An escort, or pilot car, is a vehicle that accompanies an oversized load to help it move safely through traffic. The escort makes sure the truck has room to navigate, watches for hazards like low bridges, and alerts other drivers that an unusually large load is coming.
Depending on the size of the load and state rules, one or more escorts may be required by permit, positioned ahead of and behind the truck. They’re a standard part of moving anything that exceeds normal legal dimensions, often alongside a heavy hauler.