Experience as a pilot car/escort driver or in heavy-haul trucking. * CB radio or two-way radio proficiency. * Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA regulations and state-specific oversize permitting rules.
Experience as a pilot car/escort driver or in heavy-haul trucking. * CB radio or two-way radio proficiency. * Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA regulations and state-specific oversize permitting rules.
$16/hr
Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...
Quick apply
$16/hr
Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...
Trip Pilot
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
Trip Pilot Company: American Commercial Barge Line Location: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL ... air or car travel. * Must possess a valid driver's license. * Must be able to work 6 hours on 6 ...
Trip Pilot
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
Trip Pilot Company: American Commercial Barge Line Location: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL ... air or car travel. * Must possess a valid driver's license. * Must be able to work 6 hours on 6 ...
$17/hr
Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...
Quick apply
$17/hr
Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...
Inland Wheelman
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
... air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license) * Must be able to work one of the ... Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel * Must be able ...
Inland Wheelman
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
... air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license) * Must be able to work one of the ... Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel * Must be able ...
Inland Wheelman
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
... air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license) * Must be able to work one of the ... Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel * Must be able ...
Inland Wheelman
Jeffersonville, IN · On-site
... air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license) * Must be able to work one of the ... Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel * Must be able ...
Technical Program Manager, Robotics and Drones
Carmel, IN · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
... driver-assistance systems, connected vehicles and smart cities to life in a way that only we can ... We work in partnership with almost all car manufacturers. Our sensors, systems and software can ...
Technical Program Manager, Robotics and Drones
Carmel, IN · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
... driver-assistance systems, connected vehicles and smart cities to life in a way that only we can ... We work in partnership with almost all car manufacturers. Our sensors, systems and software can ...
Pilot Car Driver information
See Indiana salary details
$47.1K - $60.2K
10% of jobs
$60.2K - $73.3K
7% of jobs
$73.3K - $86.4K
3% of jobs
$96.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$86.4K - $99.5K
6% of jobs
$99.5K - $112.6K
7% of jobs
$112.6K - $125.7K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $133.9K / yr.
$125.7K - $138.8K
17% of jobs
$146.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$138.8K - $151.9K
33% of jobs
$151.9K - $165.1K
5% of jobs
$165.1K - $178.2K
3% of jobs
$178.2K - $191.3K
2% of jobs
$47.1K
$124.6K
$191.3K
How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot car driver, and why are they important?
What does a pilot car driver do?
As a pilot car driver, your responsibilities may differ depending on the field in which you work. Many pilot car drivers, also known as escort vehicle drivers, work in the transport or freight industry, and their duties are to escort oversized trucks or trucks carrying large loads while on the road. Your duties include communicating with the truck driver and surveying the roads before a trip to ensure they can handle oversized loads. In the aviation industry, pilot car drivers help guide aircraft around the tarmac.
What is a pilot car driver?
What are some common challenges faced by pilot car drivers and how can they be managed effectively?
What is the difference between Pilot Car Driver vs Escort Vehicle Driver?
| Aspect | Pilot Car Driver | Escort Vehicle Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Required licenses, such as CDL or special permits | Similar licensing requirements, often including CDL |
| Work Environment | On highways, escorting oversize loads | On roads, assisting with large or heavy transports |
| Industry Usage | Transporting oversize loads in construction, logistics | Similar industries, often used interchangeably |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Yes | Yes |
Both Pilot Car Drivers and Escort Vehicle Drivers are essential in transporting oversized loads, requiring similar certifications and working environments. They often serve the same industries and are frequently compared by those seeking employment or services in oversize load transportation.

Koenig Equipment rating
8.1
Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
- Drive a properly equipped escort/pilot vehicle (typically a pickup truck, SUV, or van) ahead of or behind oversize loads to warn oncoming/rear traffic and assist with navigation.
- Perform pre-trip vehicle inspections, route planning, and hazard identification (low bridges, construction zones, tight turns, etc.).
- Maintain constant communication with the heavy-haul driver via two-way radio or CB to report road conditions, traffic, obstacles, and any load issues.
- Promptly report any issues impacting safety or timing of delivery to designated department management.
- Use warning signs ("OVERSIZE LOAD" banners), amber flashing lights, height poles (when required), stop/slow paddles, and other safety equipment to alert other drivers.
- Help manage traffic flow at merge points, intersections, or narrow passages; may include temporary flagging in emergencies.
- Ensure full compliance with state-specific oversize load permit requirements, including varying escort rules, equipment standards, and travel restrictions (time of day, routes, curfews).
- Document trip details, report incidents, and assist with minor roadside issues if safe to do so (e.g., alerting to shifting loads or tire problems).
- Maintain a professional, alert, and courteous demeanor on the road at all times.
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness and ability to travel OTR to include overnight.
- Scheduling flexibility to be available for escort within 24 hours of notification and ability to work between 25-30 hours per week.
- Strong defensive driving skills and situational awareness; experience with long-haul or highway driving preferred.
- Basic skills and familiarity with route planning tools.
- Physically able to handle long driving hours, occasional outdoor work (setting up signs/cones), and emergency response situations.
- Experience as a pilot car/escort driver or in heavy-haul trucking.
- CB radio or two-way radio proficiency.
- Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA regulations and state-specific oversize permitting rules.
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About Koenig Equipment
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Botkins, OH, US
Year founded
1904