Truth be told, there is no simple answer to this question. Most often, this will vary depending on the state as well as the company the driver works for.
Per-mile pay for these experts will also depend on the distance traveled, the type of freight, as well as the rate the company is willing to pay. Nevertheless, pilot car drivers are most often paid per mile and will receive around $200 for the first 100-150 miles.
Afterward, they will get around $1.30 to $1.50 for other additional miles driven. Keep in mind that this puts their average annual salary around $34,000 per year, particularly for those who work for companies that have a good stream of clients to offer pilot car services.
Within the transportation sector, one of the most lucrative means to make more money is to become a pilot car driver. The viability of this profession is dependent on the fact that at least sixty-three percent of U.S. freight is hauled by trucks and specialized carriers.
This has propelled hauling oversize freight as one of the most prevalent modes of transport. Indeed, we barely hear of this job and the services they render.
However, it has proven to be a good job to make money on the side as long as you have the determination and driving experience. Nonetheless, there is no salary cap for pilot car drivers, particularly those who are paid per mile. Howbeit, as long as there’s work, it is possible to do the work and earn as much as you can.
Factors That Determine How Much Pilot Car Drivers Make Per Mile and Per Hour
It can be difficult to estimate how much these drivers can make per mile or even per hour since there are a whole lot of factors that will determine the exact amount they earn. Nevertheless, outlined below are those factors;
1. Location
Same as most other professionals, the location of the company or where the driver offers the pilot car services will determine how much the driver makes. This according to experts will depend on things like the level of demand, regulations, and cost of living.
2. Experience
This is another vital factor that will determine how much a pilot car driver will make in the United States. It is believed that with experience comes expertise and the more experienced pilot car drivers will definitely earn more when compared to new drivers.
3. Type of Load
Just as it was noted above, at least sixty-three percent of U.S. freight is hauled by trucks and specialized carriers. This simply means that just about anything can be hauled using a truck.
Owing to that, the size and type of the load that is being escorted will factor when determining how much the driver gets paid. Keep in mind that oversized or hazardous loads will indeed necessitate more specialized knowledge and will mean better pay.
4. Distance Traveled
You will want to consider this factor when evaluating how much pilot car drivers make in the United States. Just as was noted above, pilot car drivers are most often paid per mile and will receive around $200 for the first 100-150 miles. Afterward, they will get around $1.30 to $1.50 for all other additional miles driven.
5. Industry and Clientele
A whole lot of industries work with the transportation industry to move vital items and ensure that they can continue offering unique products or services to their clientele.
For pilot car drivers, working with specific industries or clients, such as the construction or energy sector, can mean better pay. Industries that also haul or need hazardous items transported will also pay more due to the risky nature of the job.
6. Negotiation Skills
Your ability to negotiate and get better rates from clients is without doubt a valid factor in determining earnings. Negotiating is more or less about advocating for your interests while seeking a balance between them and the needs of others. Learning to do this well indeed bolsters your internal locus of control, and that means more income.
7. Company vs. Independent
One thing you will have to understand is that the income of a driver who works for a pilot car company will differ from that of an owner–operator who offers the same service.
As an independent operator, it falls on you to set your own rates, maybe after you have taken your operating costs into consideration. But as a company driver, your income depends on the rates set by the company or your basic wage.
8. Additional Services
Also note that the more services you offer to clients the more income you will most likely make. A good number of pilot car companies are known to offer additional services that will most often include route planning, route surveys, and transportation project planning.
Conclusion
Just as was noted above, there is no simple answer to how much a pilot car driver makes in the United States. Most often, this will vary depending on the state as well as the company the driver works for. Nevertheless, pilot car drivers are most often paid per mile and will receive around $200 for the first 100-150 miles.
Afterward, they will get around $1.30 to $1.50 for all other additional miles driven. Keep in mind that this puts their average annual salary around $34,000 per year, particularly for those who work for companies that have a good stream of clients.