High Pole/Pilot Driver

Corthell Transportation; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corthell Transportation LLC is seeking a High Pole Driver to lead ahead of oversized freight. You will physically verify vertical clearances and communicate hazards to the main truck driver, ensuring safe passages through bridges, signs, and obstacles.

Responsibilities include running ahead to test clearances, maintaining constant radio contact, reviewing permits, warning surrounding traffic, and inspecting the high-pole system and gear daily; willingness to travel is required.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• P/EVO certification (state or national) and defensive driving training.
• Age 18+ (varies by state) and able to travel.
• Experience with pilot escort duties or oversized loads preferred.

Responsibilities

• Test vertical clearances ahead of the load against bridges, lines, and signs.
• Maintain constant radio contact with the main driver and escort team.
• Review transport permits, routing rules, and pre-trip instructions.
• Warn traffic of restrictions, turns, and work zones.
• Inspect and secure high pole, lights, flags, banners, and comms gear daily.
• Document route issues and help coordinate safe passage through complex intersections.

Skills

CDL preferred

P/EVO certified

Two-way radios

Tools

High-pole systems

Job description

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

• 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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.

Working Conditions

• 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.

Pay

• Depends on experience
• Hourly pay,over time after 8 daily hours, plus daily per diem, all hotels paid.