Transport is one of the most welfare-significant events in the lives of many farmed animals. Journey duration, vehicle standards, and animal density all significantly affect welfare outcomes.
Transport causes acute welfare harm through multiple pathways: loading stress, motion-induced stress and nausea, noise, heat or cold, social disruption from mixing, and the cumulative effects of extended journey duration. Animals transported long distances arrive at destination facilities already physiologically stressed, immunocompromised, and physically depleted — a welfare cost borne before any production-related event begins. The welfare case for limiting journey duration is scientifically robust. Reforms including mandatory rest stops, temperature-controlled vehicles, and journey time limits reduce welfare harm. Replacing live animal export with chilled carcass trade eliminates transport welfare harm while preserving economic value.