What is a pilot car?
A pilot car is an escort vehicle that supports an oversize movement with warning, communication, and route-awareness functions.
FAQ
Pilot-car questions, answered for nationwide moves.
Plain-language answers for carriers, project managers, dispatchers, permit teams, and pilot-car operators planning oversize-load movement.
Pilot-car basics
Escort requirements
Do pilot-car requirements vary by state?
Pilot-car and escort requirements vary among states and may also depend on the issued permit, route, dimensions, roadway, time of movement and local restrictions. The permit and issuing authority control. Use the McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC State Permit Directory to reach the appropriate official state resource.
Which document controls when a pilot car is required?
The issued permit and applicable government authority control the movement requirements.
Can local jurisdictions impose additional requirements?
Yes. Local restrictions, construction, route conditions, and roadway authority instructions may affect a movement.
Lead, chase and high-pole service
What is the difference between lead, chase and high-pole service?
Lead generally travels ahead, chase generally follows behind, and high-pole service supports overhead clearance observation when required or requested.
Pricing and billing
How much does pilot-car service cost?
Cost depends on the assignment, including service type, miles, timing, location, equipment, delays, and multi-day work.
Dispatch and scheduling
Does submitting a request confirm service?
No. A request confirms receipt only. Service is not confirmed until reviewed and accepted.
Permits and compliance
Where can I find my state's oversize permit office?
Use the State Permit Directory to reach official state resources and permit-office contact information.
Does McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC determine escort requirements?
No. The issued permit and applicable government authority control escort requirements.
Route surveys
What is a route survey?
A route survey reviews observed route conditions that may affect movement planning, but it does not replace permits or government approval.
Customer preparation
What information should I prepare before requesting service?
Prepare contacts, route, pickup timing, dimensions, permit status, escort configuration, billing details, and special instructions.
Company and dispatch trust
How much experience does McKee have?
McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC has decades of pilot-car coordination experience.
Where does McKee coordinate service?
McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC has experience throughout the lower 48 states and Canada.
Is McKee insured?
McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC maintains insurance appropriate to its operations. Insurance limits are not published on this website.
How active is McKee's dispatch operation?
On a typical day, McKee Oversize Load Escorts, LLC coordinates pilot-car requirements across three to five states.
Does submitting a website request confirm service?
No. Every service request is reviewed by an experienced human dispatcher, and submission does not confirm booking, availability, or pricing.
Pilot network
Can pilot-car operators submit network information?
Yes. Pilot-car operators can use the pilot network form to share service area, capabilities, equipment, credentials, availability, and rate information for review.
These answers are general information, not legal advice. Issued permits and applicable government authorities control movement requirements.