pilot cars are they required to have a cdl ?

If it's not a steerman, the CDL isn't needed. Kudos to you for looking out for an old hand.

 

On the subject of pilots.. heres a funny story. the last trip I did to Alberta my other coworkers had the worst luck with pilot cars. One just about drove off a bridge that was under construction when he drove around the cones for who knows what reason, another didnt have gas money. One truck died going up the smasher on highway 5 in bc so he didnt even make it to Alberta. And 2 had to go home after the first midnight-5am move because they had to look after relatives and couldn't be gone long which blows my mind why they'd agree to a job that had a destination of fort mcmurray. Everyday was just a new comedy of errors so it became entertaining after awhile in a way lol.

 

Sounds like a candidate to be an "above average" pilot car operator to me...

 

Nate, don't get me started.

 

Superhauler, Pilot cars don't have to have CDL to escort. If there driving a vehicle rated over 10,000gvw ie: duelly pickup, several states will require them to run a log book but no CDL until above 24,999gvw .
If your rear escorts doubles as a steerman for Schnable/lowboy or any steerable trailer, no CDL.
If he is classed as a "Tillerman" than CDL required.
The Fed's defined "Steerman and Tillerman" a couple years ago. I have copy of reg in truck book I'll look for it.
But in a nut shell, a steerman's feet have to stay on the ground or stay in his vehicle. No CDL
A Tillerman stands on rear of trailer ie: 19 axle some 13axle trailers. CDL required.
I know Oklahoma and Utah have been trying to change this scenario but to my knowledge they have not been able to.
Hope this helps your friend, good luck.

 

Kansas no longer has "superload" qualification. They done away with that a while back.