What are the responsibilities and job description for the High Pole/Pilot Driver position at Corthell Transportation?
Position Overview
The High Pole Driver operates a designated lead pilot car equipped with a vehicle-frame-mounted high pole system to travel directly ahead of oversized and overweight freight. Your primary mission is to physically verify vertical clearances (bridges, power lines, low-hanging trees, and traffic signs) in real-time, communicate hazards immediately to the main transport driver, and prevent costly infrastructure strikes.
Key Responsibilities
The High Pole Driver operates a designated lead pilot car equipped with a vehicle-frame-mounted high pole system to travel directly ahead of oversized and overweight freight. Your primary mission is to physically verify vertical clearances (bridges, power lines, low-hanging trees, and traffic signs) in real-time, communicate hazards immediately to the main transport driver, and prevent costly infrastructure strikes.
Key Responsibilities
- Overhead Clearance Checks: Run ahead of the oversized load to gauge and physically test vertical clearances against bridges, overpasses, utility lines, and tree branches.
- Real-Time Communication: Maintain constant two-way radio (CB or VHF) contact with the main truck driver, other pilot cars, and multi-vehicle escort teams.
- Route & Permit Compliance: Review transport permits, state-mandated routing rules, and pre-trip survey instructions before and during the move.
- Hazard & Traffic Warning: Alert surrounding traffic and the main driver to road restrictions, sharp turns, narrow lanes, and active work zones.
- Equipment Inspection & Maintenance: Inspect, adjust, and secure the high pole (such as non-conductive wind-resistant poles), warning lights, flags, oversized load banners, and communication gear daily.
- Incident Prevention & Reporting: Document route anomalies, report clearance issues, and assist in coordinating safe passage through complex intersections.
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (Commercial Driver's License / CDL may be preferred or required by certain employers).
- Certifications & Training: State-recognized Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (P/EVO) certification (such as WITPAC or state-specific credentials where applicable) and defensive driving courses.
- Age Requirements: Minimum 18 years old in most states (21 years old in select states like NY, PA, or for specific interstate criteria).
- Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with professional high-pole setups (vehicle-frame-mounted systems, striker tips), amber strobe/warning lights, and two-way radios.
- Physical & Personal Traits: High attention to detail, calm under pressure, situational awareness, and willingness to travel or work flexible/irregular hours.
- Extended hours spent driving on highways, rural roads, and through urban construction zones.
- Exposure to varied weather and traffic conditions.
- Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required on-site, including high-visibility safety vests, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and eye protection
- Depends on experience
- Hourly pay, over time after 8 daily hours, plus daily per diem, all hotels paid.