ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pilot Car Drivers Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Koenig Equipment, Inc.

Escort Driver

Richmond, IN

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.

Driver Network Service

$16/hr

... drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS provides high quality drivers to progressive local auto dealers that are focused on a new level of ...

Driver Network Service

$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 ...

Aptiv

Safety Expert - Robotics & Drones

Carmel, IN · On-site

... 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 ...

All JobsPilot Car Drivers JobsPilot Car Drivers Jobs in Indiana

Pilot Car Drivers information

See Indiana salary details

$47.1K

$124.6K

$191.3K

How much do pilot car drivers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car drivers in Indiana is $124,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are pilot car drivers in demand?

Pilot car drivers are in steady demand in industries such as transportation and construction, especially for escorting oversize loads. Employment opportunities depend on regional infrastructure projects and regulations requiring certified drivers with proper signage and safety training.

What is the difference between Pilot Car Drivers vs Truck Drivers?

AspectPilot Car DriversTruck Drivers
CredentialsDriver's license, possibly special permits for oversized loadsCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentEscort vehicles on highways, often in construction or oversize load transportTransporting goods across long distances on highways and roads
Industry UsageConstruction, oversize load transport, logisticsFreight, logistics, supply chain
Search IntentEscort driving, oversize load safetyLong haul, freight delivery

While both Pilot Car Drivers and Truck Drivers operate on roads, Pilot Car Drivers primarily escort oversized loads, ensuring safety and compliance, whereas Truck Drivers transport goods over long distances. The key differences lie in their credentials, work environment, and industry roles, though both are essential in freight and logistics sectors.

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, strong knowledge of traffic laws, and often a state-issued certification or permit. Familiarity with communication equipment like CB radios, GPS, and flagging tools is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential to stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized loads and protecting both the load and the public on the road.

How much do you get paid to be a pilot car?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with some earning higher rates depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort. Pay may also include per-mile or per-job rates, and drivers often need a valid driver's license and sometimes a special permit or certification for oversize loads.

How much do pilot car drivers make?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort jobs. They often need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes specialized certifications for oversized loads.

What are some common challenges Pilot Car Drivers face when escorting oversized loads, and how can they be managed?

Pilot Car Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating through heavy traffic, adverse weather, and unfamiliar routes while ensuring the safety of the oversized load and the public. Effective communication with the truck driver and other escort vehicles is essential to anticipate route changes or hazards. Staying alert, having strong knowledge of state regulations, and maintaining up-to-date safety equipment can help manage these challenges and ensure smooth transport operations.

What are pilot car drivers?

Pilot car drivers, also known as escort vehicle drivers, are professionals who lead or follow oversized or heavy loads on public roads to ensure safety and compliance with transportation regulations. Their main role is to warn other drivers of the presence of large loads, help navigate challenging routes, and communicate with the truck driver carrying the oversized load. They are trained to handle emergency situations and are responsible for checking clearances, road conditions, and traffic patterns to prevent accidents. Pilot car drivers often work closely with law enforcement, permitting agencies, and transportation companies.

How to get into being a pilot car driver?

To become a pilot car driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and often a special permit or certification depending on local regulations. Experience driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are important, and some regions require completion of a training course before starting the job.
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car Drivers jobs in Indiana? For Pilot Car Drivers jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Car Drivers jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Car Drivers jobs in Indiana are:
Pilot Car Drivers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car Drivers job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,575 per year, or $59.9 per hour.
Escort Driver

Escort Driver

Koenig Equipment, Inc.

Richmond, IN

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Koenig Equipment rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Since 1904, Koenig Equipment has been family-owned and setting the standards for the Agriculture, Lawn amp; Garden, and Construction industries. Our core values of Customer Service, Courage, Learning, Ownership, and Trust support our mission of being the preferred choice of customers, employees, and manufacturers alike. Our reputation of superior customer support has enabled growth, reinvestment, new and challenging jobs, and shareholder value for over four generations. Koenig is currently searching for a qualified trucking operations Escort Driver.
Key Responsibilities
  • 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.
Requirements
  • 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.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.

What Koenig Equipment employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply