Pilots and Wrong way turns

Things will happen. You will find some impatient moron, who passes your pilot car in a no passing zone and come head to head with you. And they will try to be obstinate and tell you their rights UNTIL the po po arrive and inform them that operating a motor vehicle isnt a right but a privilege, and when they continue to mouth, they get arrested.

 

Forgive me in advance, because I am new to this. I have been thinking about becoming a pilot, but wanted to know if this is something that is really useful to drivers? I see a lot of old guys doing it and to be honest...they seem to cause more issues. After reading what many of you have said it makes me wonder. My business has slow moments and this would be a great filler. Or while I am traveling to events I could be working. Would love to hear the good, bad, ugly, etc.

 

This is from Washington

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article121685587.html

 

Thank you. I guess I didn't explain what I was asking very well. My background is law enforcement so I have that end covered for the most part. Looking more from a truck drivers prospective. Do they really provide you with more assistance? Some of the ones here in Florida need to return to basic driving school. They haven't got a clue what the general rules of the road are.

 

What exactly is your question? Are pilot cars useful? Absolutely, when the trailer or load gets to a certain size and weight, pilot cars are required.

Are you a driver? The reason why I ask is that there are quite a few people that get into piloting that have zero knowledge of trucking. Now, being a driver doesnt necessarily give one an edge, but if the person was a road driver, he/she would have built up stamina to do long hard days in the saddle. Quite a few get ib and think they're going on holiday.

@Rontonio, could you post a pic of your rig loaded, flagged and bannered? @cnsper could you post one of your beam loads?

 

Thanks. lol no I have not driven a truck, but I would be willing to learn. I am not looking for a cake walk. Long ago I was a traffic manager for a steel plant. We didn't have to use escorts as often as they seem to now. I have found that it's best to get all perspectives when I am thinking about doing something. I like to know the point of views from those it would affect if that makes any sense. Especially since I haven't ever driven a truck.

 

When you get to the larger loads they can be a big help. Other drivers don't seem to realize that if they hold up for a few seconds you will be out of the way. I hauled 18 of these last summer and my pilot was afraid to put their truck blocking traffic. I told him to put that ####ing truck sideways if you have to but get that traffic stopped. The first beam we had a car blow right by him as I was moving the trailer to the left. Almost got them. Since only a tail pilot car was required I needed all three lanes to make the turn. Told him you worry about the left lanes, I got the right two.

 

Sure

112' long 11' 11" wide 15' 4" tall 190k gross

 

Geez! It's called having a pair...I've never had a problem stopping traffic. I drive a lot as it is. See a lot of crazy things. I can honestly say I have never seen a truck like that though. Pretty cool. Thank you for sharing.

 

Nice! Use to seeing things like that here. We have a concrete plant here that builds bridges and overpasses. Lots of long loads. Crappy backroads for them to go down. Lots of respect for what y'all put up with. Thanks for what you do!