WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in North Carolina

Hauling oversize loads in North Carolina involves several steps.

In North Carolina, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in North Carolina.

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

North Carolina oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in North Carolina does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most North Carolina cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in North Carolina, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

Order North Carolina Oversize Permits Now
NC PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 front pilot required, 2-lane highway
    • 1 rear pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 150’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’5
    • 1 pilot required, with Height sensor
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • 15’0 or greater rear
    • 1 pilot required
Additional Info:

Weight:

  • Greater than 149,999 lbs.
    • 1 front pilot required

Additional pilots required at the discretion of
permit office.
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN NC
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Rotating sealed beam or Amber strobe
  • Located in front of the power unit & rear of
    the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1.5″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front bumper of power unit & rear of
      the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red squares
  • Must be on all four corners of the load or
    widest points

NC PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
NC
Certification Requirements:

Certification Requirements for North Carolina pilot cars:

  • NCDOT Oversize-Overweight Escort Vehicle
    Operator course
    • Certification required
  • State Certificates accepted:
    • Colorado
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Kansas
    • Minnesota
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Virginia
    • Washington
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for North Carolina pilot cars:

  • Amber flashing, rotating, or strobe light
  • Must be visible for 500 ft., 360 degrees
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for North Carolina pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ high x 1 1/2″ brushstroke
  • Color:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering

Additional Signage Requirements:

  • 8″ x 12″ Placard/sign
  • Company/Owner name
  • Telephone number
  • Displayed on both side of vehicle
  • Visible to motoring public
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for North Carolina pilot cars:

  • Not less than 2,000 lbs
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for North Carolina pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Stop/Slow Paddle
  • Vest/High visibility clothing in Fluorescent
    coloring
  • 3 Bi-directional triangles
  • 5 lb. BC or ABC Fire extinguisher

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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