Pilot Car & Oversize Load
Rate Guide
Rates vary by region, demand, and load complexity. Use ranges, not fixed numbers. Price the job, not just the miles.
Base Escort Service
Lead / Chase (PEVO)
Typical Per-Mile Ranges by Region
- Southeast $1.65 - $1.85 / mile
- Midwest $1.75 - $1.95 / mile
- Northeast $1.80 - $2.00 / mile
- Southwest $1.85 - $2.00 / mile
- West Coast $2.00 - $2.25+ / mile
Short runs cost more per mile because setup, staging, and downtime are the same.
Height Pole & Specialized Escort
- Southeast $1.90 - $2.20
- Midwest / Northeast $2.00 - $2.50
- West Coast $2.25 - $2.75
Applies to height pole, complex routing, and utility-heavy corridors.
Time-Based Premiums
Multi-Day & Cancellation
(+ hotel if staged)
Route Survey Breakdown
Engineering & Clearance
| Distance Tier | Southeast | Midwest/Northeast | West Coast/Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-100 miles | $550 \u2013 $850 | $600 \u2013 $950 | $700 \u2013 $1,200 |
| 101-300 miles | $550 \u2013 $850 | $600 \u2013 $950 | $700 \u2013 $1,200 |
| 301-500 miles | $550 \u2013 $850 | $600 \u2013 $950 | $700 \u2013 $1,200 |
| 500+ miles | $550 \u2013 $850 | $600 \u2013 $950 | $700 \u2013 $1,200 |
Note: Pricing is per survey/day and includes height/bridge clearance, route mapping. Complexity factors by region: Urban Areas/High Traffic, Bridge Structures (Vertical/Weight), Multi-State Coordination.
1Bucket Truck Escorts(Utility/Line Lift)
- Southeast $2.25 \u2013 $3.50/mi
- Midwest / Northeast $2.25 \u2013 $3.50/mi
- West Coast / Canada $2.25 \u2013 $3.50/mi
- Southeast $150 \u2013 $225/hr
- Midwest / Northeast $175 \u2013 $250/hr
- West Coast / Canada $200 \u2013 $275/hr
Police Escorts(State & Local)
- State Police $31/hr + $0.044/mi
- Local / Municipal $50 \u2013 $100/hr
* Typically required for >17' width, depending on jurisdiction.
Optional Cost Factors
If your pricing only covers gas, you're not profitable \u2014 you're just busy.
Costs new escorts often forget to price in: Tire & Suspension Wear, Insurance Increases, Downtime Between Jobs, and Equipment Maintenance.
DISCLAIMER: Rates are estimates and subject to change based on specific load dimensions, route conditions, and regulatory requirements. Final pricing requires detailed project assessment. This guide is for informational purposes only and not a binding contract.