Joyner Pilot / Escort — Safety Compliance Policy
1. Purpose
This Safety Compliance Policy ("Policy") establishes the safety standards, operator qualifications, vehicle equipment requirements, and operational procedures that govern Joyner Transportation & Logistic Services LLC's ("Joyner") pilot car and escort vehicle operations. Safe pilot car operations protect the oversize load carrier, other motorists, and the public. This Policy supplements and is incorporated into the Joyner Pilot / Escort Service Agreement.
2. Pilot Car Operator Qualifications
All Joyner pilot car operators must meet and maintain the following qualifications before performing any Joyner pilot escort services:
- Valid driver's license appropriate for the pilot vehicle class, with a clean driving record meeting Joyner's MVR standards
- Pilot car operator certification in each state where services are performed, as required by applicable state law — states with mandatory pilot car certification requirements include but are not limited to: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
- Completion of Joyner's pilot car operations training through Joyner University prior to performing any Joyner escort services
- Passage of Joyner's pre-engagement background check and drug screening
- Knowledge of applicable state oversize load regulations, permit conditions, and escort requirements for each state where services are performed
- CPR and first aid certification — required and must be maintained current
3. Pilot Vehicle Equipment Requirements
All pilot vehicles used in Joyner's escort operations must be equipped with the following, in compliance with applicable state regulations:
- Warning signs: "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign mounted on the front and/or rear of the pilot vehicle as required by applicable state permit and regulations — minimum dimensions as specified by state law (typically 5' × 10" with black lettering on yellow background)
- Flashing amber lights: Roof-mounted amber strobe or LED warning lights visible from at least 500 feet in normal daylight conditions, meeting applicable state luminosity requirements
- Flags: Red or orange flags mounted on the four corners of the pilot vehicle where required by applicable state regulations
- Height pole: Calibrated height pole for high pole services, meeting applicable state accuracy requirements
- Communications equipment: Two-way radio or CB radio (channel 19 or as coordinated with the load carrier) for communication between the pilot vehicle and the load carrier
- Emergency equipment: Reflective triangles or flares, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher
- Lighting: All standard vehicle lighting in proper working order, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Pilot vehicles must be properly registered, insured, and in safe mechanical condition. Joyner conducts regular vehicle inspections of all pilot vehicles used in its operations.
4. State Certification & Permit Compliance
Pilot car operations are regulated at the state level, and requirements vary significantly by state. Joyner ensures that:
- All pilot car operators hold current certifications required by each state where they perform escort services
- All pilot vehicles are equipped with the signage, lighting, and equipment required by each state's pilot car regulations
- Escort configurations (number of pilot cars, front vs. rear positioning) comply with the requirements of each state's oversize load permit
- Pilot car operators are familiar with and comply with the specific conditions of the oversize permit for each move
- All required state certifications and vehicle equipment compliance documentation are maintained and available for inspection upon request
5. Operational Safety Procedures
Joyner pilot car operators follow these operational safety procedures on every move:
5.1 Pre-Move Procedures
- Review the oversize permit conditions, route restrictions, and time-of-travel requirements before departure
- Conduct a pre-trip inspection of the pilot vehicle, including all required equipment and lighting
- Establish radio communication with the load carrier driver and confirm communication channel
- Review the route for known hazards, low clearances, narrow roads, or construction zones
- Confirm the move start time complies with applicable permit travel time restrictions (many states restrict oversize moves to daylight hours only)
5.2 During the Move
- Maintain appropriate spacing ahead of or behind the oversize load as required by applicable state regulations and permit conditions
- Operate amber warning lights at all times while escorting the oversize load
- Check all overhead clearances at bridges, overpasses, and utility lines (for high pole service) and communicate clearance results to the load driver before the load passes
- Monitor traffic conditions and communicate warnings about oncoming traffic, road hazards, and congestion to the load driver
- Assist with lane changes, merge situations, and controlled intersection crossings as needed
- Never exceed safe speed limits for the oversize move, which may be lower than posted speed limits under permit conditions
- Immediately notify the load driver and Joyner dispatch of any safety concern, road hazard, or permit compliance issue encountered during the move
5.3 Accident & Incident Procedures
- In the event of an accident involving the oversize load or the pilot vehicle, stop immediately in a safe location and call 911 if there are injuries or significant property damage
- Notify Joyner dispatch immediately of any accident or incident
- Do not move vehicles involved in an accident before law enforcement arrives, unless remaining in place creates an immediate safety hazard
- Document the accident scene with photographs and collect witness information where possible
- Complete Joyner's incident report form within 24 hours of the incident
6. Prohibited Conduct
Joyner pilot car operators are prohibited from:
- Operating a pilot vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication, or fatigue
- Using a handheld mobile device while operating a pilot vehicle — hands-free communication only
- Exceeding applicable speed limits or permit speed restrictions
- Escorting a load without all required state-mandated equipment operational
- Performing escort services in a state where the operator does not hold required certification
- Escorting a load that visibly exceeds the dimensions or weight specified in the oversize permit without first consulting with Joyner dispatch
7. Client Compliance Responsibilities
Joyner's ability to conduct safe pilot operations depends on the Client and the load carrier meeting their obligations. Client must ensure:
- The oversize load does not exceed the dimensions and weight specified in the permit
- The load is properly secured before the move begins
- The load carrier driver maintains radio communication with the pilot car operator throughout the move
- The load carrier complies with all permit conditions, including travel time restrictions and route requirements
- Joyner is notified immediately of any change in load dimensions, route, or schedule
Joyner reserves the right to suspend or terminate a move if the load or load carrier is not in compliance with permit conditions or if continuing the move would pose an unreasonable safety risk.
8. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
All disputes arising out of or relating to this Policy are subject to the Joyner Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Policy. This Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and applicable federal and state transportation law.
9. Contact
Pilot Services safety inquiries: pilot@myjoyner.com | Joyner Transportation & Logistic Services LLC | Atlanta, Georgia.
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