If you've ever had to figure out how many escort cars you need for an oversize load crossing three, four, or even ten states, you know the headache. Every state has different rules. What's legal in Texas might require two escorts and a police car in Virginia.

That's why we built Plan A Load — a free tool that gives you instant answers.

What Does Plan A Load Do?

Enter your load dimensions (width, height, length, weight) and select the states on your route. In seconds, you'll see:

  • How many escort vehicles each state requires
  • Escort positioning — front, rear, or both
  • High pole requirements — which states need a height pole vehicle
  • Police escort requirements — where law enforcement escorts are mandatory
  • Route survey needs — states that require a pre-trip route survey
  • Travel restrictions — allowed hours, weekend rules, holiday blackouts, and urban restrictions

How to Use It

Using the tool is straightforward:

  1. Enter your pickup and delivery locations — the tool shows the route on a map with distance and drive time
  2. Select the states on your route — type the state name or abbreviation (e.g., "TX" or "Texas") and click to add
  3. Enter your load dimensions — width, height, and overall length in feet and inches
  4. Click Calculate — get a full state-by-state breakdown with color-coded results

You can also add overhang and gross weight for even more accurate results.

Share and Save Your Results

Once you calculate, you can:

  • Copy a shareable link — send the exact results to your dispatcher, driver, or client
  • Email the results — we'll send a branded report straight to any email address
  • Bookmark the URL — every calculation has a unique URL so you can come back to it anytime

Important: This Is an Estimate

We want to be upfront — Plan A Load provides estimated requirements based on general state regulations. It's a planning tool, not a permit. Here's what you should know:

  • Regulations change frequently, and some states update their rules without much notice
  • Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, toll roads) may have additional requirements
  • You will still need to obtain the proper oversize/overweight permits before moving your load
  • Some states have case-by-case rules for extremely large loads

Think of Plan A Load as your first step — it tells you what to expect so you can budget and plan accordingly.

How This Helps You Save Time and Money

Knowing escort requirements before you commit to a route helps you:

  • Compare routes — sometimes a slightly longer route through different states requires fewer escorts
  • Budget accurately — know upfront if you'll need one escort or three, and whether police escorts add cost
  • Avoid surprises — nothing worse than getting stopped at a state line because you're missing an escort
  • Plan timing — travel restrictions vary widely, and some states won't let you move on weekends or holidays

Need Help? We're One Call Away

Plan A Load gives you the information. When you're ready to move, we handle the rest. Pilot Cars & Permits provides:

  • Professional escort vehicles with experienced pilots
  • Height pole service
  • Nationwide coverage across all 48 states
  • Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Call us at (214) 550-7192 for a quote, or order a pilot car online and we'll take care of everything.

Try Plan A Load Now — It's Free