Shipping guide
Once you buy an animal two states away, freight becomes part of the price. Here is how haulers quote, what changes the number, and what you need ready before pickup.
Per loaded mile: the common structure for a dedicated load, usually with a minimum charge for short trips.
Per head on a shared or 'space available' load — cheaper, but you wait for the route to fill.
Deadhead miles to reach you and to get home after are usually built into the quote.
Extra stops, difficult loading, or waiting time add money; be honest about your setup up front.
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health papers) for interstate movement, dated inside the window your destination state requires.
Brand inspection or ownership paperwork where your state requires it.
Any required testing — Coggins for horses, and disease testing rules that vary by species and state.
A bill of sale, and payment settled so the hauler is not stuck between buyer and seller.
Have a working pen, chute or gate setup ready before the truck arrives. Haulers charge for time.
Know the trailer's clearance and turning room on your driveway; a semi cannot back down a narrow farm lane.
Feed and water plans on both ends, and a quarantine pen at the destination.
Ask for their USDOT number, insurance, and references from recent hauls of your species.
Get the quote in writing with what is included: fuel, layovers, bedding, and rest stops.
Never send a large deposit to an unverified hauler; agree on payment on delivery whenever possible.
Confirm they haul your species. Cattle haulers and horse haulers are not interchangeable.
Hauling rates change with fuel and season, and requirements vary by state and species. Confirm current health paper rules with your state's department of agriculture.