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Cattle Trailers and Transport

Hauling is one of the most stressful events in a beef animal's life, and it is also where injuries and bruising happen. The right trailer and a careful driver make a real difference.

Why transport deserves planning

Cattle are loaded, moved and unloaded in a short time, often with unfamiliar surroundings and sounds. Stress, injury and bruising can happen anywhere in that chain. Careful planning reduces losses, protects welfare and protects the value of the cattle.

Beef Quality Assurance programs cover transport and handling, and many buyers expect producers to follow them. Check with BQA for current guidance.

Consider the cattle's condition before the trip. Animals that are well rested, fed and watered in the days before shipping travel better than animals that are tired or stressed. Ask your buyer or hauler about feeding and holding before loading.

Types of trailers

Common types include gooseneck stock trailers, bumper-pull trailers and semi-trailers. The right choice depends on herd size, distance and the tow vehicle. A small ranch may use a gooseneck, while larger operations hire commercial haulers.

Make sure the trailer suits the animals. Cows with calves, bulls and young cattle all have different needs, and mixing them can lead to injuries. Ask your extension office or hauler how to group cattle for hauling.

Whether you haul your own cattle or hire a commercial hauler, ask about experience, insurance and how they handle problems on the road. A good hauler will gladly talk through loading, stops and unloading with you.

• Gooseneck stock trailers: common on small and mid-size ranches
• Bumper-pull trailers: smaller loads, lower tow weights
• Semi-trailers: commercial hauling, large groups
• Dividers and gates to separate groups

Flooring, sides and ventilation

Slipping is one of the biggest hazards. Trailer floors need good traction, and many producers add grooved flooring or rubber mats or bedding in some conditions. Ask your extension office for advice on floors and bedding for your climate.

Ventilation must allow air through while keeping wind and weather off animals. Cold, wet cattle or hot, crowded cattle are both at risk. Slats and vents should be sized and placed so air moves without chilling cattle.

Remember that conditions inside the trailer differ from conditions outside. In cold weather, wind chill from speed can be harsh on animals, and in hot weather, a stopped trailer can heat quickly. Plan stops and timing around the weather.

Loading density and grouping

Crowding is a common cause of injuries, and loose, under-filled loads let cattle slide and fall. The right amount of space depends on size, horns, weather and distance. Ask your hauler, extension office or BQA program for current recommendations.

Keep similar weights and sizes together, and keep bulls and cows with young calves separate from other animals. Sort and load in groups that were together before whenever possible.

Driver duties and handling on the road

A smooth driver is as important as a good trailer. Accelerate, brake and turn gently, and avoid sudden stops. Plan routes to avoid rough roads and heavy traffic, and allow extra time so you are not tempted to rush.

Check cattle during the trip at safe stopping points, and keep rest breaks and weather in mind. If an animal goes down, do not continue without addressing it safely and seek help from your veterinarian or hauler.

Think about unloading as well. Make sure the receiving pens are ready, with water, footing and gates set before the trailer arrives. Careful unloading at the end of the trip is as important as careful loading at the start.

Paperwork, rules and health

Transport rules differ by state and by destination. Health papers, brand inspection, identification and permits may be required. Ask your state department of agriculture, state veterinarian or USDA APHIS about what you need before you move cattle.

Never haul animals that are sick, injured or unfit unless a veterinarian approves. Animals that cannot walk should not be loaded. Treated animals must meet any withdrawal times before shipment, and you must follow label or veterinarian instructions exactly.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include overloading, using worn or slippery floors, rushing loading, mixing incompatible groups and skipping paperwork. Another is neglecting trailer maintenance until a breakdown on the road.

Keep a pre-trip checklist, and review each haul afterward to see what could be better. Small improvements reduce stress, bruising and injury.

• Check trailer, hitch and floor before every trip
• Confirm papers and permits
• Group cattle appropriately
• Plan the route, rest stops and weather

More in Ranch Operations, Facilities & Equipment

• Trailer Maintenance Checklist
• Loading Cattle Safely
• Weighing Cattle and Scale Maintenance
• RFID Readers and Cattle Identification
• Ear Tagging Systems
• Branding Equipment and Techniques