How do you become a Pilot/Escort vehicle for oversized loads?

Soloflyr wrote:
Depending on whether I’m wide, I’d also expect the lead pilot to direct the chase car to hold it all for me, but if not I won’t hesitate to make that call myself.



I wondered if the lead car was allowed/supposed to direct the chase car. As usual, you cleared that up. Thanks!

 

In my case, I prefer that the pilots do most, if not all communication, as long as they are competent. The only time I generally crack the mic is if they are doing something I don’t like or am not comfortable with.

The more radio traffic, the greater the chances of missing something as you talk over each other.

All that being said, if I feel the need, I will take over the radio & direct them to do what I feel is needed. They are my tour guides, but I am the captain.

 

Thanks Soloflyr, the way you explained that it makes perfect sense.

Side note: I loaded out of Rensselaer (outside of Albany NY) this morning, headed for Plattsburg NY. A little over 2 hrs later I stopped to use the bathroom at a rest area. Here's a pic of the huge weather vain on the roof. I'd never seen anything like it.

As a lead car I'd call it "Moose on a roof".

Couldn't resist a chance for a little levity.

 

Thanks soloflyr and 2old for this thorough thread... I am getting it together here in NE Florida to set up a pilot car and try this out for my next 5-10 years. I started out nearly 40 years ago with a heavy hauling company as a tire man and escort...Also drove trucks primarily from Wisconsin to Florida for a few years but marriage and kids took me off the road and into retail management in the Pawnshop industry... I'm really tired of dealing with the public all day and the kids are grown so here I go... I'm a lot like 2old in that I am an old boyscout that does my research and plans for everything I can... Been leading up to this for a couple months and will probably be set up and started in about 2-3 months...I'll probably be asking questions here and will appreciate any help. Thanks

 

Best of luck to you and I would really enjoy reading updates on your progress. I dont know why but I didn't get an alert to your post. I just stopped by so I'll be checking more often. I'm still trucking but I pay close attention to any oversize loads I see and occasionally get a brief word or two with them. Keep us posted.

 

Most states require 1,000,000 insurance. For certification, the washington state certification is one of the better ones to get, as most states have agreements with each other (reciprocal) to operate. Once you have the state certification, there are a few states that require "add-ons". Florida is one. Georgia you need a permit for the amber lights on your vehicle. Texas you need a flagging certificate to flag traffic. As of right now alot of regulations are changing in each state. Know before you go....