Pilot Car Rates?

Maybe it's because I run annuals but I don't run pilots until 14 or better on the interstate. I'll agree on the four wheelers that's anywhere you go they are absolute morons around a big load.

 

I'm not trying to advertise here but I am a oversize load pilot. In California the base rate is $1.50 per mile + $65 overnight. A lot of different loads but that is base. I have yet to charge for dead head. High pole is more. Super loads are more.
The main thing is you better make sure you have someone that is qualified, with the proper insurance. I have 1 ML commercial liability. If I am a fault my insurance will pay. I carry all safety equipment, tools, on board video, GPS, and mobile office to get your permit on the road.
Like anything else in this world you get what you pay for. If you want cheap and get in a accident good luck.
I join this site because I was looking for someone that has ripped me off but I hope by posting I helped. Just trying to answer some questions
Tom
I have a very large group of pilots I work with all around the US. I'd put as link but I'm not sure if it's aloud.

 

Pilot Car in KY - MY average rate is $1.50 pm (for 500 & under miles - the more the loaded miles, the lower the pm. rate), but I know more than a few in the area that run for much less. My investment (training, required equipment, etc) is in the neighborhood of 6g (Laptop GPS/Office & the required equip. for each state, Pilot AND Flagger national cert (I believe it is OK & UT. that JUST put on the books that pilot's have to have a flagging cert as well - be careful of this one if you hire a pilot car), to the point where you can pilot Nationally). I've seen pilot cars that appear to have a total investment of $60.00. That's why they can afford to run for a lot less !! I agree totally with DonTomio post above - ya get what ya pay for... And if they (the pilot cars) "skimmped" on their equipment, stands to reason that ain't the only thing they skimmped on... On the issue of Dead Head mileage - I do charge ($.75 pm) - but that only kicks in after being agreed to - in general my terms are; the more the loaded miles, the more the free dead head miles (to the load - I agree that the backhaul is my problem)... OS companies always get the best deals with the better pilots - when they hire the pilot directly, than the Company that outsources it thru a pilot car "broker" (yeah - I use that term real loosely). Fred.

 

$1.50 a mile maybe I should start looking into this that's all I can get on a stepdeck now I would make more than I do now

 

I bet the majority of these pilot cars don't get very many miles in a week.

 

Very interesting

It is sad that some companies do not charge that much to haul a load.

 

Pilot car drivers have to be certified to run in many states, depending where you are can mean a good day or a bad day.

 

Have to remember, if a pilot car driver makes a mistake the pilot car company takes responsibility.

 

In Canada Pilot Cars with loads going to US and within Canada we charge (BY KM) remembering we normally don't work all year round because of Thaw.
$1.25 per KM. lead or chase Minimum day rate $375.00 Motels $85.00 A Km is 1.6 of a mile NO DEADHEAD CHARGE
$1.35 per KM High pole or Steer Minimum day rate is $400.00 plus $85.00 for motel Plus Tolls NO GOS $200.00 + Motel
This is an experienced Certified Mountain Experience, well insured 2 Million public and 2 Million General and qualified Pilot Car Driver Accident free no claims Fully equipped with everything an oversize hauler requires
Passport,T.W.I.C. , Fastcard, Nexus card and 47 years of O.T.R
Oh yes drivers I know what a Truck Driver makes as I did it for many years Oversize and Tankers this is great for retired Truckers ( Because you know what our pensions include ZERO) You stop cheap freight by not hauling it!!!!!