Semi trailers have been used to transport cattle for many years due to the ample space they offer. However, it’s difficult for a new semi trailer owner to know the exact number of cows that can fit in one semi trailer, especially if it’s the first time you’re transporting them.
A 53 ft. trailer can carry up to 25 cattle, the 48 ft. trailer can handle at least 17 cattle, and the 28 ft. trailer handles at least 9 cattle. However, the number of cattle a semi trailer can carry depends on the size of the trailer in question. Additionally, the physical size of the cattle also decides the number you can load in a trailer.
That’s not everything, as you still need to know how much space one cow requires in a semi trailer and how to transport them safely in a semi, which you will learn if you read on.
How Many Cattle Can a Semi Trailer Haul?
Cows are among the most taxing domestic animals to transport due to their sheer physical size and weight. Their reaction to being on a moving vehicle is also unpredictable, which adds more anxiety to a first-time mover. Not only is loading too many cattle in a semi trailer dangerous for the animals as they can get injured, but it’s also against the road safety regulations which allow for a minimum load that a trailer can carry. That’s why it’s critical to know how many cattle can fit in your semi trailer.
The Size of the Trailer Matters
The number of cattle a semi trailer can carry depends on the actual size of the said trailer. As expected, large semis can carry more loads due to their wider spaces. For this reason, it’s essential to know the actual size of your semi trailer before loading in the cows. Standard semi trailers include:
- A 53-foot semi trailer – It’s the largest semi trailer allowed for domestic and commercial use on many roads. It can carry a maximum of 25 full-grown cattle, depending on their physical size.
- A 48-foot semi trailer – It’s a typical semi trailer used to haul different cargos. It can carry a maximum of 17 full-grown cattle, but the number could vary depending on how big the cows are during transportation.
- A 28-foot semi trailer – It’s not very common for hauling cargos on the road due to its limited space. However, the semi can carry at least 10 full-grown cows.
The Physical Size of the Cattle Matters as Well
This is where things get a bit complicated, as cows are known to grow to different weights and physical appearances. On average, a 53-foot semi trailer can load a maximum of 23 cattle, each weighing 1,200 pounds. A 43-foot semi can handle at least 15 cattle of the same weight, with a 28-foot semi capable of taking on seven or eight similar cattle.
Sometimes it’s not entirely about the number of cattle, but the weight limit allowed to haul using a specific semi trailer. Make sure you check in with your local authority to determine the approved weight limit.
How Much Space Does a Cow Need in a Trailer?
On average, a full-grown cattle weighing 1,200 pounds requires at least 14 square feet of space on a trailer. A calf weighing 600 pounds requires 9 square feet of space on a trailer. These are the standard requirements, even though some people are known to offer little room to their cattle during transportation.
In theory, the regulations look ideal for spacing your cattle. However, the regulations don’t factor in that cows tend to move around, which means a calf might not get as much space as full-grown cows.
How Do You Transport Cattle Safely on a Semi Trailer?
Start by separating the calves from the herd to avoid unnecessary injuries. Load full-grown cattle first and sort them out based on their physical size and weight, with the heaviest going in first. Follow that with lighter ones, and finish off with the calves.
This type of loading ensures that bigger cows don’t sandwich smaller ones, which would lead to suffocation, injuries, and in some extreme cases, death.
Final Thoughts
The number of cattle you can load on a semi trailer will depend on the size of the trailer, as bigger ones can carry more cows. It also depends on the actual size of the cattle, as some grow bigger than others. However, it’s critical to keep in mind the weight limit rather than the number of cattle that a trailer can handle. A fully grown cow needs at least 14 square feet of space, with a calf needing only 9 square-foot of space in a trailer. When transporting cattle in a semi trailer, start by sorting them in terms of weight and physical size.
