AllAmericanPilotCarServices.com

Today I was thinking about a colleague within the region.  He called me a couple of times last week to “pick my brain” about some oversize routes through New Mexico.  After the second call, I realized that this fellow was writng a paper (or “book”) survey.  In my opinion, that in itself is foolish…but the REAL stunner was the company for whom he was writing the survey.

Three years ago, this same colleague escorted a truck from this regional trucking company when the driver struck an overhead sign.  The two escorts insisted that they warned the driver of this sign, but the driver said they did not.  The trucking company filed a claim against the pilot car company for $40,000 in damage to the load and the sign.

In consulting with an attorney, the pilot car operator learned that this particular trucking company has a reputation for suing pilot car companies…A LOT!!

I have escorted OD loads for this company myself.  On EVERY load that I’ve been on with them, the drivers force their high pole to race about 85 miles per hour, just to stay far enough out front to be useful.  Once when I was in the chase position, I watched a driver go around a 90 degree curve at about 60 mph!  I actually saw the right rear tandems come off the ground.  These guys are mavericks in every sense of the word.  They tend to want to go their own way, regardless of the permit (if they actually HAVE one).  They are a danger on the highway in my opinion.

And yet, here is this pilot car operator continuing to do business with them AND writing a “book” survey.  In my opinion, it is utter folly.  I told my colleague that…but he was not deterred,  All I can say is that I hope the pilot car operator is well insured!