North Carolina Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services

Our pilot car shipping services are fully insured and affordable. Get to transport your oversized load in North Carolina seamlessly. Call us for a quote.

(800) 908-6206

Premium North Carolina Escort Vehicle Services

Escort car accompaniment is necessary when transporting oversized equipment, bulky machinery, or heavy vehicles. Whether traveling solely in North Carolina or your journey takes you outside the Old North State, the Heavy Haulers pilot vehicle service is here to help. We provide escort vehicles in all 50 states and even coordinate oversized deliveries entering Mexico or Canada. We also have a list of qualified companies on our directory ready to safely escort your oversized load where you need it.


We understand that oversized vehicle journeys often include long-haul travel that crosses state and country borders. That's why we've built up a recognizable pilot car delivery service that is easily accessible and can provide the proper assistance for cross-border journeys. The state's DOT has several requirements applicable to oversized transport within North Carolina only. For example, before travel, the DOT needs to be aware of any overhand and the tractor's registered weight. Get a free quote.



Pilot Car Regulations in North Carolina

All U.S. states have transport regulations that dictate how large a vehicle can be before a pilot car is required to guarantee safe transport. If you're new to oversized transport, it can be hard to identify which rules apply to your specific transport project, and it can be hard to keep track of what you need for an effective North Carolina pilot car service. At Heavy Haulers, we've designed our pilot car services to simplify your job by compiling all your necessary transport needs into one easy-to-track delivery project. Our escort vehicle service provides the requisite number of escort cars and drivers to ensure your shipment travels through North Carolina 100 percent compliant with local transport regulations.


North Carolina regulations require at least one escort for all oversized shipments traveling on multi-lane highways. A single pilot is required for anything over 12' wide, 14'5" high, 110' long, an overhang longer than 14', or a GVW of more than 149,999 lbs. In cases where there is a combination of over-dimensions, more is necessary. There are also different requirements for 16' wide mobile homes and superload shipments, requiring up to three escorts for safe transit. Let’s get started!

Pilot Car Services Offered By Heavy Haulers

Heavy Haulers provides top pilot car services in North Carolina. Partner with Heavy Haulers for the following escort vehicle services:


  • • Bucket Truck Services
  • • Chase Cars
  • • High Poles/Height Poles
  • • Pilot Car Flagging
  • • Lead Escort Cars
  • • Rear Escort Cars
  • • Route Surveys
  • • TWIC Port Escorts
  • • Super Load Escorts

Call and speak with one of our expert pilot car specialists to find the right service for your oversize load! (800) 908-6206

Pilot car images

Reliable Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Companies Near Me In North Carolina

Neighboring states may have different requirements, so if you're looking for cross-border transport, our helping hand is invaluable, particularly if you're new to oversized delivery shipping. Your chosen escort vehicle operator must also have an approved escort certification before commencing escort duties and complete an NSC defensive course with at least 75% min. Pass grade. When we supply pilot cars in North Carolina, we also provide you with appropriately licensed escort car drivers. When choosing our pilot car delivery service, you don't have to worry about sourcing drivers, vehicles, or equipment. Call now for a free estimate!

When Do I Need a Pilot Car or Escort Vehicle for Shipment in North Carolina?


  • Escort Vehicle Requirements:
    • • For permitted loads exceeding 14 feet in width on two-lane/two-way roads, both front and rear escorts are obligatory.
    • • A front pole car escort, equipped with a height pole indicator, is mandatory for permitted loads exceeding 14 feet 5 inches in height.
    • • A front escort is necessary for loads exceeding 12 feet in width on two-lane/two-way traffic highways, while a rear escort is required on multi-lane highways or as specified in the permit.
    • • For permitted loads surpassing 110 feet in length, a rear escort is mandatory.
    • • Prior to engaging in escorting duties for oversize/overweight loads, escort vehicle operators are required to possess an approved escort certification.
    • • Escort vehicle criteria vary for 16-foot-wide mobile/modular homes; for specific details, consult Publication MH-2.
    • • Exclusive access to the escort vehicle is granted only to certified escort vehicle operators; no other passengers are permitted.
    • • Loads with an overall length of 150 feet or more necessitate both front and rear escorts.
    • • Loads weighing more than 149,999 pounds require a front escort.

  • Vehicle Size (Weight):
    • • Alternatively, a passenger vehicle with a gross weight of not less than 2,000 pounds.
    • • A truck with a load capacity of not less than one-quarter ton and not more than 17,000 pounds GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).

Oversize/Overweight Load Flags/Banners/Signs/Lights Requirements for North Carolina


"Oversized Load" Banner Regulations and Requirements

  • Vehicle combination: Banner length totaling 7 feet wide by 18 inches high.
  • The banner can be exhibited in two sections to ensure visibility of registration plates/decals.
  • Letters in black, measuring 10 inches in height, with brush strokes of 1.5 inches.
  • For mobile/modular home combinations and 16-foot-wide escort: "WIDE ____ FT. LOAD" or "OVERSIZE ____ FT. LOAD."
  • For vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width, banners are required on both the front and rear bumpers.
  • Use two separate banners with a combined length of 7 feet for displaying registration plates/decals

Flag Requirements:

  • Flags required on all loads wider than 8' 6".
  • Flags must be 18" square in red or orange.
  • Positioning: Place flags at every corner and at the widest point of overwidth or as indicated in the permit.

Warning Lights:

  • Ensure red brake lights are equipped for any rear overhang.
  • Maintain headlights illuminated during highway movement.
  • Install a red or amber light at the rear of the overhang, ensuring visibility for 200 feet or more.

Travel Time Restrictions for Overdimensional and Overweight Loads in North Carolina


    Operating Time:

  • Overweight loads, with a maximum gross weight of 112,000 pounds (or 94,500 for sealed ship containers), and exclusively traveling on Interstate routes, are allowed to operate around the clock. However, a permit order is necessary.
  • Movement allowed from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday; Sunday travel is not permitted.

  • Restricted Travel:

  • Loads exceeding 14 feet in height are subjected to speed and escort restrictions in I-40 tunnels near the Tennessee line (refer to the Escort Section below).
  • Travel is prohibited on major holidays or holiday weekends; please confirm holiday restrictions with the permit office.
  • Loads exceeding 10 feet in width face restrictions within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Common Equipment that Requires
Escort Vehicles in North Carolina

  • Aircraft Frames

  • Bridge Beams

  • Bulldozer Machines

  • Cranes

  • Construction Scraper

  • Excavators

  • Front End Loaders

  • Industrial Furnaces

  • Tugboats

  • Wheel Loaders

Pilot Car Companies in North Carolina

HH Logo
Name States Served Phone Number
JKA Express Pilot Car Service, LLC VA, MD, NC, DE, PA (804) 238-8216

Disclaimer: The Heavy Haulers Pilot Car Directory is a resource for connecting pilot car and escort vehicle service providers with potential clients. We are not affiliated with, nor do we endorse any of the companies listed in this directory. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, and all users are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before engaging with any of the service providers.

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