All oversize loads entering the City of St. Jo must conform to the requirements set by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Montague County regulations.

Generally, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, or exceeding 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight should obtain an oversize load permit from the TxDOT Motor Carrier Division and notify the St. Jo Public Works Department to ensure local infrastructure can handle the load.

Due to the rural nature of St. Jo and its proximity to the Waggoner Ranch, extra caution should be exercised when transporting livestock or agricultural equipment. Specific routes may be suggested by the Public Works Department to avoid peak agricultural activity times.

Escort vehicles are typically required in St. Jo when the load exceeds 12 feet in width or 16 feet in height. A single escort is required for widths between 12 and 14 feet, while loads exceeding 14 feet in width generally require two escorts (front and rear). Height escorts with height poles are mandatory for loads exceeding 16 feet.

Local police escorts from the Montague County Sheriff's Office may be required for extremely large or complex moves, particularly those impacting FM 455 or County Road 175. Fees for police escorts are typically $75 per hour, with a 4-hour minimum. Scheduling requires at least 72 hours advance notice through the Sheriff's Office dispatch.

To apply for oversize load permits affecting St. Jo, first obtain the necessary permits from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through their online permitting system. Then, contact the St. Jo Public Works Department at (940) 995-2761 to inform them of your route and schedule. Provide your TxDOT permit number for verification.

Documentation requirements for St. Jo include a copy of the TxDOT permit, a detailed route map highlighting the proposed path through the city, and proof of insurance. For loads exceeding 16 feet in height, a route survey demonstrating adequate vertical clearance is also required.

Oversize loads are generally restricted from traveling through St. Jo during school bus hours (7:00 AM - 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM) on school days to minimize traffic congestion around St. Jo ISD.

During the annual St. Jo Homecoming celebration in October, certain routes through downtown may be temporarily restricted. Check with the Public Works Department for specific dates and times.

Avoid using FM 455 through the center of town if possible due to narrow lanes and pedestrian traffic. Consider using County Road 175 as an alternate route, but verify bridge weight limits beforehand.

The City of St. Jo does not typically charge a separate permit fee for oversize loads, provided the carrier has obtained the necessary permits from TxDOT. However, fees may be assessed for special services such as traffic control or route surveys.

Fees for police escorts, if required, are billed directly by the Montague County Sheriff's Office at a rate of $75 per hour, with a minimum charge of $300 (4 hours).