Guide to Cargo Escorts and Pilot Car Services

When transporting large loads, the government requires that you use wide load escorts to warn others on the road of your approach. It is necessary to hire outside cargo escorts and pilot car services to meet the transportation requirements, especially for those businesses that do not regularly transport such loads.

The consumer has many choices when it comes to oversize load escorts. Each state has its own rules and regulations concerning oversize escort, so it is often best to hire your wide load escort locally. The company you hire needs to be licensed for the state in question. There are also national cargo escorts and pilot car services that can provide escort cars in any location. Finally, some companies offer materials to customize your own escort car. If you expect to need a wide load escort on a regular basis, this can be a good option for you.

Keep in mind the following when searching for transportation escort services:

1. You will need to plan ahead in order to meet all state regulations with regard to oversize load escort.

2. Consider customizing your own vehicles as wide load escorts.

3. Search for both local and national transportation escorts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase customizable wide load signs for your own escort cars

You can customize vehicles using approved wide load signs that are available for purchase online. Be alert that states have different regulations concerning these signs, so check out the rules before you purchase.

I recommend: Blazing Technologies, Inc. sells and installs oversize load signs on your vehicles. They also have information about some states’ regulations concerning such installations.

Check out permits and regulations before you ship oversize loads

All states require the appropriate permits before you ship oversize loads, and the regulations vary slightly from state to state.

I recommend: On the Move Permits specializes in the permitting process and also offers a listing of pilot car services. US Pilot Cars gives the wide load regulations for all 50 states. The US Department of Transportation offers advice on planning to move wide loads.

Find an oversize escort that works in your geographic area

Most wide load escorts operate only in certain states, due to licensing and permitting issues. You can search databases for those companies that work where you are and meet your needs.

I recommend: Professional Pilot Car has an extensive database in which companies are listed for all 50 states, Canada and other countries around the world.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Shop around the different oversize escort companies to get the best rates for your trip.

The official source of Cargo Escorts and Pilot Car Services is
the Cargo Escorts and Pilot Car Services page at Business.com