A pilot vehicle or escort vehicle is a vehicle that helps to guide and escort convoys of trucks with various cargoes (oversized, heavy, wide, etc.).
 

There are special requirements for such transport. This applies both to the vehicle itself and to the driver of the accompanying vehicle. There are also a number of states that require certification for an escort vehicle.

Accompanying vehicle requirements

Depending on the state, the requirements for a pilot car may vary. They also depend on the size, weight, type of cargo. Considering the general requirements, they are as follows:

1. The escort vehicle must be either behind or in front of the vehicle to be escorted.

2. An accompanying vehicle must have special signs, flags, and other equipment that distinguishes it from the traffic flow.

3. Depending on certain factors, it is necessary to escort the convoy with one or two escort vehicles.

4. A certificate is also required (below we will consider this issue in more detail).

5. If it is necessary to block the road while the column is moving, it is accompanied by local police cars.

We offer pilot car service in compliance with all necessary regulations. Therefore, no matter which state you need to pass through - Kansas or Denver, you can be sure that we will take into account all the features of truck escort in these regions.

According to state regulations, the cars in question must be driven by professionals who specialize in this type of driving and are familiar with all the intricacies, rules, and peculiarities of transportation depending on the state. They ensure the safety of all other road users and cargo.

The duties of the driver when escorting oversized cargo include:

• ensuring safety for truck drivers and other road users;
• prevention of damage to the roadway and local infrastructure along the route of the convoy;
• minimizing delays by avoiding traffic jams, managing traffic flow in different states: New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, etc.
• prevention of various accidents that can happen on the road;
• coordination in overcoming obstacles by the type of power lines, bridges, signs and signals (if necessary).

Oversized cargo signs for escort vehicles

There are 2 categories of signs for accompanying vehicles:

1. Yellow signs.
2. Warning flags.

The first type should have the following features:

• the material of manufacture must be durable, lightweight, easy to install / dismantle;
• for maximum visibility, a yellow canvas with bold black lettering is commonly used;
• the design may include a frame that reinforces the edges of the web and provides it with protection from abrasion, damage, etc.

Warning flags may be scarlet red or fluorescent orange. Flag material must be durable, resistant to fading, tearing.

The duties of the driver when escorting oversized cargo include:

• ensuring safety for truck drivers and other road users;
• prevention of damage to the roadway and local infrastructure along the route of the convoy;
• minimizing delays by avoiding traffic jams, managing traffic flow in different states: New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, etc.
• prevention of various accidents that can happen on the road;

• coordination in overcoming obstacles by the type of power lines, bridges, signs and signals (if necessary).

  
  Oversized cargo signs for escort vehicles

There are 2 categories of signs for accompanying vehicles:

1. Yellow signs.
2. Warning flags.

The first type should have the following features:

• the material of manufacture must be durable, lightweight, easy to install / dismantle;
• for maximum visibility, a yellow canvas with bold black lettering is commonly used;
• the design may include a frame that reinforces the edges of the web and provides it with protection from abrasion, damage, etc.

Warning flags may be scarlet red or fluorescent orange. Flag material must be durable, resistant to fading, tearing.

Which states require an accompanying vehicle certification

Certification is required in 14 US states:

1. Colorado.
2. Utah.
3. Oklahoma.
4. Washington.
5. Minnesota.
6. Texas.
7. Georgia.
8. Florida.
9. Arizona.
10. Pennsylvania.
11. North Carolina.
12. New York.
13. Kansas.
14. Virginia.

Before filling out the necessary documents, it is additionally necessary to study the directory of oversized cargo and accompanying vehicles, which clearly states the current data regarding the types of goods transported and escort vehicles, as well as the requirements for them.

We offer a full range of services for obtaining permits for the transportation of heavy cargo. If you need to obtain a certificate or order an accompanying car, please contact our managers by phone or email - they will tell you in detail about the service and answer all your questions.