2026 EditionUpdated April 2026Live DB Data
Pilot Car Rate Guide
2026 Benchmarks
Rates vary by region, demand, and load complexity. Use ranges, not fixed numbers. Price the job, not just the miles.
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 is not a binding contract.
Base Escort Service — Lead / Chase (PEVO)
Standard PEVO escort. Short runs cost more per mile because setup, staging, and downtime are the same.
| Region | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | $1.65/mi | $1.75/mi | $1.85/mi |
| Midwest | $1.75/mi | $1.85/mi | $1.95/mi |
| Northeast | $1.80/mi | $1.90/mi | $2.00/mi |
| Southwest | $1.85/mi | $1.93/mi | $2.00/mi |
| West Coast | $2.00/mi | $2.13/mi | $2.25/mi |
Day Rate
$450 – $650/day
Mini / Short Move Minimum
$350 – $500 min
Height Pole & Specialized Escort
Applies to height pole, complex routing, and utility-heavy corridors.
| Region | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | $—/mi | $—/mi | $—/mi |
| Midwest / Northeast | $—/mi | $—/mi | $—/mi |
| West Coast | $—/mi | $—/mi | $—/mi |
Height Pole Day Rate
$ – $/day
Additional Rate Factors
Layover Day
$300 – $500/day
Cancellation After Dispatch
$250 – $400
+ hotel if staged
Deadhead / Repositioning
$0.75 – $1.25/mi
Wait Time / Detention
$50 – $75/hr
Night Move Premium
$0.25 – $0.50/mi
Night Move Day Add-on
$100 – $150/day
⚠️ Costs New Escorts Often Forget to Price In
Tire & Suspension Wear
Insurance Increases
Downtime Between Jobs
Equipment Maintenance
"If your pricing only covers gas, you're not profitable — you're just busy."
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