High Pole/Pilot Driver

Corthell Transportation • Wichita Falls, TX

3d

About The Position

The High Pole Driver operates a designated lead pilot car equipped with a vehicle-frame-mounted high pole and travels directly ahead of oversized and overweight freight. The role verifies vertical clearances in real time, including bridges, power lines, low-hanging trees, and traffic signs; communicates hazards immediately to the main transport driver; and helps prevent infrastructure strikes.

The position involves extended driving on highways, rural roads, and through urban construction zones, with exposure to varied weather and traffic conditions. The driver uses required personal protective equipment on-site, including a high-visibility safety vest, hard hat, steel-toed boots, and eye protection. Travel and flexible or irregular hours may be required.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• State-recognized Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator (P/EVO) certification, such as WITPAC or applicable state-specific credentials.
• Defensive driving course training.
• Familiarity with professional high-pole setups, including vehicle-frame-mounted systems and striker tips, amber warning lights, and two-way radios.
• High attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and situational awareness.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible or irregular hours.
• Minimum age is generally 18; select states or specific interstate criteria may require age 21.

Nice To Haves

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which may be preferred or required by certain employers.

Responsibilities

• Travel ahead of oversized loads to gauge and physically test vertical clearance at bridges, overpasses, utility lines, and tree branches.
• Maintain constant two-way radio contact with the main truck driver, other pilot cars, and multi-vehicle escort teams.
• Review transport permits, state routing rules, and pre-trip survey instructions before and during each move.
• Warn surrounding traffic and the main driver about road restrictions, sharp turns, narrow lanes, and active work zones.
• Daily inspect, adjust, and secure the high pole, warning lights, flags, oversized-load banners, and communication equipment.
• Document route anomalies, report clearance issues, and assist with coordinating safe passage through complex intersections.

Benefits

• Daily per diem.
• Hotels paid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed