How much does a pilot car cost in Iowa?

Ancillary charges

• Minimum / mini job

  $250–400 standard ($350–500 height-pole or short move); some markets as low as $225.

• Standby / wait time

  $25–75/hr — commonly ~$50/hr after the first hour; some operators $20–25/hr with the first 1–2 hours free.

• Deadhead (empty miles)

  $0.50–1.25/mi (most commonly $0.50/mi, up to $1.00+); often waived when loaded miles exceed deadhead.

• Route survey

  $100/hr (or ~$1.30/mi); ~$400/day in some markets.

• Overnight / layover

  Overnight ~$75–125/night (or actual room cost); layover / downtime day $195–500 + room.

• No-go / cancellation

  $200–350 (up to $400 if staged out-of-town), plus hotel; height-pole ~$250+. Pre-call windows apply.

• Night moves

  +$0.25–0.50/mi or +$100–150/day; some operators a flat +15% after dark.

• Steer-car differential

  Higher $/mi plus a daily flat — e.g. $1.65/mi + $60/day, or $2.00–3.00/mi in some markets.