How to Choose the Best Freight Transport for Hay Delivery?

Hay is a crucial element and serves as a healthy diet for many livestock animals, such as horses, sheep, cattle, etc. It is also important, as it provides necessary nutrients such as fibre, protein, and carbohydrates, which are essential for their health, growth, and energy levels.

If it is not transported to them on time, it may lead to weight loss, digestive issues, and overall health issues in livestock.

Therefore, in this blog post, we will uncover the need to transport hay and how you can choose the best freight transport company.

Freight Transport

The Need to Transport Hay Safely

Since transporting this vital food source from farm to field is essential, many Australian suppliers want a transport company that can ensure careful planning, ensure the safety of the loaders, and offer timely delivery of their hay produce.

Earle's Transport is ready to assist with hay transport needs, regardless of seasonal fluctuations in demand. You can request hay transport quotes at any time to prepare for harvest. We will help you transport various types and quantities of hay bales, and you can easily connect with us by clicking on our website.

Earle's, a leading player in the Australian hay freight industry, boasts extensive farming experience. So, no matter what your needs are for moving hay and straw, our team has the necessary equipment and trailers to transport different types of farming machinery across Australia.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Freight Transport for Hay Delivery

Freight forwarding companies serve as the link between suppliers and customers. They pick up the product or item from the suppliers and deliver it to their customers all over the globe. Hence, when deciding to choose a company that can be your guiding light and improve your credibility in the eyes of your customers by timely delivering your goods, including hay, you must pay attention to the following factors:

Hay Type:

  • Round Bales: These big cylindrical bales are perfect for big shipments and need strong transportation options. Flatbed trailers are the perfect choice, as they allow for easy loading and unloading using special equipment designed for handling hay bales.

  • Square Bales: These are available in different sizes and can be transported either on flatbeds or enclosed trailers. Flatbeds are more economical for large quantities, while enclosed trailers offer more protection from weather conditions, especially for smaller loads. Although loose hay delivery is less common due to transportation difficulties, it could be considered for short distances using enclosed trailers.

  • Loose Hay: Transporting loose hay can be challenging because it is bulky and easily damaged by weather. Therefore, enclosed trailers are a must to reduce losses caused by wind and weather.

Distance and Delivery Timeframe:

  • Short Distances: For short distances, standard flatbed or enclosed trailers may be suitable for local deliveries.

  • Long Distances: When travelling long distances, it is important to consider factors such as fuel efficiency and potential weather changes. Enclosed trailers provide better protection during lengthy journeys, while containerized shipping is a secure and efficient choice, especially for exporting goods.

  • Expedite Delivery: If you need to transport your hay urgently to your customer, it is important to discuss this with the freight transport company that you are going to pick up. However, it is also important to consider the cost of these services before making a decision.

Budget:

  • Distance: Yes, the distance may increase your fuel costs.

  • Trailer Type: Flatbed trailers are usually cheaper, while enclosed trailers and containerized shipping are more expensive because they offer greater protection and may require specialised handling.

  • Additional Services: Extra services such as loading, unloading, stacking, and using equipment on-site will result in additional fees.

Company Reputation and Experience:

  • Experience: You must consider those companies that have a proven track record of successfully transporting hay, as their experience will ensure they understand the specific needs of hay transport and reduce the likelihood of damage.

  • Reputation:  To ensure high-quality hay and customer satisfaction, it is important to extensively research online, seek recommendations from other farmers, and choose companies with positive feedback.

  • Insurance: Make sure the transport company you choose has enough insurance coverage for your hay shipment. Carefully examine the details of the coverage to ensure that it matches the value of your hay.
Summary:

After considering these factors, we hope you now have a clear idea of what to consider and what not to consider when selecting a freight transport company for your business needs. Remember, it's only the right partner that can make things easier for you. 

Visit our website or talk to our experts to learn how we can help you.