12/08/2023
I am a pilot car/es**rt driver. A certified truck safety es**rt, Yes, I am the one in the car or truck with the "amber binky light bar" on top. In addition, yes, I am the one who sometimes will not let you pass when you want to, or will show you to the side of the road to let us pass over a narrow bridge.
I am also the one who attempts to prevent you from driving beside the big load to take pictures. Also, sometimes you must follow us at a very slow speed on narrow back roads when you are late for work. As a pilot car driver, my main concern is your safety, and I do realize that most of you have never even sat in an 18-wheeler, let alone driven one.
It may surprise you to know that many drivers are ex-managers, college graduates, business owners, etc. Moreover, the drivers who move what we call "super loads" are the best, most experienced and skillful drivers on the road today. Most of these drivers have millions of miles under their belt, and they are talented riggers, too. That means they are also in charge of securing these huge loads to the trailers, which in itself is an engineering feat. Therefore, hopefully, the next time you see us on the road, you will give us a little extra room and know we are not there to ruin your day, nor to make you late to work or in taking the kids to school.
I do not do my job to make you angry. In fact, I am there for your safety.
I know you have an idea of how long or how wide these loads can be, but do you have any idea what they weigh? How about 125,000 pounds and up? Almost twice the weight of the normal 18-wheeler's. That is a "light load." They go up to well over 1,500,000 lbs. That is a million and a half lbs. Kind of hard to stop or turn on a dime, wouldn't you say?
They may have as many as 183 tires on just the trailer! I am sure you have asked yourself, "Why is this huge load on this road?" Let me assure you it is not by choice. Our routes are regulated by each state we travel through. The driver and the es**rt have no influence upon what particular roads we travel.
By the way, if you see one of the huge loads parked at a truck stop or rest park, take a moment to ask all the questions and take all the pictures you want. We will be happy to answer them. We take a great deal of pride in our jobs, but please give us some room on the road. In addition, keep in mind, these "super loads" are on the roads going to a location that will supply jobs for many people and services to many more ...
