Making the Most of Transporting Livestock by Truck

Find important regulations regarding transporting livestock by truck

The three main methods of livestock trucking are with livestock trailers, via cattle trucks or livestock transporting services. All have their pros and cons for livestock shippers, and all feel the effect industry rules and regulations. Making the most of transporting livestock by truck happens when you understand the regulations and the discussions surrounding livestock trucks and the well being of the animals transported.

Livestock trucks must follow the same rules and regulations as other trucks on the road, but livestock trailers must also comply with ethical standards for transporting livestock. When making the most of transporting livestock by truck, look for this information.

1. How to humanely transport cows, even those headed for slaughter.

2. The controversy surrounding some livestock trailers used for horse transportation.

3. Find general information that applies to all livestock haulers and all types of animals.

 

Find regulations about cattle when transporting livestock by truck

Cattle shippers frequently haul loads to meat packing plants and other locations where cattle go for slaughter. However, it's still essential that your cattle truck and all personnel can humanely handle the load. Other times, livestock trailers stocked with cattle travel to farms for breeding, feeding and showing. The trip can take a toll on these animals and actually de-value the cow, but livestock transporting services can take steps to prevent this from happening.
Try: The AVMA issued a policy about transporting livestock, such as cattle, destined for slaughter. CattleNetwork.com features tips for de-stressing cattle before and during transport.

Consider livestock haulers information for horse transportation

Having adequate livestock trailers is essential when you're involved in horse transportation. The trailer should have enough room for the horse to comfortable extend its head and legs. Because of that, many organizations frown upon the use of double-decker livestock trucks for horse transportation.
Try: Livestock Transport features an article addressing the controversy about double-decker trailers used to transport horses. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued horse transport regulations to make sure that the transportation and handling of horses, to any destination, is humane.

Research general livestock trucking information affecting the transportation of other animals

Pigs, sheep and goats are just a few of the other types of animals transported in livestock trucks. While each type of animal has its own set of challenges, there are general rules and regulations that affect these smaller animals as a group.
Try: NFU maintains a page dedicated to information and regulations about hauling livestock by truck. If your transport has potential to be a long haul, read about the potential risks to all types of animals on the Mary Ann Liebert website. You might also want to read up on the industry issues and challenges about livestock transport from the Journal of Animal Science. Articles include the economic factors of transporting livestock and even the importance of transporting animals that are physically fit.

 

• Making the most of transporting livestock by truck means exploring all the options and taking the one that makes the most business sense for your company.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---