Backtracking...thinking Of Calling A Bunch Of Pilot Car Companies To See If They're Hiring...best Advice?

I love traveling, I could drive for hours. I still want to become a truck driver, but sometimes thinking of driving those rigs puts a little fear in me.

Something that came to mind today was pilot car driving. "Hey, I could definitely do that!", I thought.

So - Is the lifestyle not as glamorous as it seems? How do I become a pilot car driver? I may need to start my own business, but I can't get approved for a business loan. I've gone crazy the last two hours emailing a few companies and reading up on what it takes to be a pilot car driver.

How difficult would it be if I started my own business (oddly enough, I got approved for a car loan at a Nissan dealership, so I could go there and buy a good truck or something) to get a job contracting myself out?

I love traveling, I could drive for hours. I still want to become a truck driver, but sometimes thinking of driving those rigs puts a little fear in me.

Something that came to mind today was pilot car driving. "Hey, I could definitely do that!", I thought.

So - Is the lifestyle not as glamorous as it seems? How do I become a pilot car driver? I may need to start my own business, but I can't get approved for a business loan. I've gone crazy the last two hours emailing a few companies and reading up on what it takes to be a pilot car driver.

How difficult would it be if I started my own business (oddly enough, I got approved for a car loan at a Nissan dealership, so I could go there and buy a good truck or something) to get a job contracting myself out?

I think you are on the wrong site for your question. However why pilot car? Why not truck driving? I understand having fear, but once you get in one of these rigs you won't be able to drive a 4 wheeler again. Just something amazing about driving a rig.

I only have 1 month of driving experience so I understand your fear. Shoot I almost quit when we learned how to shift. And for the record shifting with no throttle may get you up to 8mph haha. It's funny to think I went from being scared to barely move at all to driving in LA traffic. I would encourage you to look into it some more, but if the fear is too much than by all means don't do it.

I love traveling, I could drive for hours. I still want to become a truck driver, but sometimes thinking of driving those rigs puts a little fear in me.

Something that came to mind today was pilot car driving. "Hey, I could definitely do that!", I thought.

So - Is the lifestyle not as glamorous as it seems? How do I become a pilot car driver? I may need to start my own business, but I can't get approved for a business loan. I've gone crazy the last two hours emailing a few companies and reading up on what it takes to be a pilot car driver.

How difficult would it be if I started my own business (oddly enough, I got approved for a car loan at a Nissan dealership, so I could go there and buy a good truck or something) to get a job contracting myself out?

A little fear is not a bad thing. It will help make you a safer driver. Paralyzing fear is a different matter. I would suggest going the truck driving route.

From what I understand about the pilot car business they tend to employ truckers that have quit driving for one reason or another, or sometimes if it's a small company they will use a driver's wife or other driver's from the company. It looked pretty hard to get into because that is what I was going to do to get work history before I was able to get my cdl.

Pilot cars are not as easy as it looks. This week we had to shut down 3 lanes for me to make my turn. Well my pilot pulls out and stops in the center lane and holds out a stop sign. Cars blew right by him and I almost got the damn thing with my trailer. I chew him out pretty good for that and told him next time you put that truck in the lane, you have to block it or people will just blow by.

Now picture this, and the reason I almost got that car with my trailer. I pull a steerable beam trailer with a remote in the cab with me. We stop in the right lane and start the motor on the trailer and then as I move forward I steer the trailer to the left. So it ends up with my truck in the right lane and the trailer 2 lanes over to the left.

I told the pilot the next day, I have the right two lanes, you take care of that third lane until I get into it. Unless they want a convertible they are not getting past me... LOL

It is a lot of responsibility to be a pilot car. You not only have to inform the truck what is going on behind them, you have to be alert and ready to protect the load by putting your car in the way. There will be a lot of close calls. You will have to cut people off at times. If the driver turns on their blinker you better notice it so that you can grab that other lane for him/her.

Most states require a certification. There is a lot more equipment than a truck and a few signs with flashing lights that you will need. Georgia and Nevada you will have to get amber light permits.

Not that it is overly difficult, but there is a lot to know and every state is different. Going out on your own with no experience is a recipe for a complete failure.

Look at it from the driver's point of view. In the end it all falls on the shoulders of the driver for whatever happens. If you were the driver would you trust a pilot with absolutely zero experience? Most would just fire you on the spot and call someone else. Then there are those pilots that show up late or are not ready to go when the driver is ready... i.e. they still need to get fuel or pee.

Oversize loads are daylight runs for the most part and as daylight hours get shorter in the winter there is no time to waste waiting for a pilot.

I asked a forum before this site, and when I got idiotic replies I took my question to the only place I know that would give me an honest answer, here.

I think I'm gonna change my name from bean to fence sitter.

8 mph? Lol

Anyway, thank you sir.

I love traveling, I could drive for hours. I still want to become a truck driver, but sometimes thinking of driving those rigs puts a little fear in me.

Something that came to mind today was pilot car driving. "Hey, I could definitely do that!", I thought.

So - Is the lifestyle not as glamorous as it seems? How do I become a pilot car driver? I may need to start my own business, but I can't get approved for a business loan. I've gone crazy the last two hours emailing a few companies and reading up on what it takes to be a pilot car driver.

How difficult would it be if I started my own business (oddly enough, I got approved for a car loan at a Nissan dealership, so I could go there and buy a good truck or something) to get a job contracting myself out?

I think you are on the wrong site for your question. However why pilot car? Why not truck driving? I understand having fear, but once you get in one of these rigs you won't be able to drive a 4 wheeler again. Just something amazing about driving a rig.

I only have 1 month of driving experience so I understand your fear. Shoot I almost quit when we learned how to shift. And for the record shifting with no throttle may get you up to 8mph haha. It's funny to think I went from being scared to barely move at all to driving in LA traffic. I would encourage you to look into it some more, but if the fear is too much than by all means don't do it.

Thanks, I get that feeling to. When I looked this stuff up on google, wow - it's like everyone and their grandma/neighbor/cat/dog wants to be a pilot driver.

I love traveling, I could drive for hours. I still want to become a truck driver, but sometimes thinking of driving those rigs puts a little fear in me.

Something that came to mind today was pilot car driving. "Hey, I could definitely do that!", I thought.

So - Is the lifestyle not as glamorous as it seems? How do I become a pilot car driver? I may need to start my own business, but I can't get approved for a business loan. I've gone crazy the last two hours emailing a few companies and reading up on what it takes to be a pilot car driver.

How difficult would it be if I started my own business (oddly enough, I got approved for a car loan at a Nissan dealership, so I could go there and buy a good truck or something) to get a job contracting myself out?

A little fear is not a bad thing. It will help make you a safer driver. Paralyzing fear is a different matter. I would suggest going the truck driving route.

From what I understand about the pilot car business they tend to employ truckers that have quit driving for one reason or another, or sometimes if it's a small company they will use a driver's wife or other driver's from the company. It looked pretty hard to get into because that is what I was going to do to get work history before I was able to get my cdl.

Thank you for that insight. Yeeeeeaaah - I think I'm gonna stick with my original plan to be a trucker - seems like it would be a lot more fun anyway.

Pilot cars are not as easy as it looks. This week we had to shut down 3 lanes for me to make my turn. Well my pilot pulls out and stops in the center lane and holds out a stop sign. Cars blew right by him and I almost got the damn thing with my trailer. I chew him out pretty good for that and told him next time you put that truck in the lane, you have to block it or people will just blow by.

Now picture this, and the reason I almost got that car with my trailer. I pull a steerable beam trailer with a remote in the cab with me. We stop in the right lane and start the motor on the trailer and then as I move forward I steer the trailer to the left. So it ends up with my truck in the right lane and the trailer 2 lanes over to the left.

I told the pilot the next day, I have the right two lanes, you take care of that third lane until I get into it. Unless they want a convertible they are not getting past me... LOL

It is a lot of responsibility to be a pilot car. You not only have to inform the truck what is going on behind them, you have to be alert and ready to protect the load by putting your car in the way. There will be a lot of close calls. You will have to cut people off at times. If the driver turns on their blinker you better notice it so that you can grab that other lane for him/her.

Most states require a certification. There is a lot more equipment than a truck and a few signs with flashing lights that you will need. Georgia and Nevada you will have to get amber light permits.

Not that it is overly difficult, but there is a lot to know and every state is different. Going out on your own with no experience is a recipe for a complete failure.

Look at it from the driver's point of view. In the end it all falls on the shoulders of the driver for whatever happens. If you were the driver would you trust a pilot with absolutely zero experience? Most would just fire you on the spot and call someone else. Then there are those pilots that show up late or are not ready to go when the driver is ready... i.e. they still need to get fuel or pee.

Oversize loads are daylight runs for the most part and as daylight hours get shorter in the winter there is no time to waste waiting for a pilot.

Yes, I even laugh at it now. So glad I went on. Trucking really has given me a better life and is making a man out of me (I am still a kid, 21 years old.

Hi there! New to this site. This for Pat who replied with this comment about piloting and his particular experience with the pilot driver who incorrectly blocked the three lanes you needed. I just want to say that I'm sorry you had the experience. I am a pilot driver out of WA state. We don't always have experience with every single type of load out there, but if you ever need a pilot driver, you can count on me to be early and ready for a load. Just saying. Also, my availability and load distance are open. Forgive me for apparently commandeering the thread of what I guess is an offer of pilot services. :)

But not just that. FYI for those who want to get into pilot driving.. there are so many pilot drivers, especially here in WA state. So, you might want to start your pilot career somewhere other than WA. It's hard to find loads here unless you know someone who knows someone.

Also Pat, I enjoyed your stories of getting loads to go see your sons.. and the pics too.

To Worry_Wort, I'm glad that you decided to become a truck driver after all as it seems like it turned out to be a wonderful fit for you.

I joined the site and others because as a pilot driver for the trucking industry, I learn a lot from listening to what truck drivers talk about with their years of experiences.. listening to their needs, opinions, perspectives about using pilot cars. So thank you everyone who commented on this thread.

Good luck to everyone on the thread! Be safe. But don't forget to smile. Cuz if when I'm passing you, you can expect me to smile and wave as I have mad respect for all you truck drivers! :)

Suzanne

Pilot cars are not as easy as it looks. This week we had to shut down 3 lanes for me to make my turn. Well my pilot pulls out and stops in the center lane and holds out a stop sign. Cars blew right by him and I almost got the damn thing with my trailer. I chew him out pretty good for that and told him next time you put that truck in the lane, you have to block it or people will just blow by.

Now picture this, and the reason I almost got that car with my trailer. I pull a steerable beam trailer with a remote in the cab with me. We stop in the right lane and start the motor on the trailer and then as I move forward I steer the trailer to the left. So it ends up with my truck in the right lane and the trailer 2 lanes over to the left.

I told the pilot the next day, I have the right two lanes, you take care of that third lane until I get into it. Unless they want a convertible they are not getting past me... LOL

It is a lot of responsibility to be a pilot car. You not only have to inform the truck what is going on behind them, you have to be alert and ready to protect the load by putting your car in the way. There will be a lot of close calls. You will have to cut people off at times. If the driver turns on their blinker you better notice it so that you can grab that other lane for him/her.

Most states require a certification. There is a lot more equipment than a truck and a few signs with flashing lights that you will need. Georgia and Nevada you will have to get amber light permits.

Not that it is overly difficult, but there is a lot to know and every state is different. Going out on your own with no experience is a recipe for a complete failure.

Look at it from the driver's point of view. In the end it all falls on the shoulders of the driver for whatever happens. If you were the driver would you trust a pilot with absolutely zero experience? Most would just fire you on the spot and call someone else. Then there are those pilots that show up late or are not ready to go when the driver is ready... i.e. they still need to get fuel or pee.

Oversize loads are daylight runs for the most part and as daylight hours get shorter in the winter there is no time to waste waiting for a pilot.