7 Supplies for Transporting Small Livestock in a Pickup Bed

Moving small livestock like goats, sheep, piglets, or poultry in the back of a pickup truck is a standard task for any homestead, but an open bed presents real hazards without the right preparation. Unsecured crates, slick bed liners, and rushing winds can quickly stress animals or cause severe injuries during transit. Equipping a truck with purposeful, rugged haulage gear ensures every animal arrives at its destination healthy, calm, and secure.

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Essential Safety Prep Before Loading Animals

Before bringing any animal near the truck, inspect the entire bed area for hazards. Bare metal beds get slick under hooves, while exposed bolt heads, rusted tie-downs, or sharp metal edges can easily scrape hides or catch loose legs. Sweeping out lingering dirt, gravel, or spilled chemical residues ensures a clean foundation for transport.

Weight distribution plays a huge role in vehicle handling and animal comfort. Position heavy crates or stock forward toward the cab, centered between the wheel wells to prevent swaying around turns. Checking tailgate latches and confirming every tie-down anchor is solid prevents mechanical failures once you are out on the road.

Never assume an animal will remain still during a drive. Small stock can panic from sudden road noises, shifting weight unexpectedly. Taking ten minutes to prepare the truck space reduces transit stress for both driver and livestock.

Transport Crate – Ruff Land Intermediate Kennel

A dedicated transport crate keeps smaller stock contained, prevents escape attempts, and provides a safe boundary inside the truck bed. Poultry, piglets, kids, and lambs require enclosed protection from wind blast and shifting gear. Using a proper kennel keeps animals upright and contained without exposing them to open-air dangers.

The Ruff Land Intermediate Kennel stands out due to its one-piece roto-molded construction, which eliminates weak seams or rust-prone wire joints. Its tapered walls allow air to circulate even when positioned tight against truck bed sides, while the recessed floor retains bed litter to keep hooves dry. The durable composite front door latches securely from both sides, preventing smart goats or pigs from working a latch free.

• Dimensions: 30.5" L x 20" W x 22.5" H
• Construction: Heavy-duty, single-piece molded polyethylene
• Ventilation: Standard vent hole pattern on side and rear panels
• Door System: Dual-swinging composite door with spring-loaded latches

Before purchasing, measure the height of your truck bed rails to ensure the crate sits lower than the wind line. The plastic surface can slide easily on bare bed metal, so it must be strapped down tightly rather than left floating. Cleaning requires a quick hose-out and mild disinfectant after each run.

This kennel is ideal for transporting poultry crates, piglets, weaning lambs, and pygmy goats. It is not suitable for full-sized sheep or adult breeding bucks, which require custom stock racks or larger livestock trailers.

Truck Bed Mat – Dee Zee Heavy Duty Rubber Mat

Livestock cannot balance on smooth, painted truck steel or hard plastic bed liners. A heavy rubber mat supplies critical hoof traction, dampens road vibration, and prevents crates from sliding across the bed during sudden stops. It acts as an insulation barrier against extreme heat or cold radiating off the truck bed floor.

The Dee Zee Heavy Duty Rubber Mat is manufactured from 3/8-inch thick NVR rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures and will not warp under hot sun. The textured, rubberized surface offers firm footing for animals walking across the bed and keeps wooden or plastic crates locked in place. Its custom-fit design contour matches specific truck bed cuts to maximize floor coverage without curling at the edges.

• Material: 3/8-inch thick rubber compound
• Surface Finish: High-traction tear-resistant texture
• Fitment: Vehicle-specific cuts or trim-to-fit options
• Resistance: Resistant to UV rays, animal urine, and chemical spills

When fitting the mat, ensure drain holes at the front of the bed remain clear to allow urine or wash water to exit freely. The mat is heavy, weighing up to 40 pounds depending on bed size, which keeps it lying flat but makes removal for cleaning a two-person job. Hose it down thoroughly after trips to clear droppings before manure dries and hardens.

This product is an absolute necessity for anyone moving animals or crates directly in a truck bed. It is less critical if your truck already has a thick, professionally spray-in rubberized bed liner, though adding the mat still provides extra cushion for animal joints.

Tie-Down Straps – Keeper Heavy Duty Ratchet Strap

Securing crates or temporary stock panels to factory truck anchors is non-negotiable. Standard bungees or light rope stretch under load, letting crates tip over during sudden braking or hard cornering. Heavy-duty ratchet straps apply positive, locked tension that holds haulage gear rock-solid against the bed floor.

The Keeper Heavy Duty Ratchet Strap features Hi-Test weather-resistant webbing that resists fraying and rot from rain, sun, and dirt exposure. Its padded, molded ratchet handle offers a comfortable grip when cinching loads down tight, while vinyl-coated S-hooks prevent scratching truck anchor points or crate frames. The spring-loaded release lever ensures quick unloading without struggling against jammed mechanisms.

• Working Load Limit: 1,000 lbs (3,000 lb break strength)
• Webbing Width: 1.5 inches wide abrasion-resistant polyester
• Hook Type: Non-marring vinyl-coated steel S-hooks
• Handle Design: Rubberized overmolded grip handle

Always inspect strap webbing for nicks, tears, or dry rot before pulling tight against a crate. Avoid over-tightening straps against hollow plastic kennels, which can crush structural walls and compromise animal safety. Wrap and tie off excess strap tail so it does not whip around in the wind and frighten livestock.

These straps are essential for securing kennels, loading ramps, and stock crates in open pickup beds. They are not intended for direct attachment to animal halters or collars under any circumstances.

Managing Airflow and Weather During Transport

Air movement inside a pickup bed changes drastically with speed, creating severe wind chill or dangerous turbulence. Direct wind blowing into an animal’s face for an hour can dry out respiratory membranes, cause eye inflammation, or lower core body temperature rapidly in cool weather. Conversely, standing heat in a parked truck can prove fatal in minutes during mid-summer.

Blocking direct wind while maintaining ventilation is the balance every producer must strike. Position kennels with solid walls facing the cab to create a natural windbreak while leaving vented sides open for passive airflow. In hot weather, hauling early in the morning or late in the evening minimizes thermal stress on the animals.

Always monitor weather forecasts along the entire transit route, not just at the loading site. Cold rain combined with highway-speed winds creates hypothermic conditions quickly for wet stock. Preparing wind barriers like tarps or caps keeps animals dry and calm across changing terrain.

Loading Ramp – Yutrax Tri-Fold Aluminum Ramp

Lifting stressed animals or heavy transport crates into a high-clearance truck bed strains back muscles and risks dropping stock. A sturdy, wide ramp provides a stable incline for walking hooved animals up into the bed or rolling heavy crates up on a hand truck.

The Yutrax Tri-Fold Aluminum Ramp offers an extra-wide footprint that gives livestock confidence while walking up the incline. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it balances high load capacity with a lightweight design that folds down compact for easy storage alongside the bed wall. Extruded rectangular crossbars provide traction for hooves, while rubber-coated tabs protect the tailgate surface from scratches.

• Weight Capacity: 1,750 lbs total load rating
• Dimensions: 75" L x 50" W expanded
• Construction: Heavy-duty lightweight aluminum
• Safety Gear: Adjustable safety straps included to anchor ramp to bumper

Always attach the included safety straps tightly to the truck bumper or receiver hitch before leading stock onto the ramp. Unanchored ramps can kick off the tailgate edge if an animal leaps or pulls back suddenly. Wet hooves can slip on bare aluminum, so spreading a layer of rubber matting or straw over the rungs improves footing.

This ramp is perfect for farms handling sheep, goats, or calf transport without a dedicated loading chute or livestock trailer. It is unnecessary for farmers who only transport poultry or small piglets in handheld crates.

Canvas Tarp – Dry Top Heavy Duty Canvas Tarp

Plastic tarps tear easily, flap violently in highway winds, and trap moisture, turning transport crates into humid ovens. Heavy-duty treated canvas acts as a tough, breathable windbreak and light rain shield. It cuts harsh draft chills while letting moisture and air pass through naturally.

The Dry Top Heavy Duty Canvas Tarp is constructed from 100% cotton canvas material treated with water-resistant wax coatings. Brass grommets set in reinforced seam corners provide sturdy attachment points that resist ripping out under high wind stress. The heavy weight of the fabric keeps it from snapping wildly in the wind, which keeps animals from panicking during transport.

• Material: 10-oz water-resistant treated cotton canvas
• Grommets: Rust-resistant brass grommets spaced every 24 inches
• Seams: Double-stitched seams and reinforced corners
• Breathability: High-density weave allows heat escape while blocking wind

Canvas tarps require proper tensioning; secure every grommet point using short rubber tarp straps or rope tied to bed cleats. Canvas will absorb water during prolonged heavy downpours, so it should be dried thoroughly in the sun after wet trips to prevent mildew growth. Store it folded in a dry barn shelf when not in use.

This tarp is excellent for wrapping stock cages, covering poultry crates, or sheltering crates during chilly weather. It is not suitable as a floor liner or liquid barrier due to its breathable, absorbent nature.

Bed Cargo Net – Gladiator Heavy Duty Cargo Net

When hauling multiple small crates, feed bags, and support gear together, individual straps leave gaps where items can shift. A heavy-duty cargo net covers the entire bed load, securing loose equipment and acting as a secondary containment layer over crates. It keeps gear anchored even when driving across bumpy pastures or rough dirt roads.

The Gladiator Heavy Duty Cargo Net uses integrated high-strength webbing combined with weatherproof mesh lining to eliminate snags on crate corners. Multiple perimeter attachment grommets allow you to pull tension evenly across uneven, tall, or awkward loads. The included heavy-duty carabiners and adjustable hardware straps allow fast hookup to standard truck bed tie-down loops.

• Mesh Design: Integrated ripstop mesh prevents small items from escaping
• Webbing: Heavy-duty weatherproof woven nylon straps
• Hardware: Includes 4 quick-connect carabiners and tension straps
• Sizing Options: Available in medium, large, and extra-large bed dimensions

Ensure the net is pulled taut across the load so wind cannot lift the edges. Avoid placing mesh net sections directly over exposed animal heads or horn tips, as livestock can entangle themselves if left unsupervised. Use the net over closed crates or tarps, never as a primary fence for loose stock.

This cargo net is ideal for homesteaders transporting stacked poultry crates, equipment, and livestock feed in one trip. It is not designed to contain un-crated, free-roaming livestock inside an open truck bed.

Key Rules for Securing Livestock in Pickups

Transporting live animals demands a different driving mindset than hauling hardware or firewood. Animals move, shift their center of gravity, and react to momentum changes during turns, stops, and accelerations. Driving smoothly, slowing down well before corners, and increasing stopping distances protects livestock from taking hard falls inside their crates.

Never haul unrestrained, loose stock in an open truck bed with low sides. Even calm goats or sheep can startle and jump over bed rails into traffic at highway speeds. Animals must either be fully contained within secure crates or secured inside a full-height stock rack fitted with a locking rear gate.

1. Check anchor points twice: Inspect every ratchet strap, latch, and tie-down ring before pulling out onto public roads.
2. Stop and inspect early: Pull over after the first five miles of driving to re-check strap tension, as crates often settle onto rubber mats under road vibration.
3. Keep heads inside: Ensure no animal can extend its head outside the perimeter of the bed where road debris, insects, or brush could cause severe injury.

Plan your travel route to avoid stop-and-go city traffic, heavy construction delays, or excessively rough dirt roads whenever possible. A smooth, predictable ride prevents transit exhaustion and reduces stress-induced illnesses like shipping fever.

Truck Bed Cap – Softopper Folding Truck Bed Cap

For producers who regularly move small livestock, a flexible truck cap turns an open bed into an enclosed stock box without adding hundreds of pounds of permanent fiberglass. It offers full shelter from rain, snow, and severe wind while allowing simple removal or folding when clear bed space is needed.

The Softopper Folding Truck Bed Cap uses heavy-duty, two-ply sailcloth vinyl mounted on an anodized aluminum frame. Roll-up side panels and a zip-out rear window provide adjustable ventilation options depending on ambient weather and animal cooling needs. Its clamp-on bed rail track system installs quickly without requiring drilling into the truck bodywork.

• Fabric: Commercial-grade two-ply coated canvas/vinyl frame cover
• Frame: Lightweight anodized aluminum tubing folding assembly
• Ventilation: Roll-up side panels and zip-out front/rear window panels
• Installation: No-drill bed rail clamp mounting design

While the Softopper blocks rain and wind, it is a fabric structure, not a structural containment fence. Animals must still be housed inside crates or behind solid stock gates underneath the cap to prevent them from leaning against or tearing through the fabric panels. Keep rear exhaust fumes in mind; ensure the tailgate seal is intact and rear panels allow fresh air to push through from the front.

This setup is ideal for multi-purpose farm trucks that need weather-protected livestock transport on weekends and open bed space for gravel or hay during the week. It is not suitable for horned animals or large stock that could crush the fabric and aluminum frame structure.

Minimizing Animal Stress During Short Hauls

Stress during transit directly affects livestock health, weight retention, and immunity. Animals experience stress from unfamiliar sights, loud engines, road vibration, and loss of footing balance. Minimizing these inputs makes loading, hauling, and unloading safer for everyone involved.

Adding familiar bedding materials inside crates or transport spaces provides comfort and familiarity. Deep layers of dry wood shavings or clean straw absorb moisture, provide traction, and cushion animal joints against road bumps. Using bedding from their home barn introduces familiar scents that help keep animals calm.

Avoid feeding large heavy meals or grain immediately before loading livestock. A full stomach combined with truck motion causes digestional upset and increased manure output during the trip. Offer fresh water right up to loading time, but hold off on grain feeds until animals settle into their destination pens.

Post-Transport Unloading and Animal Care Tips

Arriving safely at the destination is only part of the job; unloading requires equal care and patience. Park the truck on level ground away from busy farm traffic, turn off the engine, and let the animals settle for a minute before opening tailgate latches or crate doors.

Unload animals slowly, letting them exit at their own pace rather than pulling or rushing them down ramps or out of kennels. Inspect each animal for signs of injury, limping, or heat distress as they move into their new holding area. Offer immediate access to clean, room-temperature water, but hold off on heavy feeding for an hour to let their digestion settle.

Once animals are secure in their pens, turn your attention back to the truck gear right away. Strip out soiled straw or wood shavings, spray down rubber mats with a hose, and disinfect kennels before manure dries. Store straps, nets, and canvas tarps in a dry, shaded area so they remain clean, undamaged, and ready for the next haul.

Equipping a pickup truck with the proper mats, crates, ramps, and tie-downs turns a potentially hazardous trip into a safe, routine farm chore. Taking time to secure loads, manage airflow, and drive smoothly protects both farm investments and animal welfare. With the right supplies on hand, small livestock haulage becomes a confident, stress-free part of managing a thriving homestead.