How To Safely Transport Your Livestock with Gooseneck Cattle Trailers

Transporting livestock from one place to another can be a tough task and needs careful planning as well as execution. If one wants to transport cattle from one place to another, then there are certain guidelines that the Texas government has listed down. However, to meet the demands of the livestock transporters, the Gooseneck livestock trailer has made several models of trailers which makes it easy to transport them. The durability, stability, towing capacity, and maneuverability make it a popular choice amongst trailer buyers in Texas

Let’s check how you can transport cattle in Texas without compromising the guidelines given by the Texas government.

When you decide to buy a gooseneck cattle trailer, check for their models. Gooseneck trailers have a variety of models like - Galyean cattle trailer, Merritt 32' Gooseneck Aluminum Livestock Trailer which have a varied purpose and some might not be required for you. So, it is necessary to check the characteristics and features of trailers and weigh them according to your requirements. Do consider your journey duration, the type of metal utilized in the trailer, the size of the animals, the ventilation provision given in the trailer, and the spacing between the compartments to ensure safe and injury-free transportation 

So we can break down transportation safety into three parts - before loading, during loading, and after unloading

Before Loading Your Livestock On The Trailer

The first thing you need to do is to check the towing capacity of your trailer. You would need to calculate both the weights of your trailer as well as your total cattle weight to know whether the trailer would be able to carry the weight of your cattle. Compare this against your vehicle’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) towing capacity. If you overboard the capacity of the trailer that was ideally meant for your vehicle then you will risk damaging your trailer. 

Secondly, you need to check the flooring, because, over a while, the trailer floor may weaken. Especially, if you have wooden flooring then it is prone to be attacked by wood rotting insects. So it is important to have regular inspections and schedule repairs before your trip

Thirdly, Inspect your electrical connections, brake, and headlight functionality for appropriate road safety. Test the latch and hooks to avoid accidents during your trip

Lastly, test your tire to avoid tire punctures on roads. Every trailer tire pressure requirement is different. Your trailer manual would have the required tire pressure, adjust the tire pressure accordingly with the pressure gauge. Once you clear all these checks, then you are good to board the trailer. 

During Your Travel On The Roads

Ensure you have equally distributed the cattle weight in the trailer. If you have a gooseneck livestock trailer, you would be aware that the trailer has an ample amount of space with proper doors and gates, ensuring the cattle are securely closed and latched. Ensure that you practice the training session once with the animals so they are not scared for the first time.

Maintain a safe and steady speed, adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. Avoid sudden accelerations, decelerations, or sharp turns that may cause discomfort or unbalance the trailer. Don’t let your speedometer needle cross the limits. Apply even and gradual braking to minimize the risk of jerking or jolting the trailer. Keep an eye on the trailer's temperature and be mindful of the weather conditions. Ensure that the livestock is not exposed to extreme heat or cold.

For longer journeys, plan and schedule regular rest stops to allow the animals to stretch, drink water, and rest. Choose rest areas that provide ample space and accessible water sources. Avoid exposing the livestock to extreme weather conditions or crowded environments during these stops.

After Your Travel On The Roads

Keep the environment as calm as possible to avoid distractions and to keep the cattle relaxed. Remove the latch and unfasten them from the trailer. Take care to open gates or dividers slowly to avoid sudden movements that may startle the livestock. Provide a ramp or chute that is secure and in good condition to prevent slips or falls. 

Tidy up the area and store the trailer in an enclosed space to avoid rust and dust. 

Safely transporting livestock requires careful planning, the right equipment, and attention to detail. By choosing a suitable gooseneck cattle trailer, ensuring proper ventilation, securing the animals correctly, and following safe loading and driving practices, you can provide a safe and comfortable journey for your valuable livestock. Remember, the well-being of your animals should always be the top priority during transportation.

If you are planning to get a Gooseneck livestock trailer in Texas, stop by KOC Outdoors Trailer to take a look at our top-quality trailer inventory in Caldwell, TX from well-known trailer brands in Caldwell, TX. Contact us at (979) 567-7777