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Pilot Car Loads Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Truck Driver CDL A

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Safely transport standard and oversized loads over designated routes, following all traffic laws ... Communicate effectively with dispatchers, site supervisors, pilot car drivers, and law enforcement ...

Truck Driver CDL A

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Safely transport standard and oversized loads over designated routes, following all traffic laws ... Communicate effectively with dispatchers, site supervisors, pilot car drivers, and law enforcement ...

Driving and operating a Pilot Car*. * Driving trucks, possibly hauling trailers loaded with equipment or aggregate*. * Operating small hand tools and machines, including drills, saws, air compressors ...

Pilot Car Loads information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do pilot car loads jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car loads in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do pilot car loads typically make?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with some earning higher rates for oversize or complex loads. Annual earnings can range from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, workload, and location, and drivers often need a valid license and safety training to operate effectively.

How to get a job as a pilot car loads driver?

To become a pilot car loads driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes a certification or training in escorting oversize loads. Experience driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are also important, and some employers may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

How much money can you make as a pilot car loads driver?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual incomes ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and workload. Earnings can increase with overtime, specialized certifications, and working in high-demand areas or on complex loads.

Are pilot car loads drivers in demand?

Pilot car load drivers are in steady demand due to their role in escorting oversize and overweight loads on transportation routes. The job requires specific certifications, such as a pilot car license, and knowledge of safety regulations, making experienced drivers valuable in the logistics industry.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a pilot car load driver during an average workday?

Pilot Car Loads drivers are responsible for escorting oversized vehicles, ensuring safe passage by monitoring roadway conditions, relaying information to truck drivers, and signaling hazards to traffic. Most days involve long hours on the road, frequent route adjustments, and close adherence to state-specific regulations for escort vehicles. Challenges include dealing with changing weather, navigating unfamiliar routes, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. Despite these challenges, the role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel, autonomy, and collaboration with logistics and transport professionals.

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

To thrive in a Pilot Car Loads position, you need a valid driver’s license, excellent route navigation skills, keen attention to safety regulations, and thorough knowledge of oversize load transport requirements. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS systems, safety flags, and required state certifications such as escort vehicle operator permits is essential. Strong communication, situational awareness, and stress management abilities are crucial soft skills for coordinating with truck drivers and responding to changing road conditions. These skills ensure safe, compliant transport of oversized loads and effective collaboration with the transport team.

What is a pilot car load?

A Pilot Car Loads job involves driving a vehicle that escorts oversized or heavy loads on the road. The pilot car driver helps ensure the safe transportation of large loads by warning other drivers of potential hazards and assisting the truck driver with navigation. Responsibilities include checking routes for obstacles, communicating with the truck driver via radio, and following state regulations for oversized loads. Pilot car drivers must be certified in some states and often need specialized training. This job is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth transport of large shipments.

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car Loads jobs in Iowa?

For Pilot Car Loads jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pilot Car Loads job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description

The Job


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 identification, and maintaining consistent communication with CDL drivers to ensure loads are transported safely and in full compliance with all federal, state, and company regulations.

This is an over-the-road (OTR) position requiring extended travel, typically ranging from 5 days up to 3 weeks at a time, depending on project assignments. You'll often leave on a Monday and may not return home for 1-3 weeks depending on customer schedules. You'll spend nights in hotels, eat many meals on the road, and travel across multiple states.


What You'll Do

  • Plan and inspect routes ahead of transport to ensure safe passage for oversized loads, making adjustments as needed to comply with state permits and road conditions.
  • Safely operate a pilot pickup vehicle to escort heavy haul trucks on highways and construction sites while maintaining strict compliance with DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards.
  • Maintain clear, constant communication with CDL drivers regarding traffic patterns, hazards, low clearances, construction zones, and changing road or weather conditions.
  • Assist drivers in verifying and securing loads prior to transport to ensure compliance with load safety requirements.
  • Complete and submit required paperwork including delivery documentation, route reports, and daily logs while maintaining a clean and properly functioning escort vehicle.
  • Obtain and maintain required state escort certifications, participate in defensive driving and safety training, and represent Argee Transport professionally at all times.

What We're Looking For

  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain required state escort certifications (CDL not required).
  • Working knowledge of DOT regulations, OSHA standards, and multi-state escort requirements.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate clearly and professionally with CDL drivers, customers, and operations staff.
  • High level of situational awareness, sound judgment, and commitment to safety in changing road and weather conditions.
  • Ability to read permits and follow detailed written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel extensively (1-3 weeks at a time), including weekends as required.

Requirements

Why Argee Transport

  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness initiatives
  • Accrual-based PTO starting on your first day
  • Paid holidays
  • $30 per diem away from home
  • Lodging/Gas paid for by company
  • Quarterly safety bonus, earned not given

We value people who take pride in their work and understand the responsibility that comes with escorting oversized loads across the country.


Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver's license required (CDL not required).
  • Willingness to travel extensively, typically 1-3 weeks at a time, including weekends as needed.
  • Must pass post-offer employment drug screen, background check, physical, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review.
  • Must obtain and maintain required state escort certifications.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and road conditions.

Additional Requirements: All offers are contingent upon successful completion of post-offer drug testing, company physicals, background check, and motor vehicle record verification.


Equal Employment Opportunity: The Rasmussen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.