Pilot car & oversize load glossary
New to oversize loads? Here are the terms you'll hear — what a height pole is, the difference between a lead and a chase car, what a route survey covers, and more.
- Certified escort
A pilot car operator who holds a state-recognized escort certification.
- Chase car (rear pilot)
The pilot car that travels behind the load.
- Deadhead
Miles a pilot car drives empty, without a load, to or from a job.
- Height pole (high-pole car)
A lead pilot car fitted with an adjustable pole set to the load height to catch low obstructions.
- Lead car (front pilot)
The pilot car that travels ahead of the load.
- Overhang
Load that extends beyond the front or rear of the trailer, with its own escort and flagging rules.
- Oversize load
A load that exceeds the legal size limits for a standard truck and needs a permit.
- Oversize permit
The state authorization that lets an oversize/overweight load travel a specific route.
- Pilot car (escort vehicle)
A vehicle that travels with an oversize load to warn traffic and guide the load safely.
- Police escort
A law-enforcement escort required for the largest loads, often to control intersections and traffic.
- Route survey
A pre-trip drive of the planned route to confirm an oversize load can physically make it.
- Standby / wait time
Time a pilot car is held on the clock but not moving the load.
- Steer car
A specialized escort that helps physically steer the rear trailer axles on extreme loads.
- Superload
An extremely large or heavy load above a state's normal oversize thresholds, needing special review.