Safe Livestock Transportation in Alberta: Trailer Hygiene and Maintenance

People have always needed to periodically transport animals between different farms, markets and processing plants. Now it has become easier to do this, on the one hand, because there are specialized solutions that make transportation safe and comfortable for the animal. On the other hand, the requirements for transportation safety have increased, and transport and service must meet them. We offer trailers for livestock trailer service and are ready to tell you in detail how to create conditions for transportation that meet the requirements of animal protection and ensure long-term profitability and the reputation of the enterprise in terms of livestock health.

Biosecurity is particularly relevant to transportation, as dirty trailers are the easiest and fastest way for infections to spread. Alberta is closely involved in national and international transportation chains, so it has particularly strict standards based on the Livestock Identification and Trade Act (LICA) and the federal Health of Animals Regulations. These regulations require companies to document movements, transport only healthy animals, and ensure that the vehicles are in good condition and clean. As a trailer rental company, we comply with the Health of Animals Regulations and can guarantee that we provide clean trailers that are maintained and cleaned in a way that does not pose a threat to the welfare of the animals. Renting a livestock trailer from us is safe.

The cleaning process is built on long experience, and it is not for nothing that each stage is critical. You can’t just pour disinfectant over everything and consider it clean. Microorganisms have learned to survive in difficult conditions, and to minimize the risks of infection, it is necessary to carry out a complete and high-quality cleaning of all equipment every time.

Basic cleaning of organics helps prepare the surface for further treatment. With a shovel, brush or special scraper, we remove all visible dirt. We go through the walls, corners, cracks and floor, this helps to physically get rid of the main points of concentration of microorganisms. Then we wash away the dust, and so the trailer is ready for a full wash.

Using high-pressure washers, we clean the entire surface, from ceiling to floor. We use specialized detergents that are suitable for washing out animal organics and are compatible with appropriate disinfectants. Then we treat it with disinfectants that work against the main viruses, bacteria and fungi. The agent must be approved for contact with farm animals and used correctly – concentration, exposure time and temperature are important. Depending on the product and situation, additional rinsing of the disinfectant may be required.

The final stage is drying, because bacteria and fungi can multiply quickly in residual moisture. You can dry livestock trailers with fans in the cold season, or in the sun – this is even better. In any case, it is important that all corners and seams are dry. When checking whether the trailer is dry, we also monitor its general condition. Only if the trailer is dry, clean and in good condition can we rent it out for the safe transportation of animals.

The cleanliness of the trailer is not the only condition for the safety of animals. We must be especially attentive to the transportation of living creatures, and ensure their comfortable transportation without physical risks to health. The condition of the floor, the strength of the structure, the correct operation of ventilation, the reliability of fasteners and other nuances are important. Even the stability of the structure and the absence of creaks are important in order not to create additional stress for the animal, which is already in difficult conditions. Injured or stressed animals demonstrate poorer performance, higher morbidity rates and, in the worst case, increased mortality. For animal owners and representatives of transport companies, this means potential legal consequences and financial losses. Therefore, we invest our efforts and funds in regular maintenance of trailers – to minimize risks for both your business and us.

The floor is very important, because the animals should not get injured in the hooves, legs or lower abdomen. All cracks, protrusions, sharp edges should be examined and repaired. Uncertain support leads to constant muscle tension, fatigue and an increased risk of injury during sudden braking or steering maneuvers. The animal should stand confidently on a non-slip surface. We also pay attention to intact but worn elements and replace them if necessary. From the main loading areas and ramps to partitions and thresholds – every element must be safe, and we check this. The bedding is also important, because it can make the surface warm and non-slip, or vice versa.

Animal transportation should be carried out exclusively in ventilated trailers, so that fresh air enters and gases, moisture and heat are removed. Animals breathe, urine smells of ammonia, manure is moist and also has a smell – such a combination can quickly lead to suffocation. We always check the ventilation holes and temperature control systems, which should provide a comfortable microclimate both in winter, so that the animals do not freeze and catch a cold, and in summer, to eliminate heat stroke.

When looking for livestock trailer prices near me, pay attention not only to the cost of services, but also to the quality. For example, we at Hetman Rental guarantee that our animal trailers undergo full-cycle treatment after each use. We comply with legal requirements and work according to standard multi-level hygiene protocols. Each trailer is thoroughly washed, disinfected and checked technically after use. We work with many farms in Alberta and provide clean and safe trailers.

A number of practical factors influence the amount producers spend on purchasing or renting a trailer.

When estimating cost, don’t forget to factor in insurance, depreciation, maintenance and downtime. Check our livestock trailer rental prices — for many, occasional rentals are more profitable than buying.