Question about running a 10’ wide load

I know believe me I know how many of you are on here holding your breath, wanting to say something.

 

Why would the pilot car run behind the oversized load on a two lane? He certainly isn’t doing any good back there. I’ve never heard of not requiring a front pilot car on two lane but one in the rear. I guess it’s changed from when I did it.

 

With one pilot car, on a 2 lane, the pilot car is supposed to switch to the front.

 

Also, where in the US do you run a 16 wide without a pilot car?

 

I ain’t gonna be the one… I done been called a dick once this week already

 

Yeah I wouldn't go down that road either. Cause if they call you that twice you might start believing it, and we just can't have that.

 

The bigger the load, the more back roads.

Back roads advice that no one tells you: The backroads are the exact opposite of the bigroad. All the problems of the bigroad aren’t a problem of the backroads. Usually the drivers on the backroads will be much higher caliber. Truck stops will usually be fuel stops with gravel lots and a deli. Less piss jugs and garbage thrown out. So, when in Rome….

1. On some permits, there is a courtesy clause. Basically, if you see a butt load of traffic behind you, pull over into a wide spot and let them by. Most backroad truckers run a CB still. If you have a CB, holler at them and tell them to come around you when it’s safe. Good guys, they will thank you. Grain haulers, cattle barons, coal buckets…etc. Easier than pulling over.

2. Usually, eastern states start requiring pilot cars at 12-12’6 wide (by this time, your mirrors are useless). Western will be at 13-14ft. You will meet another OSOW on a narrow 2 lane with no shoulder. As a courtesy, let the bigger load pass. It’s much easier and safer to let the bigger load keep moving. When the big load has to stop, everyone is going to have to stop. So, if he’s 15 wide and you’re 13 wide on a no shoulder road, hug the end of the asphalt and let him come by.

3. Narrow bridge. If you are wider than 14 on the 2 lane, especially with an RGN, odds are your load will overhang into the oncoming lane. Bridges will be narrower than the road. It is absolutely essential that your pilot car gets traffic stopped. A crappy pilot car will be timid.

4. Rail road crossing will some times be raised up. Creep across it, and you may get high centered. Problem will come when the crossing is at a stoplight/sign. Do not stop on the railroad.

5. Diesel Bears. See one on the 2 lane, bet on getting stopped with an OSOW. Most of the time they will just want to see your permit and do a 10 second walk around. He’s there every day. He knows the OSOW route, he knows your pilot car requirements (flags, banners, wheelbase regs, top sign, PPE…etc.) like the back of his hand. Lots of guys won’t know the pilot car requirements and your pilot cars won’t care because it’s not their ticket. It may have changed, but Kentucky used to require a pilot car on the 2 lane for 11 feet. Your company may try to get you to bootleg down a 2 lane because the receiver is only a mile or so down the road. Thing is, they’re not paying you more for the bootleg, it’s your ticket AND they will fire you if you get caught. So, where’s the benefit for you, driver?

 

I definitely prefer dirt lots when I'm oversized so some desperate dude with a smoked clock doesn't try to take the spot next to me in the dark with inches to spare and hit it

 

That sounds like a good gig. Both of y'all. We run oversize kinda randomly, and I don't think we do stuff with pilot cars. +16 cpm for oversize. For the route restrictions and curfew on stuff that's just large enough to require it....I'd pass if I could.

 

Something happened on my last oversize load that I would like to ask about. I picked up a slab of steel in brandenburg KY. I forget the actual dimensions. It was wide enough it was a permit load but not so wide it required escorts. Anyway, on the western kentucky parkway, I encountered a "wide loads must exit" sign. This exit was NOT on my permit. I pulled over on the ramp and called HQ. Safety told me just take it and follow the signs. I did, and although it was a pretty long detour, the signs ultimately got me back on the right route.

Have you ever heard of anything like this? Is the permit office not always 100% up to date?