PACKING TIPS

Loading Tips

• Heavy items at the bottom and forward of the axle. Soil, bricks, pavers, and concrete rubble go in first, stacked low and tight against the front wall.
• Fill gaps with smaller items — this prevents shifting and reduces movement noise.
• Bulky but light items (furniture, bags, mattresses) go on top.
• Do not overfill above the cage — anything above the top rail must be lashed down securely. If it can't be restrained, it can't go.

Specific Load Tips

• Garden waste and green bins: Compact where possible. Use a tarpaulin — green waste can blow out at highway speed and you're legally responsible for debris on the road.
• Furniture: Wrap corners to prevent damage to the cage mesh. Use ratchet straps to hold wardrobes, fridges, and washing machines upright — they will tip on corners.
• Bricks and pavers: Check the ATM before loading — bricks are extremely heavy and it's easy to overload a cage trailer without realising it. Aim for no more than half a cage load of heavy masonry.
• Rubbish and tip runs: Bag loose waste — don't let it blow out. Liquids must be in sealed containers only. No wet concrete, wet paint, or chemicals without prior approval.

Return Condition

• Return clean — no dirt, debris, or loose material left behind. A cleaning fee applies if the trailer requires washing out.
• Do not drag or slide heavy items across the trailer floor — lift and place. Scratches to the liner are expected; gouges or damage to the frame are chargeable.

Before You Load

• Check the vehicle/machine fits within the trailer's rated width and length.
• Verify the vehicle weight is within the trailer's ATM — small trailers are typically rated at 750 kg–2,500 kg total. Include the weight of the load vehicle in your calculation.
• Ensure the ramp is correctly deployed and the surface is clean and dry.

Loading a Vehicle

• Drive the vehicle up the ramp front first so the heavier engine sits forward of the trailer axle.
• Centre the vehicle left-to-right on the trailer deck before securing.
• Apply the towed vehicle's handbrake and leave it in gear (or Park if automatic).
• Use four wheel straps or tyre cradles — one per wheel. Do not use only two straps.
• Hook straps to solid points: trailer tie-downs, not plastic body panels or under-bumper trim.
• Ratchet tight until the vehicle suspension compresses slightly. If straps are floppy, they're not tight enough.

Ride-On Mowers and Machinery

• Engage the mower blade lock and parking brake before driving up the ramp.
• Lower mower decks to the lowest position to reduce centre of gravity.
• Use tie-down chains or rated straps through the machine frame — not through the tyres or rims.
• Cover sharp or protruding parts that could damage the trailer deck.

Stocking Density

• Do not overstock. Animals must have enough room to stand comfortably and brace themselves during travel. Overcrowding increases stress, injury risk, and is an animal welfare offence.
• As a rough guide for cattle: allow approximately 0.5–0.8 m² per animal for animals under 200 kg, scaling up for heavier stock. Consult ASEL for exact figures based on species and weight.
• Keep similar-sized animals together to reduce fighting and injury.

Loading

• Load animals quietly and without haste. Rushing and aggressive handling increases stress and injury risk to both animals and handlers.
• Use a proper loading ramp or race where available — do not force animals to jump up.
• Ensure the trailer floor is clean and provides adequate grip — wet or smooth surfaces are a serious slip hazard for livestock.
• Bedding (straw or rubber matting) helps grip and reduces leg fatigue on longer journeys.

During Transport

• Drive smoothly — avoid harsh braking and sharp corners. Animals cannot hold on and will fall into each other or the walls with sudden movements.
• Check on livestock at regular intervals, especially on journeys over 1 hour.
• Do not transport animals in temperatures above 30°C without adequate ventilation and rest breaks with water.
• Under NSW law, cattle must not be transported for more than 24 hours without a rest break of at least 24 hours with food and water (ASEL guidelines).

After Unloading

• Rinse and clean the trailer of manure and urine before returning. A biological cleaning fee applies if the trailer is returned fouled.
• Inspect the trailer for any damage caused during loading/unloading and report it via your booking email link before returning.