Lighting: Avoid areas that switch from light to dark, areas that have strong shadows or light shining into the eyes of the pig, all which can discourage movement.

Alleyways and doorways: Doorways should be at least the same width as the alleyway, and the door should open completely to eliminate pinch points. Avoid thresholds on the floor of the doorway to reduce balking.

Ramps and chutes: The loading chute should be designed to facilitate easy pig movement, reduce incidence of slips and falls and avoid injury and stress to the pig. Ramps should be 20 degrees or less.

Flooring: The trailer should have non-slip solid flooring.

Gates and Doors: All should open and close freely; they must be able to be secured shut and not have gaps.

Internal ramps: They should sit flush, with panels/rails in place to prevent animals from falling off the side. Ramps should not be so steep they cause animals to slip, and should be constructed of non-slip material.

Drain plugs: Ensure drain plugs are securely in place prior to loading pigs on the trailer.

Lighting: Trailer interior should be equipped with sufficient lighting if loading or unloading trailers in the dark.

Wetting pigs: Any shower/wetting mechanism used to cool pigs on board should be in good working order, especially in warm to hot temperatures.

Unloading ramps: Should have a leveled dock before the ramps go down so animals may walk on a level surface when they exit the truck. A good target for the ramp slope is no more than 20 degrees.

Stair steps: Recommended on concrete ramps because they provide better traction than cleats or grooves when ramps are dirty.

Flooring and ramp surfaces: Should be non-slip to avoid injury.

Routinely move pigs from their home pen to the loadout area during the grow-finish period.⁶

Presort market weight pigs prior to loading. Presorting is shown to decrease the percentage of dead and non-ambulatory pigs at the packing plant by 66% and lessen physical signs of stress during loading and unloading.⁷

Withdraw feed for 16-24 hours prior to loading.⁶

Prepare the facilities for loadout.⁸ Prepare the barn for movement by removing visual gaps between pens and distracting elements.

Loading crews and drivers should discuss the following information prior to loading:

Adjust load size according to trailer length, pig weight and weather.

All pigs presented for transport must be fit for transport. Loading unfit or compromised pigs is unacceptable and considered an outright act of animal abuse.

Ensure the safety of the public, animals and themselves while on the road.

Respond to transport situations professionally.

Uphold the welfare and humane treatment of the animals.

Protect company property (e.g., the animals, equipment).

Project a positive perception of the company and the industry.

Practice safe handling of animals and careful, responsible driving to prevent bruises, injuries and stress in pigs.

Adjust driving appropriately for road, weather and traffic conditions.

Avoid distractions such as eating, drinking, talking on the phone, reading, texting or reaching for items on the floor or across the seat.