

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Transport with the Right Trailer

With our dedicated agents, you can trust that you’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 | ° 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

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Oversize Load Route Surveying Services in North Dakota

Route surveying for oversized loads in North Dakota ensures safe and efficient transport. We drive down potential routes by thoroughly assessing crucial factors such as road width, bridge weight limits, height clearances, and potential obstacles like traffic signals and overhead utilities like power and communication cables. Given North Dakota’s unique landscape, we also consider seasonal factors, such as road conditions during winter months and the potential for detours due to weather-related disruptions. Our team is experienced in navigating state regulations, which may involve securing permits and notifying local authorities and utility companies of planned routes. By planning each journey in detail, we aim to minimize delays and ensure compliance with state requirements, providing peace of mind to our customers.

The most ideal routes for oversize and heavy hauls in the state include:

  • Interstate 94 (I-94): Running East to west from Minnesota to Montana.
  • Interstate 29 (I-29): North-south route from Canada to South Dakota, passing through major cities like Fargo and Grand Forks.
  • U.S. Highway 2: East-west route from Minnesota to Williston.
  • U.S. Highway 83: North-south route from Canada to Texas.

Contact us today for affordable quotes free of any hidden charges.