Shipping animals can be an incredibly complex process. The livestock transport company must not only handle the animals with care, but it also has to navigate the strict transport regulations governing this industry.
If you want your animals to make it to their destination safely, it is critical that you choose a reputable animal shipping company. However, selecting the right carrier can be quite challenging due to the sheer number of options out there.
Fortunately, FreightWaves Ratings has done the hard work for you. As part of our follow-up to our article How to Choose the Best Shipping Carrier, we have compiled a list of the best livestock shipping companies in the U.S. Let’s get started so that you can find the right livestock shippers for your needs.
Quicklook: Best Livestock Shippers
- Best For Obtaining Multiple Quotes: uShip
- Best For International Shipping: World Wide Livestock Express
- Best For Domestic Animal Transport: Heavy Haulers
- Best For Personalized Support: Bob May Livestock
- Best For Local Transport: Lawless Livestock Transport
5 Best Livestock Shippers Options
Our top livestock shippers are:
uShip
uShip is not technically a livestock shipper. Instead, the company provides a platform for connecting with livestock shippers throughout the nation. Those in need of animal shipping services can use the platform to find multiple quotes and locate the best available rates.
Best For: Obtaining multiple quotes
States Serviced: All 50 states
International Shipping: Yes
Special Features:
- Compare multiple quotes
- Book online
- Easy-to-use platform
Benefits:
- Find great rates
- Save time
- Read reviews of shippers
Disadvantages:
- Not an actual shipper
- Minimal personalized support
World Wide Livestock Express
World Wide Livestock Express specializes in international ocean livestock shipping. However, the company also provides long-distance domestic shipping and air international shipping. They are the best option if you need to ship your animals abroad.
Best For: International shipping
States Serviced: All 50 states
International Shipping: Yes
Special Features:
- International ocean shipping
- International air shipping
Benefits:
- Multiple international shipping options
- Will haul livestock to ports/airports
Disadvantages:
- Some shipping options are quite expensive
Heavy Haulers
Heavy Haulers offers several different types of transportation services, including livestock shipping. Their experienced team of livestock shippers can assist with every aspect of animal shipping, including corralling animals and loading them onto trailers. This full-service hauler serves the lower 48 states.
Best For: Domestic animal transport
States Serviced: 48 states
International Shipping: No
Special Features:
- Assists with corralling and loading
- Drivers specialize in livestock shipping
Benefits:
- Full-service livestock shippers
- Skilled drivers
- Good rates
Disadvantages:
- No international shipping
Bob May Livestock
Bob May Livestock primarily serves customers located along the west coast and throughout the midwest. However, it does make some trips to the eastern side of the nation. The company can arrange shipments in other areas of the nation, but deliveries to the southeastern U.S. will be quite costly.
Best For: Personalized support
States Serviced: West Coast and Midwest
International Shipping: No
Special Features:
- Personalized support
- Great industry reputation
Benefits:
- Good pricing
- Skilled drivers
Disadvantages:
- Limited service area
- Deliveries outside of normal routes cost significantly more
Lawless Livestock Transport
Lawless Livestock Transport serves the lower 48 states by providing long-distance livestock transport services. What sets this shipper apart is that it also provides local transport. Its local transport services can be used to haul livestock to veterinary visits, auctions, shows, or wherever you need to go.
Best For: Local transports
States Serviced: Lower 48 states
International Shipping: No
Special Features:
- Local transport
- Domestic long-distance transport
Benefits:
- Great customer service
- Transparent pricing
- Local transport services
Disadvantages:
- May not be able to handle huge volume moves
What Is Livestock Shipping?
Livestock shipping is the process of transporting live animals that are primarily used for food production purposes.
Examples of livestock animals include pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens. The transportation of horses also falls under the umbrella of livestock shipping. However, horses are typically transported in different types of trailers that offer additional protection.
How Does Livestock Shipping Work?
When scheduling livestock shipping services, animal owners must inform the shipper what types of animals they need to ship, where they are being hauled to, and when the load needs to be picked up.
The shippers will arrive, assist with the loading of the animals, and deliver them to the intended destination. During transit, livestock shippers are responsible for the well-being of the animals.
What Are the Livestock Transport Regulations?
While there are many regulations governing the transport of live animals, the most important law that livestock shippers must be familiar with is the Animal Welfare Act.
Among other things, the act requires shippers to provide “humane treatment” while animals are in transit. It is critical that shippers adhere to these provisions, as being transported can be a major source of stress that negatively impacts animals’ health.