Oak Forest, Illinois regulations require all heavy haul operations to comply with the Illinois Department of Transportation (ILDOT) guidelines as well as local ordinances administered by the Oak Forest Department of Transportation (OAKDOT).

Heavy haul permits are required for any load exceeding 13 feet in width, 14 feet 0 inches in height, or 278,890 lbs in gross vehicle weight. These dimensions are strictly enforced throughout Oak Forest, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Special consideration must be given to route planning to avoid Oak Forest Basin and the vicinity of Oak Forest Civic Center, which have infrastructure limitations or heavy pedestrian traffic that may impede oversized loads.

Escort vehicles are required for oversize loads exceeding 17 feet in width or 13 feet 6 inches in height on highways and certain city streets. The Illinois State Police often require escorts for loads that are particularly large or heavy.

For movements within Oak Forest, the Oak Forest Department of Transportation may mandate police escorts for oversize loads, especially during peak traffic hours. Scheduling these escorts requires advance notice, typically at least 32 hours prior to the move.

To apply for an oversize load permit in Illinois, companies must submit their applications through the Illinois Department of Transportation's permit portal. Additional permits for Oak Forest may require submission to Oak Forest Department of Transportation.

Documentation required includes detailed route plans, load dimensions, and weight certificates. For super heavy loads, a detailed engineering analysis may be necessary to ensure that the load can be safely transported without damaging city infrastructure.

Oak Forest has strict time-of-day restrictions for oversize loads, generally prohibiting movements during peak hours (6-8 am and 3-6 pm, Monday-Friday).

Seasonal restrictions apply during major events like the the Oak Forest Holiday Exposition and the the Oak Forest Spring Games, which may impact routing and scheduling.

Certain neighborhoods, such as Oak Forest Center and areas around Oak Forest Lake, have restricted access for oversize loads. Alternative routes should be planned in advance to avoid these areas.

The base permit fee for an oversize load in Illinois is $40, with additional fees for super heavy loads (over 200,000 lbs) ranging from $150 to $350 depending on the complexity of the move.

For movements within Oak Forest, Oak Forest Department of Transportation may charge additional fees for city-specific permits, which can range from $75 to $500 or more for particularly complex routes or those requiring extensive coordination with city agencies.