Oversize load services are helpful when your business transports over-dimensional loads. With oversized services, you can be carefree, knowing that the shipment is in good hands and escorted by professionals who are prepared for emergencies.
Living in Tennessee, you’ll have to take care of strict regulations against oversized loads to prevent your business from getting into legal trouble. Hire an insured pilot car service provider so that they can plan the routes to save time and money.
To help you make things easier, we have outlined the do’s and don’ts of hiring oversize load services in Tenessee in read ahead. You can also find information about the requirements of a pilot car in Tennessee.
Requirements For Tennessee Pilot Car Service Online
You might think your cargo is overweight, but specific dimensions are outlined for this parameter. If the load weighs 10’ to 12’6, a single pilot car must be hired to accompany it. If the load exceeds 13’6 to 16’, the cargo will need two escorts on all roads or highways.
For a load beyond 15’ high, you may also need a flag car and height pole for bridges. There are also specific regulations that the oversize load service providers should abide by. All pilot cars should be labeled with an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign with black letters on a yellow background and made of metal or heavy canvas to improve visibility.
There should be a rotating light mounted on the roof of the pilot car. Other essential requirements include 2-way electronic communication, red flags, fire extinguishers, safety vests, hard hats, and 18’ high traffic cones or reflecting triangles. A stop-and-go, 18’ round paddle should always be in the pilot car.
Dos and Don’ts of Hiring Oversize Load Services in Tennessee
Pilor car service is an intelligent way to deliver cargo by maintaining the safety of the load, infrastructure, and the people on the road. The professionals hired by these service providers follow state regulations for such trips, eliminating the need for multiple detours saving cost and time.
One of Tennessee’s leading heavy load service providers is 365 Pilots, which offers high pole, chase car, route survey, and steer services in Tennessee. If you are new to hiring pilot car services, help with the dos and don’ts mentioned below.
DO’s
Choose The Right Pilot Car Service Provider
Do as much research as possible to line up a list of online pilot car service providers in Tennessee. Then ask your friends if they have any experience with them. Hiring a pilot car service provider through referral is the best way to choose a top-notch service provider. If you are looking for an exceptional pilot car service provider, check out 365 Pilots for their services and book a car now.
Research For Rules And Regulations Related to Pilot Car Services
The Internet is a great place to start looking for all the rules and regulations related to heavy-weight cargo transportation. Sometimes, you may need one escort, and some may require two; hence, consider the requirements beforehand. Also, an essential thing to consider is the required permits for the areas your load will be traveling.
Check Certificates And Permits
Checking certificates and permits is vital before hiring oversized load services in Tennessee. The best suitable service provider should have a P/EVO(Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators) certificate to transport heavy-weight cargo safely.
Take Quotes From Multiple Pilot Car Service Providers.
When you ask your friends for a referral for the pilot car service provider, then try to have more than one option to take multiple quotes. Multiple quotes would mean different choices for getting your hands on one of the best pilot car service providers. You can choose the one that is a blend of quality at a competitive price, such as 365 pilots.
Plan Your Trips
Routes the freight takes to deliver goods should be communicated to the pilot car service providers so that they can suggest the car best suited for the purpose. This brings us to the most crucial part of the cargo-delivering process: planning the route beforehand. Planning the course will allow you to identify possible blockages and prepare accordingly.
Cargo Safety
Cargo safety is the responsibility of the business and the pilot car service provider. If your cargo is fragile or contains medicines or harmful substances such as pesticides, notify the pilot car. In this scenario, you should educate the pilot car driver to handle any leakage or accident. Cargo should be safely packed and wrapped with all the necessary equipment to maintain its safety.
Check Insurance Plan And Coverage
Businesses should always be prepared to face losses; therefore, getting an insurance plan covering possible damages is best. You can also check if your service provider has an insurance plan that offers coverage against potential harm or accidents.
DONT’s
Don’t Trust Reviews.
Reviews can be deceiving; however, referrals are much more reliable when hiring the right heavy-load service provider.
- Don’t Forget To Travel With Permits And Certificates.
Your escort and travel vehicle should always carry the relevant travel permits and driving licenses. Whenever a freight enters the highway, there are routine permit checks made. You might get into a legal issue or face delays if you are not carrying the relevant certificates.
Don’t Forget To Ask For Driver’s Experience And Training
The pilot car drivers should undergo proper training before landing on the job. Henceforth, check the training proof of the pilot car driver’s service providers.
Don’t Rush The Planning
Planning is the most crucial part of safely transporting heavy-load cargo. Inadequate planning or no planning can result in sighting possible hazards and blockages on the roads, resulting in accidents.
Don’t Exceed the Desired Weight Limitation of The Cargo
According to weight law in Tennessee, a single freight should not carry a load of more than twenty-three thousand pounds (23,000 lbs). A tandem axle group can not carry a load of more than forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs), and a three freight should not carry a load of more than sixty thousand pounds (60,000 lbs). Abide by the weight law to save yourself from facing legal consequences and ending up with a bad name for your business.
- Don’t Forget To Check Weather And Traffic Updates Before The Trip.
The weather may ruin your trip, so why not check the weather updates and plan? Checking for traffic updates can also save you from possible delays and keep you on track.
Don’t Forget Pre-trip Inspections.
Make it a thumb rule to check the freight and the cargo before the trip. Regular check checkups will allow you to identify and address potential problems with the freight or cargo.
Don’t Forget To Stay Connected During The Trip
Ensure the authorities, freight driver, and pilot car driver are connected throughout the trip. Through practical communication delay and mishaps can be prevented.
Conclusion
The simple do’s and don’ts can be your guide to enhance the safe transportation of over-weight cargo. By hiring oversized load services in Tennessee, you can be confident that you prioritize the safety of your oversized cargo. And what better way to do this than by hiring experienced service providers, such as 365 Pilots, to handle your heavy-weight cargo? Follow the link above to learn about the range of services we offer.
