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Oversize load transport can be complex and expensive, requiring special permits and additional vehicles, such as pilot cars, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Pilot cars are an essential part of any oversized load transport operation, and their cost can vary dramatically based on the size and type of load, and the distance traveled. Understanding the cost of pilot cars and other factors affecting the total transport cost is essential to keeping expenses down while ensuring a safe and compliant journey.
Oversize freight moves safely when the right escort vehicles are in place. Pilot cars protect the load, your crew, and the driving public. They’re also a common line item that shippers want priced up front. We manage permits and escorts every day, so let’s break down what pilot cars are, when they’re required, and what they add to your total.
Pilot cars guide the truck driver of an oversize load through tight turns, low wires, and narrow bridges. They warn other motorists with amber lights, flags, and an OVERSIZE LOAD sign. That visibility reduces surprises and helps us move cleanly through tough corridors.
Some load types transported using pilot cars include telephone poles, bulldozer shipments, generator transports, crane hauls, mobile homes, and more.
That said, it’s not the only thing they do. To guarantee a smooth delivery, pilot car drivers coordinate with each other and the truck driver. For instance, a truck’s lead pilot car must alert the driver to any potential threats to the cargo along the route.
There is no hard and fast rule on how many or what kind of pilot cars must accompany any given shipment. For example, to assure visual clearance of the loaded height before the truck and load pass underneath, over-height shipments may, in some cases, require pole cars (a type of pilot car fitted with an extended pole on the front.
Common types include:
Pilot car requirements vary by state and by permit. Your escort count, positioning, and any police requirements are spelled out on the approved permit we secure for your move.
Every permit is specific, but many states trigger escorts around these marks. We list them as quick rules of thumb. Your actual permit governs the move.
Route type matters. Two-lane rural roads often require a front escort for over-width loads. Multilane highways often place the escort to the rear. Urban corridors, narrow bridges, work zones, and peak traffic windows can change counts or timing.
For example, Florida starts escorts at just over 12 feet wide, while Texas typically adds escorts at 14 feet wide. At 16 feet wide, Texas requires 2 pilot cars, where Florida may require a police escort in addition to pilot cars depending on the time of day.
Tip: Check your state’s pilot car rules before you schedule. Or call us, and we’ll confirm the exact escort language on your permit.
Heavy Haulers routinely handles large, oversize, and supersize cargo, and we’re familiar with state regulations regarding pilot cars.
Pilot car pricing is usually billed per vehicle, per mile. That means each escort adds its own mileage line to the quote.
Short runs or complex jobs can flip to day rates or minimums. Standby time, deadhead miles, lodging, route surveys, and police escorts bill separately when required by the permit or route. We line-item those costs so there are no surprises.
Escort vehicles for oversize loads must have two amber lights mounted on the roof that strobe and rotate. They also require an oversize load banner mounted on the front bumper or roof with visible lettering. The cars also need a height pole to protect against overhangs and low bridges. Lastly, these cars should have two-way communication devices so the load driver and car driver can communicate.
We manage the entire process. Your agent locks in permits, books certified pilot cars, and builds a safe route with the correct timing and travel windows. You won’t need to shop escort vehicles or chase paperwork. That’s on us.
Here’s what you can expect from our team:
See our heavy equipment and oversize shipping services for more on trailers, permits, and scheduling. You can also learn more by starting a quote today, or call Heavy Haulers at (800) 908-6206 and we’ll get your equipment moving.
Share the exact dimensions and pickup-to-delivery route window. We’ll run the permits and tell you how many escorts are required, where they’ll run, and if a height pole or police escort is specified.
Plan on about 2.00 dollars per mile for standard lead or chase. High-pole cars usually bill higher. Short or complex moves may switch to day rates or minimums.
Yes. We book the escorts, lock in the permits, and coordinate timing with the driver. You’ll get one point of contact from quote to drop-off.
Requirements vary by state and by permit. The permit controls escort count, placement, height-pole use, police involvement, and travel windows.
You risk citations, delays, and being held out of service until the move is compliant. Costs can stack fast. It’s cheaper to run the right escorts the first time.
Fill out the short & easy quote form.
We’ll pick up your heavy equipment or vehicle.
We deliver on time so you can get back to work.