| Certified Pilot Cars, LLC™ |
Florida Keys Pilot Cars
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When can we make oversize load movements in & out of the Florida Keys?
A: The days & times for allowing oversize load movements are set by the
Florida Department of Transportation permit office. They will issue a provision
sheet along with the permit which will state the specific requirements & times.
Q: Where should we meet the escort prior to entering the Florida Keys?
A: There are a few locations in Florida City, FL for oversize loads to park & wait
for their escorts. We can make suggestions for you & your load. Some hotels
have truck parking but require you stay at the hotel.
Q: We have a load coming from out of state & are only required to have an
escort in the Florida Keys & no where else in the state, why is that?
A: The escort requirements in the Florida Keys are different due to the high
volume of tourists during the day & the safety risks of running at night.
Q: My permit says I need a law enforcement escort; can you provide us with a
law enforcement escort?
A: Yes. We work directly with local and state law enforcement as needed.
Q: My permit says “one civilian escort”; can I use a law enforcement escort
instead of a civilian escort?
A: Yes; however, there are a couple of things to consider when using a law
enforcement escort as opposed to a civilian escort:
1. Civilian escorts are required to maintain two-way radio communication with
the drivers at all times. Law enforcement escorts are not. Night time moves are
inherently dangerous & you need to be in communication with your escort in
order to be aware of all potential hazards ensuring the safe movement of your
oversize load.
2. When a law enforcement escort approaches a vehicle from behind, most
drivers move off the roadway only far enough for the law enforcement vehicle
to pass, not noticing the approaching oversize load. This does not leave much
room for the oversize load creating a situation which most often places the
oversize load into the on-coming traffic lane in order to pass the stopped vehicle
sticking out into the roadway. With a civilian escort, there is plenty of warning
of the approaching oversize load – with a law enforcement escort, most drivers
assume it’s just on the way to a call; not escorting an oversize load.
Q: Isn't a law enforcement escort just as good as a civilian escort?
A: In our professional opinion; no. Without two-way communication with
your escort (civilian or law enforcement) you are on your own & at a much
greater risk. And after all, isn’t the safety of the motoring public the most
important thing? We think you'll agree it is.
Q: I've never been to the Florida Keys, how familiar are you with the Keys?
A: We have been escorting oversize loads in & out of the Florida Keys since
1998. We are so familiar with the Florida Keys that we'll give you a "guided
tour" at no charge while enroute to your destination. FACT: There are a total of
42 bridges on US-1 (the Overseas Highway) from the main-land to Key West.
The longest being the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually only 6.79 miles long).
Q: When can we make oversize load movements in & out of the Florida Keys?
A: The days & times for allowing oversize load movements are set by the
Florida Department of Transportation permit office. They will issue a provision
sheet along with the permit which will state the specific requirements & times.
Q: Where should we meet the escort prior to entering the Florida Keys?
A: There are a few locations in Florida City, FL for oversize loads to park & wait
for their escorts. We can make suggestions for you & your load. Some hotels
have truck parking but require you stay at the hotel.
Q: We have a load coming from out of state & are only required to have an
escort in the Florida Keys & no where else in the state, why is that?
A: The escort requirements in the Florida Keys are different due to the high
volume of tourists during the day & the safety risks of running at night.
Q: My permit says I need a law enforcement escort; can you provide us with a
law enforcement escort?
A: Yes. We work directly with local and state law enforcement as needed.
Q: My permit says “one civilian escort”; can I use a law enforcement escort
instead of a civilian escort?
A: Yes; however, there are a couple of things to consider when using a law
enforcement escort as opposed to a civilian escort:
1. Civilian escorts are required to maintain two-way radio communication with
the drivers at all times. Law enforcement escorts are not. Night time moves are
inherently dangerous & you need to be in communication with your escort in
order to be aware of all potential hazards ensuring the safe movement of your
oversize load.
2. When a law enforcement escort approaches a vehicle from behind, most
drivers move off the roadway only far enough for the law enforcement vehicle
to pass, not noticing the approaching oversize load. This does not leave much
room for the oversize load creating a situation which most often places the
oversize load into the on-coming traffic lane in order to pass the stopped vehicle
sticking out into the roadway. With a civilian escort, there is plenty of warning
of the approaching oversize load – with a law enforcement escort, most drivers
assume it’s just on the way to a call; not escorting an oversize load.
Q: Isn't a law enforcement escort just as good as a civilian escort?
A: In our professional opinion; no. Without two-way communication with
your escort (civilian or law enforcement) you are on your own & at a much
greater risk. And after all, isn’t the safety of the motoring public the most
important thing? We think you'll agree it is.
Q: I've never been to the Florida Keys, how familiar are you with the Keys?
A: We have been escorting oversize loads in & out of the Florida Keys since
1998. We are so familiar with the Florida Keys that we'll give you a "guided
tour" at no charge while enroute to your destination. FACT: There are a total of
42 bridges on US-1 (the Overseas Highway) from the main-land to Key West.
The longest being the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually only 6.79 miles long).
| Certified Pilot Cars, LLC specializes in offering pilot cars to escort your oversize load movements in & out of the Florida Keys. Below are some frequently asked questions about oversize load movement specific to the Florida Keys. Click here for a detailed map of the Florida Keys. |
| If you have any other questions, please call 1-954-389-9770 or email: dispatch@certifiedpilotcars.com |
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