trying to get started

trying to get started
Posted: Sat Aug 9, 2008 6:20:55 AM

Is there anyone i can talk to about getting started for escort (pilot) driving. I have been certified in NY only and have time and the needs to work but not sure where to find someone who will take you and show you the ropes. can anyone help me with this.

RE:trying to get started
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:21:38 PM

Did anyone reply to your message? I'm in the same spot. I have all the knowledge I need, certification, some equipment, vehicle. I just need to know if this is worth doing? Is there enough work or will it be a cold day in hell when I gert work?Anything you can share with me would be appreciated . I live right in the corner of NY,NJ and PA.-Thank you-Cathy

RE:trying to get started
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:06:51 PM

Hi Cindy! I drove 18-wheelers for 34-years and just got into the Pilot Car/ Escort business myself the 1st week of August this year. First and foremost, be extremely careful who you work for or with. I obtained my certification in Oklahoma ($100.oo 8-hour class) that's recognized in all states but NY. Then I deadheaded 430 miles to Pensacola Florida to meet a Superload destined for Northern PA. The lady I was working with (Joan or "J.D., Sundance Escort Services) and I were tied up with this load for 10 days. My out-of-pocket expenses totaled over $1500.oo {Gas, Motels, meals) and to this very day that bogus lady never paid me a dime for my services or expenses.

PROGRESSIVE is the only insurance company I talked to that is familiar with insuring Pilot-Cars/Escort vehicles. You will need 1-million $ liability insurance. In Oklahoma you can take the Pilot Car Certification course but you will have to have proof of the abovementioned coverage before they will issue you a valid certificate. COMDATA has a Pilot Car/ Escort dispatch division. It only cost about $20.00 to start and they typically dispatch over 1000 pilot car escort loads a month. They issue you a COMDATA card and after you complete a trip you fax your trip sheets to them and your payment is loaded onto your card in 24-72 hours! Call Comdata @ 1-877-683-7703, press 1 for English and 1 again for Dispatch and the friendly folks there will be glad to point you in the right direction. I took two "Mini's" today for a total of 27 miles behind the load and made $300.. Total time involved from home to escort and return about 3 hours! You can make more than that on your own once your established, but this is how I'm getting started. There are a lot of really great people in this business. But you have to watch out for the bogus sorry SOB's that are looking to take advantage of you also. I learned the hard way! Look up my response to Trissies message about "Sundance Pilot Service". Good luck! If you have any more questions feel free to call me (Roger) @ 901-517-6664

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RE:trying to get started
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:23:48 PM

NY requires a full-size 48' or 52' amber bar-light. A "Street-Hawk" would be a good choice. L.E.D lightbars are not yet recognized in all states as acceptable. They use considerably less electricity and they look great but check with the States you will be working in before you invest in an L.E.D barlight.. Georgia and Nevada require you purchase a "Light Permit". They only cost $2.00 per year but dont get caught in Georgia without one! I was told its a $400.00 fine! You can look up the information regarding Pilot Car/ Escort amber light permits online @ Georgia Department of Public Safety and Nevada Hwy Patrol State websites. Download the applications on your computer, fill them out and enclose your $2.oo money orders, photocopy everything, fax the copy to the two states and mail them off. You can then use your copies and money-order stubs to temporarily serve as permits until your Ga sticker and NV certificate arrives.