Pilot Car Driver Job Description

Position Summary

Paragon Heavy Haul is seeking a dedicated and safety-focused Pilot Truck Driver to join our team. As a Pilot Truck Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe transportation of oversized and heavy loads by escorting heavy haul convoys through challenging routes. This position requires excellent communication, situational awareness, and a commitment to safety.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Operational Duties

• Escort Oversized Loads: Lead or trail heavy haul convoys to ensure compliance with state and federal escort regulations.

• Hazard Identification: Proactively identify road hazards, low-clearance areas, or challenging turns and communicate them to heavy haul drivers in real-time.

• Route Guidance: Coordinate closely with heavy haul drivers to navigate safely through narrow roads, intersections, and urban areas.

• Traffic Management: Assist with traffic flow management, including directing vehicles when necessary to ensure the safety of the convoy and other road users.

Pre-Trip and On-the-Road Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-trip inspections of the pilot truck to ensure readiness and reliability.

• Participate in daily morning briefings to review convoy routes, schedules, and any anticipated challenges.

• Maintain clear and constant communication with the Heavy Haul Drivers and Transportation Manager via radios or mobile communication tools.

• Monitor road conditions and provide updates or alternative route suggestions when necessary.

Post-Trip Responsibilities

• Submit detailed post-trip reports, including observations on route conditions, incidents, or equipment performance.

• Collaborate with the Heavy Haul Equipment and Operations Manager to address any concerns or suggest process improvements.

Incident Management

• Incident Reporting: Immediately stop operations and notify the Heavy Haul Equipment and Operations Manager of any incidents or potential hazards. Provide detailed information, including location and severity.

• Incident Support: Assist with on-site response efforts, including securing the convoy and relaying critical information to other team members.

Qualifications & Skills

• 2+ years’ experience escorting heavy haul or oversized loads

• Certification as a pilot/escort vehicle operator (PEVO) or willingness to obtain certification

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear, concise, and timely updates.

• Exceptional situational awareness and ability to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

• Familiarity with oversized load regulations, including state-specific requirements.

• Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) safety and operational standards.

• Proficiency with communication tools, including two-way radios and mobile applications for navigation.

• Mechanical aptitude to assist with minor vehicle troubleshooting.

Work Environment

• Frequent travel between job sites/across state lines throughout the day

• Work may involve early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime depending on project needs

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to drive for extended periods with sustained focus

• Variable work schedule, including nights and weekends

• Capable of standing, walking, and conducting inspections in various weather conditions

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 20 pounds 

• Must be physically capable of performing repetitive tasks and working long shifts

ADA Compliance Statement:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and may be modified as business needs require.

Earth Basics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status