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

  Conditions for the transportation of live animals depend on the type, age, and health of the transported livestock. Transportation of horses, cattle, and sheep by road is strictly controlled by veterinary services. Before the start of the journey, animals undergo veterinary and sanitary preparation and treatment, during which experts assess their health, identify the presence of diseases, conduct allergy tests, and give vaccinations. Thus, veterinary services reduce the risks of epizootics. The transportation of livestock entails significant responsibilities. Animals need to be fed, watered, given an opportunity to rest, and protected from injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a sufficient amount of feed in advance and prepare transport specially adapted with drinking bowls and other equipment.

  For safety reasons, loading and unloading of livestock is carried out using special devices such as trestles, bridges, and gangways with non-slip surfaces. For animal feeding and rest, carriers organize regular stops in specially designated places. During the transportation of livestock, adult bulls, cows and young animals are kept separately to ensure the safety of the animals. Delivery of cattle together with other animals is prohibited. The transportation of live pigs is subject to a special temperature regime. Since pigs are prone to overheating, the temperature in the vehicle must be moderate. Carriers regularly carry out preventive maintenance to protect against temperature stress and frequently ventilate the vehicle.

  It is recommended that the transportation of sheep by road be carried out at moderate temperatures, since frost and heat can harm the animals. During the transportation of horses, the animals are unhooked and tied inside the vehicle so that they can lie down. For their safety, horsecloths and other devices are used.

  The conditions for the transportation of live fish by road are similar in many respects to the conditions for the transport of perishable goods. Delivery should be as fast as possible, and a certain temperature regime must be observed. Special requirements are imposed not only on temperature, but also on the composition of water in the tanks with live fish. AsstrA carefully monitors changes in the national and international laws regulating the transport of live animals and ensures safe and timely shipments taking into account the characteristics of a particular product.

• TYPES OF VEHICLE

  For the international transport of livestock and other types of animals, specially-adapted sea, rail, air and road transport is used. Each vehicle meets all sanitary and technical requirements. In particular, stock trucks are equipped with a functioning ventilation system, drinking bowls, and a GPS navigation system for continuous monitoring. Before use, vehicles and containers are cleaned, washed, disinfected, and checked for the presence of protruding tacks or other sharp objects. 

  For safety in vehicles intended for the transportation of livestock by road, metal lattices and wooden boards are installed. Thanks to these and other security measures, it is possible to reduce the risks of injuries, contamination, and death of live animals. For the road transportation of cattle, sheep, horses and pigs by road, specialized stock trucks are used. Live fish are transported in special containers, tanks, and cisterns filled with disinfected, purified water without foreign smells and impurities. 

  For the transport of live animals by sea, animals are placed in a specially constructed corral in ships' holds or on the deck where necessary equipment is available such as bedding, drinking bowls, and other devices. The transport of live animals by air transport is subject to quantitative restrictions. For example, a one-time shipment of more than two hundred units of cattle by air transport is prohibited. For security purposes, large corrals are constructed in cargo planes, the walls of which are lined with softening materials.

  Similar requirements have been established for the transport of animals by road. Our Partners help us make deliveries in a timely and safe way. All vehicles and trailers used have a full set of licenses and certificates. Experienced AsstrA experts select a specially adapted vehicle for the  transportation of fish, livestock and other live animals, taking into account the properties of the particular cargo and customer needs. If necessary, our specialists develop intermodal schemes using air, road, sea and railway transport.

• OUR CAPABILITIES

  AsstrA's qualifications and long-term experience in the field of international transport of live animals allow us to find individual solutions for each customer. Our employees are guided by the needs and wishes of the customer, taking into account the properties of the cargo and the geography of transportation. Cooperation with reliable transport companies helps make convenient routes, clearly coordinate all stages of delivery, and transport any cargo promptly within the agreed time.

  AsstrA's provides a range of services related to the transportation of live animals, including:

  1. Coordination and confirmation of all transport stages.
  2. Organization of individual safety measures for live animals undergoing transportation, taking into account the requirements and wishes of the customer, the properties of cargo, the route, and road conditions.
  3. 24/7 safety monitoring and location tracking for cargo during transportation.
  4. Overseeing loading and unloading of livestock in compliance with all safety standards.
  5. Assistance in the passage of customs procedures and customs clearance.
  6. Consultations on logistics and customs issues.
  7. AsstrA Security. Our security service department checks the availability of all necessary licenses and registrations from carriers and cooperates only with those transport companies having legally operated as such for more than 120 working days.
  8. Organization and provision of the following types of transport using all modes of transport:

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

     AsstrA employees are qualified to solve every issue related to the international transport of live animals. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of our specialists, each AsstrA customer is guaranteed maximum cargo safety during transportation, a clear and well-organized delivery system, adherence the established terms of transportation, and fulfillment of 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 employees comply with the requirements for the safety of transported goods. In addition, AsstrA has a AEO authorized business certificate of an authorized business entity AEO. This certificate , provesing that our company is a reliable and financially stable Partner, which fulfillsing theall necessary regulatory conditions. of transportation and follows the requirements of the legislation

  3. COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE
     

     AsstrA specialists provide a full range of services for the transportation of horses, sheep and other animals from a single logistics operator, including insurance and consulting services. In addition to a global presence in 18 countries, our company has 8 ownin-house customs agencies, which allows allowing us to constantly improve existing and offer innovative logistics and transport solutions while simultaneously driving innovation..

  4. EXPERT PARTNERS
     

     AsstrA carries out the transportation of pigs, sheep, and other animals with the help of trusted transport companies. Our transport Partners cooperate with us on the basis of long-term contracts which guarantee the achievement of high KPIs regardless of market conditions. AsstrA's transport Partners have all necessary licenses, permits, and carrier liability insurance contracts.

  5. FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS
     

     AsstrA cherishes the trust and financial well-being of its customers and strives to ensure the maximum safety and efficiency of the services provided for the transport of livestock. AsstrA's liability is covered for EUR 3,000,000 per insured event. Insurance coverage is provided by our reliable Partner Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Switzerland).

• REGULATIONS / DOCUMENTS

  The transportation of live animals is regulated on several levels, including international and national laws aimed at protecting animals and the environment. Norms governing the transport of animals are found in numerous technical regulations as well as documents establishing sanitary, hygienic and technical standards of transportation, certification rules, and directions from veterinary services. All these documents establish complex and detailed procedures for the international transportation of live animals.

  Legislation imposes certain obligations not only on carriers, but also on cargo owners and shippers. The owner or the shipper is required to issue a number of certificates and permits to accompany the shipment. The system is designed to ensure sanitary safety and prevent epidemiological threats. In particular, before transportation it is necessary to obtain accompanying veterinary documents for animals, permit veterinary inspections, and agree on the route and rest stops with the authorized veterinary authorities. AsstrA not only monitors compliance with relevant rules and regulations concerning the transport of live animals but also advises on the preparation of related documentation, including shipping documents, invoices, customs declarations, permits, etc.