CENTRAL PERMITS

ESCORT CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Fee: No charge at this time

Drivers of vehicles that intend to escort superloads within Kansas shall be come certified before operating in Kansas. Included in the Escort Certification Program are specific standards that must be fully understood. There are also specific pieces of equipment that must be kept in each vehicle when escorting superloads.

To obtain information about the certification process contact:
Central Permits
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison Room 150
Topeka, KS 66612
785-368-6501 Hours 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM
After hours call Comdata 1-800-749-7107

Or by email:
mc@kdor.state.ks.us

Certifications
One (1) year	A person may become a certified escort driver provided they have obtained another state certification, and possess a valid driver’s license. After the initial one-year certification, if a driver desires to become re-certified he or she shall have completed a defensive driving course that has been approved by the National Safety Council (call 816-842-5223 to obtain the location of training classes nearest your location)
Three (3) years	A person may become a Certified Escort driver by providing evidence of possessing a CDL or is able provide evidence of passing a defensive driving course that has been approved by the National Safety Council .

REQUIREMENTS

ALL DRIVERS ESCORTING SUPERLOADS SHALL BECOME CERTIFIED BEFORE ESCORTING ANY SUPERLOADS IN KANSAS.

To inititiate the process for becoming a Certified Escort driver, the applicant must print their own certified escort materials. This escort certification information cannot be faxed to applicant.

Read the information very carefully. When you sign the "Escort Certification of Compliance" you are indicating you have read, understand and will FULLY comply with all the standards therein.

The forms entitled, "Superload Pre-Trip Report” and the “Superload Post-Trip Report” shall be competed by one of the certified escorts and returned to Central Permits, within five (5) days after the move has been completed. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of the escort certification.

The request for certification/re-certification will be denied in all cases if the applicable supporting documents are not included with the application (i.e. copy of the defensive driving course, copy of your drivers license or a copy of your CDL, etc.). As you take renewal classes for defensive driving, etc. include copies of these documents when you recertify.

The form entitled, "Superload Trip Report " is to be completed by only one of the certified escorts but signed by both certified escort drivers. The escort driver completing and signing the report verifies that he or she is the one that prepared the report. The second escort driver shall review the form for accuracy and by signing the form indicates the report is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The completed for shall be returned to Central Permits, within five (5) days after the move has been completed. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of the escort certification for all the drivers escorting the vehicle and load.

If you have lost your initial packet of information contact Central Permits at 785-368-6501 Hours 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM After hours call Comdata 1-800-749-7107 . New information can be sent to you.

Certified escorts are fully responsible for the safe transportation of superloads in Kansas.

DO'S AND DON'T'S OF EACH TRIP

Do make sure you have with you a copy of the following documents:

A current copy of the Central Permits manual (Use as a reference to look up specific regulations during the move), and
The Escort Pretrip Check List (Use to make sure all the appropriate duties have been done/checked before moving a standard OSOW load), and
The Escort Post Trip Report (Use this form to report all incidents/accidents/problems that occur during the movement of the load.)

Do conduct a short meeting with the driver of the vehicle and load.

Do go over the details shown on the permit and bridge review memo

Do verify the information shown on the permit

Don't argue with the driver at any time. If you need assistance at any time call the Central Permits at 785-368-6501 Hours 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM After hours call Comdata 1-800-749-7107 or the local KHP office.

Do set your height pole to a position that ensures the height of the load does not contact any portion of overhead structures or power lines.

Do ensure that all appropriate electrical/railroad companies have been contacted before moving

Do make sure you have contacted the first KDOT official shown on the bridge review memorandum when escorting superloads.

Don't do anything that will jeapordize the safety of anyone associated with them move or the members of the traveling public.

Each escort driver shall meet with the superload driver before beginning the move for a number of reasons:

To make sure both the escort and driver understands the information that has been printed on the permit
To verify the information shown on the permit (the height of the load is what is shown on the permit, etc.).
If there is a discrepancy or to obtain the bridge memorandum, the escort driver shall call 785-368-6501 Hours 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM After hours call Comdata 1-800-749-7107 to discuss the matter with a permit technician
To read the bridge memorandum very carefully to ensure that both the driver of the superload and the escort driver are very familiar with the approved route, know what is to be done when crossing over bridges and to make sure all restrictions are understood by everyone
To know what needs to be done if and when an emergency situation is encountered.

If there are any questions or further clarification is needed on any of the restrictions shown on the permit or issues surrounding the movement of superloads contact the permit section at 785-368-6501 Hours 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM After hours call Comdata 1-800-749-7107 to resolve any questions.