1. Know Your Weather (and Plan Ahead)
Fall and winter hauling means conditions can change by the hour. One morning might start below freezing and warm up by noon.
Before you load up:
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Check forecasts along your entire route—not just your starting point.
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Watch for wind chill warnings—cold air moving through trailer vents can chill animals quickly.
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Plan extra time for icy roads and slower travel.
2. Trailer Prep: The First Line of Defense
Your trailer setup can make or break a winter haul.
Keep it safe and insulated:
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Seal drafts: Make sure vents and windows are secure but still allow airflow to prevent condensation.
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Check flooring: Use dry bedding or rubber mats for insulation and footing. Wet or frozen floors can cause slips and chill animals from underneath.
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Inspect doors and latches: Cold can stiffen metal parts—make sure everything opens and closes smoothly before loading.
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Avoid overpacking: Overcrowding creates uneven air circulation and more stress.
3. Bedding and Ventilation: Finding the Balance
It’s tempting to shut the trailer up tight to keep animals warm—but without airflow, moisture builds up, creating damp, ammonia-filled air that’s just as dangerous as cold. Use products like SciZyme to prevent and eliminate ammonia build up in your trailer.
Best approach:
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Use dry, thick bedding (like shavings or straw) to insulate.
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Keep some vents cracked open for gentle air exchange.
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Avoid sudden temperature extremes—going from a cold barn into a tightly sealed, stuffy trailer can shock animals.
Moisture, manure, and urine trapped in a trailer during cold weather can create slick surfaces and ammonia buildup. Using an enzyme product like SciZyme before and after hauling helps break down waste and neutralize ammonia odors, keeping your trailer cleaner, fresher, and safer for the next trip.
4. Hydration and Feeding on the Road
Cold weather can actually reduce thirst, which increases the risk of dehydration—especially on long hauls.
Pro tips:
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Offer water before loading and during rest stops.
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Carry extra buckets and jugs of warm water (animals often drink more if it’s not ice cold).
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Keep feed consistent with what they’re used to—abrupt diet changes can cause stress or digestive issues.
5. Managing Stops and Delays
Unexpected delays happen—especially in winter. If you’re parked for more than an hour:
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Check animals frequently. Look for shivering, stamping, or signs of distress.
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Open vents slightly if moisture is building up inside.
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Avoid idling with the truck exhaust blowing near trailer vents—it can introduce harmful fumes.
6. After the Haul: Post-Trip Care
When you arrive, help your livestock transition smoothly back into comfort mode:
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Move them into a dry, draft-free area immediately.
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Provide fresh water and hay right away.
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Watch for signs of respiratory stress, fatigue, or dehydration over the next 24 hours.
