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Pilot Car Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parish Transport

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized and heavy loads. Your primary responsibility will be to escort and guide the ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized and heavy loads. Your primary responsibility will be to escort and guide the ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized and heavy loads. Your primary responsibility will be to escort and guide the ...

Circle V Specialized Inc

Pilot Car Operator

Tulsa, OK

$750/day

Description The Pilot Car Pickup Operator is responsible for safely escorting oversized and overweight loads across public roadways and job sites. This role plays a critical part in route planning ...

Circle V Specialized, Inc.

Pilot Car Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$750/day

The Pilot Car Pickup Operator is responsible for safely escorting oversized and overweight loads across public roadways and job sites. This role plays a critical part in route planning, hazard ...

Farren International

Escort

Ledgewood, NJ · On-site +1

Escort oversize/overweight loads to job sites safely, timely and with no damage, following all state and local pilot car escort regulations. * Communicate proactively with the superload driver via CB ...

Farren International

Escort

Ledgewood, NJ · On-site

Escort oversize/overweight loads to job sites safely, timely and with no damage, following all state and local pilot car escort regulations. * Communicate proactively with the superload driver via CB ...

Benchmark Companies

Lowboy Driver

Christiana, TN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Coordinate with pilot car drivers when required * Perform minor field maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly * Maintain a clean, professional appearance of vehicle and equipment ...

Benchmark Companies

Lowboy Driver

Christiana, TN · On-site

Coordinate with pilot car drivers when required * Perform minor field maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly * Maintain a clean, professional appearance of vehicle and equipment ...

Enterprise Holdings

Pilot (Captain)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis ... The Pilot (Captain) reports directly to the Assistant Chief Pilot and serves as Pilot in Command ...

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Pilot Car information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do pilot car jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot car driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Car driver, you need a valid driver's license, knowledge of traffic laws, and familiarity with oversized load transportation requirements. Experience with CB radios, GPS navigation, and route planning software is typically important, and some states require certification or special permits. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure the safe and efficient escort of oversized loads, protecting both the load and the public on the road.

Are pilot car drivers in demand?

Pilot car drivers are in steady demand in industries such as construction and transportation that require escorting oversize loads. Employment opportunities depend on regional infrastructure projects and regulations, and drivers often need specific certifications and experience to work in this role.

What is the difference between Pilot Car vs Escort Vehicle?

AspectPilot CarEscort Vehicle
CertificationsRequired in many states, includes safety and licensingSimilar certifications, often overlapping with pilot car requirements
Work EnvironmentOn-road, often rural or highway settingsOn-road, highway, and sometimes urban areas
Industry UsageTransporting oversize/overweight loads, constructionTransporting oversize/overweight loads, construction, logistics

Both Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle roles involve guiding oversized loads, requiring similar certifications and working environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Pilot Car' is more common in certain regions, while 'Escort Vehicle' may be used in others. Understanding these similarities helps clarify job expectations and requirements in the transportation industry.

What is a pilot car?

In the construction or moving industries, a pilot car escorts oversized trucks or heavy-load trailers through traffic. Pilot cars, also known as escort vehicles, typically have brightly colored signage that indicates to traffic that they are approaching trailers carrying large loads. Pilot car drivers also communicate with the trailer drivers, informing them about obstacles, accidents, changes in traffic or speed, or other conditions on the road. In the airline industry, a pilot car is sometimes used to direct aircraft to and from the tarmac.

What does a pilot car do?

Pilot cars, also known as escort vehicles, are specially designated vehicles that accompany oversized or overweight loads on roadways to ensure safe transport. Their primary role is to warn other motorists of the approaching load, help navigate challenging road conditions, and communicate with the truck driver to prevent accidents or traffic disruptions. Pilot car drivers are trained to identify hazards, assist with routing, and comply with state or provincial regulations regarding the movement of large loads.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot car drivers when escorting oversize loads, and how can they be managed?

Pilot car drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or congested roads, sudden weather changes, and coordinating with both the truck driver and law enforcement. Effective communication, thorough route planning, and staying updated on road conditions are crucial for managing these challenges. Building strong teamwork with the transport crew and remaining adaptable during unexpected events ensures safe and efficient transport of oversize loads.

How to get a job as a pilot car driver?

To become a pilot car driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on the vehicle and load. Experience in driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are important, and some employers require completion of safety training or certification programs. Gaining experience in transportation or logistics can improve job prospects in this field.

How much do you make being a pilot car?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the routes. Many drivers work part-time or on a contract basis, and having a commercial driver's license (CDL) can improve earning potential.
More about Pilot Car jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Car jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Car job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Car jobs? The most popular types of Pilot Car jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Car jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Car jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Car jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Car jobs are:
Pilot Car jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Pilot Car Escort

Parish Transport

Ellisville, MS • On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
We are looking for experienced and safety-conscious Heavy Haul Pilot Car Drivers to join our team. As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized and heavy loads. Your primary responsibility will be to escort and guide the movement of heavy haul vehicles, providing warnings and assistance to ensure the safety of the convoy and other road users. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of traffic laws, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary ($52,000-$57,200 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from terminal
  • Full benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Paid vacation and holiday
Requirements
Qualifications:
Must have 3 years current verifiable Heavy Haul Escort experience
  • Must have a current Pilot Car certification
  • WITPAC Certification preferred but not required
  • HIGH POLE experience
  • Regular Drivers License with clean MVR

Responsibilities:
Lead and Escort: Operate a pilot car to lead and/or follow heavy haul vehicles, providing a clear path and warning to other drivers on the road.
Safety Protocols: Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including obtaining necessary permits, and adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the safe transport of oversized loads.
Route Planning: Work closely with heavy haul drivers and logistics teams to plan and review routes, identifying potential obstacles, low clearances, and other hazards.
Communication: Maintain clear and constant communication with the heavy haul driver, monitoring radio channels, and using signals to convey important information.
Traffic Control: Implement traffic control measures as necessary, including the use of flags, signs, and lights to direct traffic and create a safe path for the heavy haul convoy.
Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to emergencies or unexpected situations, such as road closures, accidents, or equipment malfunctions, and coordinate with relevant authorities.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of travel routes, issues encountered, and communication logs to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance checks on the pilot car, ensuring that it is in good working condition and equipped with the necessary safety features.
Customer Service: Interact professionally with heavy haul drivers, clients, and law enforcement, representing our company in a positive and courteous manner.
Salary Description
$52,000-$57,200 PLUS Per Diem

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