What Is a Pilot Car?

Pilot cars run ahead of or behind an oversized load, warning oncoming traffic, watching clearances (a height-pole car physically verifies bridges before the load reaches them) and managing lane situations the load cannot handle alone.

Each state sets thresholds — commonly around 12′ wide for one escort, wider for two — and requirements differ by road type. When a route requires escorts, Dobie coordinates them into the move and prices them up front.