Transportation of animals

The international transport of live animals is a corner of the agricultural industry where smart logistics support and reliable transport services are strongly needed – and confidently delivered to AsstrA’s valued customers. As the agricultural companies continue to discover new markets and build numerous international business networks, the demand for such cargo shipments is growing dramatically. The agricultural industry is now essential for every country’s economy, as every country’s food security depends on it. In order to supply the needs of the modern market, companies actively participate in the trade of both livestock and associated goods. The transportation of live animals by all available modes is one of our core service offerings backed by years of experience.

We organize the transportation of animals for agricultural purposes by land transport, air carriers, vessels or via mixed modes all across Europe, including the former CIS countries, and the Baltic countries. We also operate in Asia. Our dedicated employees examine load characteristics thoroughly to create logistics schemes that suit our valued customers’ requirements in the best possible way. AsstrA arranges transportation of livestock to all available destinations with no delays. Our prices stay fair and our quality standards never fall thanks to cooperation with trusted transport companies. The business model has proven effective for all the parties involved.

Please see an outline of our strengths in this sector and more information about relevant regulations and the documentation necessary for livestock shipment further down the page. You can also submit an inquiry there.

Hoof by hoof – transportation of livestock

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• CONDITIONS OF TRANSPORT

  The transportation of livestock involves great responsibility and requires compliance with many heightened standards. Because the cargo is alive and requires feeding and watering, AsstrA offers drinking bowls and makes regular rest stops in specially designated places. Other considerations include that the animals must also be protected from injuries, be kept in conditions with a certain temperature, and usually require additional equipment like trestles, bridges, and gangways that are used for loading and unloading. Specific transportation condition requirements depend on the type, age, and health of the livestock.

  The process starts with veterinary and sanitary checks. To reduce the risks of epizootics, veterinary services examine animals' health, conduct allergy tests, and vaccinate them. Animal transportation is also monitored by veterinary services.

  Cattle should be kept apart from other animals. Bulls, cows, and young animals are kept separately to ensure their safety.

  Pigs have unique requirements and must not be exposed to high temperatures that would cause them to overheat. When transporting pigs we carry out preventive maintenance on vehicles and ensure proper ongoing ventilation.

  A special temperature regime is also vital for sheep, which can be harmed by temperatures that are too high or too low, and live fish. Special care is also required when loading and unloading the cargo, e.g. water levels must be maintained in tanks with live fish.

  To ensure the safety of horses, it is important to remember to provide horsecloths and other devices allowing them to be unhooked and tied in such a way that they may lie down. 

  AsstrA understands the importance of proper livestock transport and the responsibility involved. We regularly monitor changes in the national and international laws regulating the transport of live animals and ensure safe, fast, and efficient delivery in compliance with these rules.

• VEHICLE TYPES

  To ensure the safe international transportation of livestock and other kinds of animals, there are a number of sanitary and technical requirements related to the sea, rail, air and road vehicles used for this purpose.

  These requirements involve verifying the cleanliness of the enclosures, using a wide range of disinfectants, testing for the presence of protruding tacks or other sharp objects, and providing proper ventilation systems. Drinking bowls, metal lattices, and wooden boards may be required, as are GPS navigation systems for continuous monitoring, to name just a few examples.

  These extra measures reduce the risks of injuries, epizootics, diseases, and even death for live animals. Specialized stock trucks are used for the road transportation of cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs. Special containers and tanks that are filled with disinfected, purified water free of foreign matter and smells are used to transport live fish.

  There are some limitations placed on the transportation of live animals by air. For example, no more than 200 head of cattle may be shipped on a given flight. Cargo planes may be used to transport live animals. But to make them safer for animals, the aircraft walls are upholstered with softening materials and large corrals are constructed inside.

  Sea vessels are often equipped with corrals in ships' holds or on the deck. Additionally, bedding, drinking bowls, and other devices must often be provided. Transportation of animals by road involves similar requirements.

  Together with our partners, AsstrA provides each client with comprehensive services designed to make each shipment as fast and safe as possible. Our professional teams work hard to find the best option suited to each client’s unique requirements. They select air, road, sea and railway transport options specially equipped for the transportation of fish, livestock and other live animals. All our vehicles are fully licensed and certified.

• OUR CAPABILITIES

  

  We’ve spent 20 successful years in international logistics and show no sign of letting up. During this time, we’ve faced a wide range of challenging situations that have helped us gain a thorough understanding of multiple industries. We have developed our own network of partners, gained internationally recognized qualifications, and hired skilled team members who are always eager to find tailored solutions for even the most challenging requirements. Our reliable partners help us optimize logistics chains, track cargo during all the transportation stages, and get cargo delivered as fast as possible.

  To support the transportation of live animals, AsstrA offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

  1. Coordination and confirmation of all transport stages. 
  2. Provision of requisite conditions and additional safety measures for live animals, based on cargo characteristics, the client's wishes and requirements, and the specifics of the route.
  3. Regular monitoring and tracking of cargo during all the transportation process.
  4. Compliance with all safety standards while loading and unloading of livestock.
  5. Сustom declarations and customs procedures assistance.
  6. Consultation on customs procedures and related issues.
  7. Verified partners. The AsstrA Security Department performs background checks on all our partners to confirm that they have all necessary documents and licenses. We work exclusively with carriers who have been legally operating as such for at least 120 working days. 
  8. Provision of different transport modes making it possible to ship:

  • horses;
  • live fish;
  • pigs;
  • livestock;
  • sheep.
• OUR ADVANTAGES
  1. MARKET KNOWLEDGE

     AsstrA’s team of qualified professionals are always ready to solve any issues that arise. They provide each client with a tailored solution, peace of mind as to the safety of their cargo, transparent transport processes, fast delivery, and compliance with all technical and sanitary standards.

  2. RELIABILITY

     AsstrA is a member of the Association for the Protection of Transported Goods (TARA). Membership in this organization confirms that our team follows all appropriate requirements supporting the safety of transported goods.

     Additionally, AsstrA is an Authorized Economic Operator. That means our company is recognized as a trusted and financially sound partner that meets all the regulatory conditions of transportation and follows all legislative requirements.

  3. COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE

     AsstrA specialists provide a full range of services (starting with insurance and consulting services and ending with urgent delivery) for the transportation of cattle, pigs and other livestock. We have representative offices in 18 countries all around the globe and 8 in-house customs agencies enabling us to offer innovative logistics and transport solutions that are continuously improving.

  4. EXPERT PARTNERS

     Providing top-quality services is a top priority for us. To ensure the fast and safe transportation of livestock, we work exclusively with reliable transport companies that we have verified to have all the necessary licenses, permits, and carrier liability insurance contracts. Our long-term cooperation with them guarantees the achievement of high KPIs.

  5. FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS

     AsstrA takes full responsibility for ensuring the maximum safety and efficiency of the livestock transportation services we provide. Each insured event is covered by our reliable partner Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Switzerland) for EUR 3M.

• REGULATIONS / DOCUMENTS

  The transportation of live animals involves several layers of legal regulations, including international and country-specific laws designed to protect animals. There are also a significant number of technical regulations and paperwork requirements related to sanitary, hygienic and technical standards of transportation, certification norms, and veterinary directives governing the international shipment of live animal norms.

  Livestock carriers, owners, and shippers all have legal liabilities, and a number of certificates and permits have to be issued to accompany each shipment. These rules were established to reduce the risks of epizootics and make the process of livestock transportation as safe as possible. 

  Before the livestock starts its journey, multiple documents confirming veterinary inspections, permissions, route selection, and rest stop availability must be signed and certified. 

  AsstrA takes responsibility for ensuring compliance with all current legislation governing the international transportation of live animals and consults on all accompanying documentation, including shipping documents, customs declarations, permits, etc.