Trailer Safety

Keeping your livestock and your family safe on the road Keeping your livestock and your family safe on the road Trailer safety during livestock transportation

Moving goats from one location to another is inevitable. And, whether you are headed to a show, to the vet or to a sale or auction, it is necessary to take precautions so that you and your livestock are safe.

Goat producers use several means of transportation to move animals from point A to point B. Goat boxes, stock trailers and horse trailers all have unique safety requirements, but they all have one thing in common -- they are moving precious cargo.

Small transporter

Small animal boxes are convenient to move a small number of animals. Most boxes fit between the wheel wells of a pick-up.

If you are loading and unloading heavy animals into a tote, be sure to have a ramp to safely walk animals into the transporter.

Open boxes may need an additional cover. Tarps can be used as protection from sun and wind; however, it is critical that these items be secured to the box and checked throughout the trip. Boxes also may need to be tied down depending on the weight and style of the tote. Regular vehicle maintenance should apply whether using a box or a trailer to transport animals.

Small Trailers / Horse Trailer

Longer excursions or for hauling a larger number of animals requires a horse or stock trailer. Trailer safety,

including proper maintenance and operation, is critical to the safety of everyone on the road. Not only is it important to protecting the animals, but it also important because our image as producers rests on the operation of well-maintained trailers.

Family operations make up the largest percentage of goat production and according to Amanda Wickman, program manager at the Southwest Ag Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education, accidents happen when inexperienced or young helpers on family farms are not trained properly.

“Young people who help hook up a trailer need to be trained on hand signals and communication,” she said. “This has to be a slow process, and when you are hitting the gas - brake - gas - brake, there is a lot of room for error.”

Wickman recommends lining up trailers from outside the danger zone to prevent being crushed. “We see so many people get crushed when someone uses the wrong pedal. You can always pull up and back up again, but once you’ve pass the point of no return, it is too late.”

Recognizing other pinch points is also critical to your own safety. Cut gates should be secured open or closed to prevent accidental injuries. “If you can tie or secure animals from the outside of the trailer, you minimize the risk to yourself.”

If you are carrying tack, be sure to secure the tack so that it doesn’t shift or fall on animals or you when you open doors.

Safety for trailers also includes knowing the legal limits of a trailer load. If you are involved in a vehicle accident with

Keeping your livestock and your family safe on the road Keeping your livestock and your family safe on the road Trailer safety during livestock transportation by Karla Blackstock by Karla Blackstock

a loaded trailer, you could be at fault if you do happen to exceed the trailer’s load limits.

Also, all trailers must be in good condition and have plenty of tread on the tires. A sound trailer with working lights, safety chains, working hitch and good tires is critical when moving livestock.

Below is a list of items that should be checked for safety.

Spare: Periodically check the age of all tires, including the spare. The last four digits of the DOT number on the sidewall indicate the month and year of the tire was manufactured. Even if a tire has never been used, it can be unsafe. Dry rot and other issues can cause a tire to deteriorate over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires more than seven years old regardless of wear. Before heading out for a long road trip, check the tire pressure on all tires.

Safety Chains: Make sure safety cables and chains are securely latched and connected.

Working hitch: Always double check that the trailer hitch is securely latched and that the correct-sized ball is used.

Lights: Ensure that the electrical connection is plugged in and secured. Bumpy roads can cause a disconnect if not secured. Check lights to be sure that all turn signals and running/perimeter lights are working properly.

Brakes: Be sure that all brakes and the brake controller is working properly. The majority of the United States requires a controller when a trailer exceeds 3,000 lbs, but some are as low as 1,000 lbs. Check your state regulations regarding your requirements at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/.

Remember that breakdowns do happen. And, you are not alone if you believe these only happen to you in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the dark.

Be sure you carry the appropriate jack and tools for these types of on-the-road fixes. Be sure to know who you can call to complete your haul or stall your animals if the repair will take longer than expected.

If a breakdown prohibits you from reaching your destination, be sure you have bedding and an adequate source / means of providing water to stressed animals.

Finally, be sure that your trailers have adequate ventilation. Exhaust from vehicles and heat can cause toxicity or heat strokes if animals do not have proper air flow.

General Safety

If you are hauling livestock for another breeder or owner, be sure you understand your insurance policy and confirm coverage on the trailer and the animals that you are hauling.

Load and unload livestock carefully to minimize stress. If animals appear unhealthy, do not load them. Chances are that the stress will have a greater impact on their health.

Also check for additional blind spots. Putting either a box on the bed of your truck or a trailer behind it will cause additional blind spots.

“Accidents happen when inexperienced or young help on family farms are not trained properly. Young people who help hook up a trailer need to be trained on hand signals and communication.”

Finally, consider your own emotional state of mind.

“Most of the time, accidents happen when someone is in a hurry,” Wickman said.

Exhaustion, frustration or agitation also can lead to an aggressive driver. Be sure you give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so that you are not stressed. And, if your trip takes you in the night hours, be sure you know your own limitations.

You can find additional information and youtube video on goat safety, as well as cattle and horse trailer safety at http://www.swagcenter.org/resourcesvideos.asp.