For information on transporting other species, visit the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines Land Transport of Livestock.
Effective preparation practices for the transport of livestock include:
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✓ resting recently mustered livestock prior to loading ✓ co-mingling of animals from different mobs well in advance of the journey ✓ recording and communicating the date and times livestock last had access to feed and water ✓ competent selection of livestock prior to loading ✓ performing husbandry practices well in advance of the journey ✓ planning the journey with consideration given to the length of the journey and weather conditions ✓ utilisation of appropriate loading facilities that are fit for purpose ✓ knowing who to contact in case of an emergency. |
LivestockASSIST
This is a 24-hour national hotline to coordinate emergency responses to incidents involving heavy vehicles carrying livestock.
The national number is 1800 4 ALRTA (or 1800 425 782).
Note: The hotline is free for all livestock transporters or anyone else at the scene of an incident.
Industry vision
By 2028, all players in the Australian livestock industry will know and act on their livestock transport responsibilities to achieve world-class outcomes for livestock and supply chain partners, with data to back it up.
Knowing your responsibilities
Under Australian law, there is a chain of responsibility for livestock welfare that needs to be adhered to. In the chain of responsibility, the producer, or their representative, is the consignor.
The chain of responsibility for livestock welfare in the transport process includes:
New livestock regulatory advice
National Heavy Vehicle Regular latest advice on livestock transport safety
Top 10 transport tips
1. Prepare the yards: Make sure trucks can safely access the property and yards and have adequate space to back up to the loading ramp. Also ensure yards, races, gates and loading ramps are well maintained and consider best practice yard design for safety and efficiency.
2. Prepare the livestock: Ensure all livestock are fit to load for the intended journey – if in doubt, leave them out. Don’t run them in from the paddock as the truck is backing in to load – rested livestock with access to good quality dry hay and clean water travel best.
3. Plan the journey with your transporter: Think about the class of livestock, weather conditions and length of their intended journey whether you are transporting cattle, sheep or goats.
4. Communicate clearly: Ensure you convey the date and time of loading, property address, yard location, contact phone numbers, correct weights, numbers and types of livestock to make sure the right truck is sent with enough space to load the number of livestock you wish to consign.
5. Chain of responsibility: Know your roles and responsibilities and make sure livestock are prepared well for the intended journey (see above).
6. Use a professional livestock carrier: Remember the driver has the final say and carries responsibility for what can go on the truck.
7. Documentation: have all your paperwork ready, for example National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) and other necessary documentation. The electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) app is a mobile, offline solution for livestock consignments.
8. Avoid loading and moving in extreme weather: It is very important to stay in close contact with your transport operator in the event of weather warnings at the scheduled time of loading. Weather can impact truck access and animal welfare.
9. Be patient with loading: Low stress livestock handling and loading is better for livestock and people as well as more efficient and effective.
10. Mutual respect: Achieving a good transport outcome is a team effort with all parties working cooperatively towards a common goal – getting livestock safely to their destination in the best possible condition.
Fit to load checklistBefore livestock are loaded, ensure you complete this checklist. Remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure animals are fit to load and fit for the intended journey ahead of loading. The animal:
Note: If the animal was grazed on lush green pasture, ensure it was removed from the paddock well in advance of loading and provided with access to adequate roughage (where possible). Make sure the animals are prepared in the best way possible, noting water curfew is very important when transporting goats. Ensure paperwork is completed and facilities are safe, operational and ready for when the truck arrives to load your consignment. |
Time off water and spelling periods
*Calves 5–30 days travelling without mothers MUST have been adequately fed milk or milk replacer on the farm within six hours of transport.
*Calves 5–30 days travelling without mothers MUST have been adequately fed milk or milk replacer on the farm within six hours of transport.
Loading densities table
Information tailored to you
Everyone in the red meat supply chain plays a role in safe, humane livestock transport. Find information below to help you play your part.
Case studies
On the ground and on the road – hear from those involved in a wide range of roles within the livestock transport industry.
Why stress-free stock handling is key to boosting profit
When unprepared, the change in climate and feed, as well as shock from travel, can cause a lag in growth and weight loss in cattle. For producers like Sean D’Arcy from the Gascoyne region, it’s taken years of work to ensure this doesn’t negatively impact productivity and profitability.
Gascoyne, WA
Funny loading ramps group highlights serious issue
Alex McGorman created the ‘Crap Loading Ramps Australia’ Facebook group to drive important change around animal welfare and on-farm safety.
Sanderston, SA
Getting goat transport right from the get-go
Taking time to familiarise weaner goats with handling, loading and transport can pay dividends, according to Queensland grazier Glenda Henry.
Emerald, Qld
Greg and Joanne Wright - Getting livestock transport Wright
For beef and wool producer Greg Wright and his wife Joanne, maintaining good relationships with carriers and preparing according to livestock type are important considerations for transport.
Glencoe, NSW
Nick Vereker - Road Trains Australia
As one of Australia's largest transport companies, RTA says communication and timing are key when carting cattle.
Darwin, NT
Alina Hawkins - Top tips before loading
Alina Hawkins from the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria provides her top tips for producers in the 48 hours before loading livestock.
Echuca, VIC
Graham Sharman - StockTrans
With 58 logbooks under his belt Graham Sharman says transporting livestock comes down to good preparation.
Glen Innes, NSW
Lachy’s top tips for maintaining condition of stud bulls and rams in transport
When buying stud bulls and rams, Lachy Day says preparing for the journey home can help to minimise stress, optimise fertility and keep the animals in the best condition for working.
Bordertown, SA
Lock and Liz Rogers – Beef producers
New England beef producer Lock Rogers discusses how good preparation keeps cattle in condition for transport.
Wongwibinda, NSW
Athol Carter – Frasers Livestock Transport
Athol talks about how the livestock industry can work together to meet consumer expectations.
Rockhampton, Qld
Jim Larkin – Beef producer
Carting heavy cows 13 hours in the drought Jim discussed preparation with his driver and had no issues in transport.
Binnaway, NSW
Rick Young – NAPCo
Rick uses data he has collected to demonstrate the cost of poor stock handling on animal health and the bottom line.
Wainui, Qld
Adam Ross - Martins Stock Haulage
Adam discusses how to preserve the quality of livestock in transport.
Mt Tabor, Qld
Rob Inglis - Improving performance with effective weaning
Rob Inglis says Elders Feeder Ready program supports producers to set weaner cattle on the path to productivity.
Wagga Wagga, NSW
