WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Pennsylvania

Hauling oversize loads in Pennsylvania involves several steps.

In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania.

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.   

Pennsylvania oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Pennsylvania does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania Oversize Permits Now
PA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 13’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 13’0 & greater than 120’0 long
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required
  • 14’0 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 90’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 120’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 front pilot required, with height pole
  • Greater than 14’6 & greater than 13’0 wide
    • 1 front pilot with height pole & 1 rear
      pilot required
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Greater than 15’0 rear
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 15’0 rear with any other
    dimension infraction
    • 2 pilots required
Additional Info: Pilot Car Cheat Sheet
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN PA
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or revolving Amber light
  • Must be visible no less than 800 ft.
  • Mounted on front and rear of the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of permitted vehicle and rear of
      vehicle or load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Mounted on all four corners of the load and
    all protrusions of the load

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

Certification Requirements for Pennsylvania pilot
cars:

  • $1,000,000.00 insurance policy required.
  • Complete a Commonwealth of PA accredited program
    • Least 8 hours class
    • Pass written exam
  • Certification of Defensive Driving Course completion.
  • Certification of Flagger Training Course
    completion.
  • State Certification accepted:
    • Colorado
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • North Carolina
    • Virginia
    • Washington
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Pennsylvania pilot cars:

  • 1 or 2 Amber flashing or revolving lights
  • Must be visible 360 degrees
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Pennsylvania pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ high
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Pennsylvania pilot cars:

Insurance:

  • Pilot cars must have liability insurance
    • $1 million combined
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Pennsylvania pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio

Important Links:

 Certified Escort Vehicle Operator Training Info

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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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