If you’re in the business of livestock, you know it can be tough but also rewarding. 

Whether you’re moving cattle from the Outback to market or shifting sheep between properties, getting your animals from A to B is a big part of the job. 

However, have you ever stopped to think about what could go wrong during transit?

Livestock transport can come with unexpected challenges. 

That’s why it’s important to know the hidden risks of livestock transport and how Transit Insurance can help Aussie farmers like you.

Why Livestock Transport Is Riskier Than You Think

Transporting livestock doesn’t end in loading animals onto a truck and hitting the road. 

It’s a complex process with plenty of factors that can cause problems. From unpredictable weather to accidents on the road, the risks are real and can hit your wallet hard. 

Here’s a look at some of the key risks you might face:

1. Accidents and Injuries: Livestock can get injured during transport.
   
   A sudden stop, a rough road, or a poorly secured load can lead to animals getting hurt.
   
   Say, a cow breaking a leg during transit might not be covered under standard policies, leaving you to foot the bill.
   
   
2. Theft: Livestock theft is a growing issue, especially for high-value animals like stud cattle or breeding stock.
   
   In fact, livestock theft accounts for around 23% of farm crimes. In New South Wales (NSW) alone, farmers lost over $900,000 last year due to livestock theft.
   
   Indeed, stolen animals could mean a significant financial loss.
   
   
3. Disease Outbreaks: If a disease spreads during transit, you could lose animals or face costly culling measures.
   
   Some policies cover these losses, but only if you’ve got the right coverage in place.
   
   
4. Extreme Weather: Australia’s weather can be brutal. Think, heatwaves, storms, or bushfires.
   
   These conditions can stress or harm livestock during transport, especially on long hauls across remote areas.
   
   
5. Equipment Failure: A truck breakdown or a collapsed loading ramp can cause chaos, potentially leading to escaped or injured animals.
   
   Specialised policies can cover these scenarios, but not all do.

These risks aren’t just hypothetical. You can face significant losses due to transport-related incidents.

That’s where Transit Insurance matters. It’s designed to cover the financial sting when things go wrong during livestock transport. 

What Is Transit Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

Transit Insurance can cover the animals while they’re being transported. 

It can protect you against losses from accidents, theft, or other incidents during the journey, be it moving cattle to a sale yard, sheep to a new property, or even horses to a show.

Here’s what Transit Insurance can offer to Aussie farmers:

• Financial Protection: If an animal is injured, dies, or is stolen during transport, Transit Insurance can cover the cost of replacing them or compensate for the loss.
  
  
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your livestock is covered means you can focus on running your farm without worrying about what might happen on the road.
  
  
• Customised Coverage: Policies can be tailored to your specific needs.
  
  You can find a policy that matches your operation, whether you’re transporting a single high-value bull or an entire herd.
  
  
• Compliance with Regulations: Australian regulations around animal welfare and transport can affect your coverage.
  
  Transit Insurance ensures you’re meeting legal requirements while protecting your business.

Without Transit Insurance, you’re relying on luck every time your livestock hit the road. A single incident could wipe out a season’s profits or worse.

Risk Scenarios

Imagine this:

You’re a cattle farmer in NSW, sending a truckload of stud animals to a market in Queensland.

Halfway through the trip, the truck hits a rough patch of road, and several animals are injured.

Without Transit Insurance, you’re looking at covering the cost of those losses yourself. Said losses can potentially reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Or picture this:

A heatwave hits during a long-distance haul, and some of your sheep suffer heat stress and don’t make it.

With the right Transit Insurance, you could claim compensation for those losses, keeping your business afloat. 

Choosing the Right Transit Insurance Policy

Not all Transit Insurance policies are created equal, and picking the right one can feel overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

As insurance brokers, our job is to help compare policies and find the one that best suits your risks and needs. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a policy:

1. Assess Your Risks: Think about the types of livestock you transport, how often, and over what distances.
   
   A dairy farmer moving a few cows locally has different needs than a cattle rancher hauling stock across state lines.
   
   
2. Check Policy Details: Some policies exclude certain events, such as injuries during loading or unloading.
   
   Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not.
   
   For instance, many policies won’t cover losses due to pre-existing conditions or natural causes like old age.
   
   
3. Look for Add-Ons: Some policies offer extras including carcass removal or coverage for temporary vehicle substitutions if your truck breaks down.
   
   These can be lifesavers when you’re in a pinch.
   
   
4. Work with an Insurance Broker: A good broker can guide you through the fine print, compare options, and ensure you’re getting competitive rates.
   
   
5. Stay Updated: Regulations and risks change from time to time, so keep in touch with your broker to ensure your policy stays relevant.
   
   Say, recent changes in Australian animal welfare laws might have affected your coverage requirements, so it’s best to review your policy regularly. 

The Potential Cost of Going Without Transit Insurance

You might consider skipping Transit Insurance a way to save a few bucks, but it’s a risky move. 

The Australian agricultural sector is no stranger to challenges. Facing droughts, floods, and market fluctuations are bad enough, so avoid adding transport losses to the mix. 

If your livestock is your livelihood, not having coverage could mean the difference between bouncing back and facing financial ruin.

How Can Tank Help You

Livestock transport is full of hidden risks, but they don’t have to keep you up at night. 

With the appropriate Transit Insurance, you can protect your animals, your income, and your peace of mind.

Our team at Tank Insurance can assist you in making the process of getting Transit Insurance straightforward and stress-free. 

We work with trusted insurers across Australia to support you in finding policies that match your budget and needs. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a small hobby farmer or running a large commercial operation, we’ll take the time to understand your business and connect you with the right coverage.

Don’t wait for an accident to realise what’s at stake.

Get in touch with us today and let’s find a policy that can keep your livestock covered even on the road.