Texas

Escorts

When escorts are needed and number of escorts required

On all highways

• Width exceeding of 14’ up to 16’ requires 1 escort (Front)
• Width over 16’ up to 20' requires 2 escorts (Front & Rear)
• Width exceeding 20' requires Motor Carrier Division certification
• Length over 110’ up to 125’ requires 1 escort (Rear on 2-lane highways and Front on 4 or more lane highways)
• Length over 125’ requires 2 escorts (Front & Rear)
• Overhang (front or rear) exceeding 20’ requires 1 escort (Rear on 2-lane highways and Front on 4 or more lane highways)
• Height over 17’ and less than 18' requires 1 escort (Front with high pole)
• Height over 18’ up to 19' generally requires 2 escorts (Front with high pole and Rear)
• Height over 19’ requires Motor Carrier Division certification.
• If a load exceeds escort requirements in two dimensions, front and rear escorts are required. For example, if a load is 16’ wide and 112’ long, one escort is required for the width and one escort is required for the length. This rule does not apply if the two dimensions are length and overhang.

Loads exceeding 20’ in width must physically inspect a proposed route and certify to the Motor Carrier Division by letter or facsimile that the overwidth load can safely negotiate the route.

Loads 19’ or higher must physically inspect a proposed route and certify to the Motor Carrier Division by letter or facsimile that the overheight load can safely negotiate all power, communication, and cable television lines and all other low vertical obstructions.

Overlength loads may convoy and share escorts under the following conditions:

• 110’ to 150’ long: Convoy up to four loads with one front and one rear escort
• 150’1” to 180’ long: Convoy two loads with one front and one rear escort

Super loads:

Loads exceeding 254,300 lbs., 20' wide, 18'11" high, 125' long, or a 30' overhang are considered super loads and require a route survey.

Escort vehicle requirements can differ significantly by state in terms of mandatory driver qualifications, training, certifications, vehicle weights, obligatory signage/flags/lighting, necessary onboard equipment, and more. The ODS team can provide you with all additional requirements specific to your route.