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Loading Livestock in Cold Weather

Cold weather brings slick ramps, wind chill and long waits. Careful planning protects animals from chill and protects people from falls and accidents.

Why does cold weather change the job?

Cold, wet and windy conditions make animals more vulnerable to chilling, especially young, thin or sick animals. They also make ramps, floors and yards slippery. Handlers wear heavy clothing and have less grip and dexterity.

University extension articles on winter hauling, such as those from dairy and beef programs, explain how to think about these risks in detail. Read the guidance for your species and ask your veterinarian.

Wet animals lose heat faster, so rain or sleet before loading matters. If animals are wet, think about whether the trip can wait, and ask your veterinarian what is best for your animals.

How should you plan the trip?

Check the National Weather Service forecast along the whole route. Winter storms, ice and closed roads can add many hours to a trip. If conditions are severe, delaying the trip may be the best animal welfare decision.

Tell the destination when you expect to arrive, and tell family where you are going. Carry a charged phone, blankets and supplies for yourself in case of a delay.

• Check weather and road conditions before leaving
• Consider delaying during storms or ice
• Share your route and timing
• Carry emergency supplies for yourself

How do you manage airflow and wind?

Animals still need fresh air in cold weather, but they should be protected from direct drafts and wet wind. Adjust vents and slats so that air moves without blasting animals at standing level. The trailer's design and the type of animals determine the right balance.

Do not close the trailer tightly to keep animals warm, since moisture and ammonia can build up. Ask your veterinarian or extension livestock specialist about ventilation for your type of trailer and animals.

Check the trailer's latches, gates and hinges for freezing. Frozen latches can slow loading or prevent a gate from closing fully, which is a safety problem for the animals and for handlers.

What about footing and loading areas?

Clear snow and ice from yards and ramps before loading. Use traction materials recommended by your extension office or trailer maker, and make sure bedding or mats are suitable for wet, cold conditions.

Take extra care walking beside large animals on slippery ground. Move slowly and calmly, and give animals time to place their feet.

• Clear snow and ice from ramps
• Wear boots with good grip
• Move slowly beside large animals
• Keep gates and latches working

How do you reduce waiting and stress?

Plan loading so animals spend as little time as possible standing in the cold. Have the trailer ready, the route set and the destination expecting you. Avoid long idle periods with the trailer parked in wind.

Handle animals calmly. Hurrying and shouting cause stress and slips. Allow extra time for loading, since slowing down usually saves time overall.

Keep the engine and heating of the truck in mind. Long idling in a closed space is dangerous for people because of exhaust gases, so never idle in a closed building.

• Have the trailer ready before loading
• Keep the wait short
• Handle animals calmly
• Park out of the wind if you must wait
• Allow extra loading time

How do you look after yourself and helpers?

Cold affects people too. Dress in layers suited to wet conditions, take warm breaks and watch each other for signs of trouble such as shivering, confusion or numbness. The CDC and NIOSH publish guidance on working in cold conditions.

If anyone is injured or becomes seriously ill, call 911. Do not delay medical care to finish loading.

• Dress in layers suited to wet cold
• Take warm breaks
• Watch for shivering or confusion
• Call 911 for serious illness or injury
• Never idle a vehicle in a closed building

What should you do after arriving?

Unload carefully on cleared ground, and check animals for injuries or signs of illness. Ask your veterinarian for advice if anything seems wrong. Clean the trailer and check it for ice damage or frozen latches.

Review the trip with your helpers. Note what worked and what did not, and adjust your winter plan for the next haul.

Dispose of wet bedding properly and let the trailer dry. Moisture left inside can freeze and make the next load more difficult.

• Check animals on arrival
• Call your veterinarian about concerns
• Clean and dry the trailer
• Check latches for ice damage

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.