What is a pilot car driver?

A pilot car driver escorts large trucks as they transport over-dimensional, over-weight loads. These loads could include windmill blades, mobile homes, aircraft wings and other large objects. They act as escorts, ensuring that these vehicles avoid traffic, obstacles and other dangerous situations. Most pilot car drivers work alongside truckers in the shipping and freight industry.

What does a pilot car driver do?

Pilot car drivers can have various tasks, depending on their industry. These are some of the primary duties you might have as a pilot car driver:

Drives vans, pick-up trucks and cars:

Operating standard vehicles is the most basic task of pilot drivers. This requires them to have excellent driving skills and a driver's license

Maintains safety:

A pilot car driver's main priority is to protect truck drivers and other drivers on the road. This requires rigorous adherence to safety protocols and a dedication to safe driving practices.

Communicates with truck drivers:

Pilot cars are equipped with radios that allow drivers to communicate with their escorts. Pilot car drivers require an understanding of radio etiquette and the ability to communicate clearly with their colleagues.

ABOUT US

1.🛣️ Who We Are

American Pilot Car LLC is a certified, woman-owned pilot/escort company based in Tonopah, Arizona. We provide lead, chase, high pole, and flagging services for over-dimensional and over-weight loads across the continental U.S. (excluding NY). With a perfect safety record and over 2.5 years of experience, we’re known for being professional, prepared, and precise.

2.👥 Our Founders

Founded in 2023 by Derrelle and Jay Jeffries, this is a family-operated business grounded in decades of real-world experience.
- Derrelle Jeffries brings over 40 years of executive administrative expertise, managing operations, dispatch, compliance, and strategic growth.
- Jay Jeffries, a veteran truck driver, leads in-field operations, applying his knowledge of route safety, load dynamics, and transport coordination.
Together, they’ve completed dozens of flawless escorts for wind energy, industrial machinery, and oversize freight haulers nationwide.

3.🔧 Our Certifications & Equipment

We are fully certified and equipped to handle high-stakes hauls with confidence:
- P/EVO Certified
- WITPAC Certified
- Vehicles: 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van & 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
- Gear: CB & VHF radios, front/rear dash cams, trucker GPS, dual iPads (InRoute software), and onboard office technology

4.🚛 What We Deliver

Every escort includes:
- Advanced route prep and situational awareness
- Seamless coordination with drivers and law enforcement
- Top-tier communication and response capabilities
- Zero-nonsense, safety-first execution — every mile
We are currently expanding our services to include route surveying and technology upgrades to further enhance service and compliance.

5.💡 Why We Do It

We’re not just a support vehicle — we’re the first line of defense for high-risk hauls. We started this company to raise the bar on safety, communication, and professionalism in the pilot car industry. When you hire us, you get more than compliance — you get peace of mind.

6.🎯 Mission Statement

To deliver certified, reliable, and safety-first pilot escort services with professionalism that exceeds industry standards.

7.🌄 Vision Statement

To become the most trusted name in pilot car logistics across the U.S., recognized for zero incidents, elite equipment, and world-class service.

8.💎 Core Values

- Safety above all else
- Precision in every mile
- Communication that prevents risk
- Integrity that earns repeat clients
- Accountability that protects the load and the public

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

At American Pilot Car LLC, we let the numbers speak for themselves. Since launching in 2023, we’ve built a track record that funders and freight haulers can trust:

  • ✅ 130+ successful escort runs completed

  • ✅ 0 accidents or citations in 2.5 years of operations

  • ✅ 22 states served across the U.S. (excluding NY)

  • ✅ 98% on-time rate for delivery escorts

  • ✅ $15,000+ invested in safety and navigation technology

  • ✅ Over 185-ft loads escorted — including wind turbine blades, cranes, and heavy equipment

  • ✅ Fully certified in P/EVO and WITPAC, plus work zone traffic control

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Jay was the most prepared escort driver I’ve ever worked with. Everything from the tech to the timing was spot-on. He the only driver I trust for critical wind hauls.”
— Mark R., Wind Energy Hauler, Kansas
“You can tell he actually cares about the safety of your load — not just checking a box. Jay was communicating constantly and caught two road issues before we hit them. Lifesavers.”
— Linda C., Heavy Equipment Dispatcher, Colorado
“No accidents, no drama, just smooth handling. I’ve worked with plenty of pilot cars over the years, and APC is in my top two, no question.”
— Derrick J., Oversize Transport Driver, Arizona

WANT TO WORK WITH US?

Whether you're coordinating a long-haul wind load or need a trusted high-pole escort on short notice, American Pilot Car is ready to roll.
📞 Call Derrelle at 623-826-2730 or use our contact form, located below, to request a quote.

Gallery

Explore our gallery featuring pilot car services for over-dimensional, over-weight loads in the Wind, Mining, Chemical, Pools, Electrical, and Hazardous Waste Industries. Discover our certified and fully insured operations.

Pricing

Oversize Load: Chase -$1.75/mile
Oversize Load: Lead - $1.85/mile
Oversize Load: High Pole - $2.00/mile
Day Down Time: $200/day + motel


WITPAC: Chase - $1.80/mile
WITPAC: Lead - $1.90/mile
WITPAC: High Pole - $2.00/mile
WITPAC Down Time: $300/day + overnight


DNU (DID NOT USE): Regular Load - $175
DNU: High Pole - $200
DNU: WITPAC - $400


Overnight: $100/night

Contact US
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