In 1998 over 180 million cattle, calves, swine, sheep, and lambs were marketed in the United States.(1) That same year, U.S. exports of these same species amounted to well over one million. Whether the animals are destined for domestic markets, border countries, or to airports and seaports for foreign offshore markets, highway transport plays a vital role in this marketing process. The keys to a successful outcome are careful and efficient planning and proper follow-through to assure maintenance of the stock throughout the handling and transportation process. Such measures will also help maintain the market value of stock and reduce claims due to injury and mortality. This guide will address many important aspects of livestock highway transport, from the planning stage, through loading procedures, and finally, unloading at final destination or port for onward journey. It is designed as a practical reference for use by shippers, carriers, receivers, and others in the livestock industry to help assure safe and efficient livestock highway transport.
Livestock export shipments are subject to numerous regulations; however, the focus of this guide is on technical aspects of transporting livestock over the road. Although many species of livestock are commonly carried by truck, the scope of this guide is limited to cattle and swine.