Stock Boxes

A creative, convenient transportation solution, a high-quality stock box is an efficient way to haul small loads of animals at one time.

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About Stock Boxes

Stock boxes are built to haul smaller animals such as a small flock of chickens, a few hunting dogs, hogs, lambs, or goats. Because the boxes sit in the bed of your truck, they are quick and convenient to set up. Stock boxes are a great option when purchasing new projects for the year. Hogs, lambs, and goats are smaller at the time of purchase, so it's very convenient to haul the stock box to pick them up rather than the trailer. This will also save you a large amount of money on fuel since you aren't pulling a trailer. If you make frequent short trips with one or two animals, a stock box can be an ideal way to transport them safely while saving money on gas, storage, and repairs.

Stock boxes are typically made from aluminum or steel. Some models include insulated roofs, side slats, roof vents, loading lights, polished panels, rubber bumpers, and more. At Transwest, we partner with the best brands in livestock trailers to bring you options from Cimarron, Logan Coach, and more. We promise to provide high-quality trailers and equipment, and we believe in accommodating each customer’s situation and budget. Our trained teams will work with you to find a stock box to match your needs. We also offer service on all stock boxes that are less than 10 years old. That includes a courtesy roof and unit inspection, and rubber roof maintenance.

How do I choose a stock box?

To choose the best stock box for your purposes, consider which animals you will use it for. Do you have a pair of show sheep that you need to haul to an annual event, or are you planning to take your hunting dogs out to the woods? Think about how much space each animal will need in the stock box. Those measurements will determine what size stock box to purchase. Another consideration is the size and weight capacity of your towing vehicle. If you already have a pickup truck or heavy-duty truck that you plan to use, make sure you are familiar with the bed dimensions and weight capacity of the vehicle. Then, look for a stock box that will fit securely in the back of your truck. It should also be light enough to safely haul along with your animals and gear.

Can anyone haul a stock box?

Typically, you will not need a special license to haul a stock box. Licensing regulations are usually dependent on the weight of your vehicle. Most states do not require a license to operate any vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that is 26,000 lbs. or less. For cases when the gross weight of a truck and stock box is over this limit, drivers may be required to hold a Class B-CDL license. Driving regulations can change frequently and often vary from state to state, so you should always check with your state or local DMV before you make a trip. Make sure to check the requirements for each state before hauling your livestock over long distances.

What towing capacity do I need for a stock box?

To safely carry a stock box, your pickup truck should have a GVWR that is greater than the combined weight of the box, animals, and everything else that will be riding in your truck. To calculate this, start by finding the GVWR of your vehicle. This number is usually printed on the driver’s side door jamb, in the owner’s manual of your truck, or on the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve found that number, jot it down. Now, it’s time to calculate how much weight you will be carrying. You can start by finding the curb weight of your stock box (this refers to how much the stock box weighs when it is empty). Estimate the weight of all passengers, equipment, gear, etc. that will be in the truck. As long as your vehicle’s GVWR is greater than this total weight, it will be safe to carry the stock box and animals.

How many animals should I haul at one time in a livestock box?

Depending on the size of the stock box, you may be able to haul anywhere from 1-10 animals at a time. Stock boxes can be as small as 16 sq. ft. or as large as 30 sq. ft. and most animals need somewhere between 1.5-5 square feet of space to move around. If you are traveling short distances, your livestock will be able to stay on their feet, so you may not need to budget as much room. On longer trips, they will need enough space to lie down without stacking on top of each other. Keep in mind that extreme heat and humidity can be deadly to animals, so it’s important to give them enough ventilation.

Can I transport my livestock over long distances in a stock box?

Yes, but you will need to stop frequently to give your livestock a chance to eat, stretch, and drink water. Transportation can be highly stressful for animals. Hogs in particular are susceptible to heatstroke, sunburn, and heart failure on the road. To avoid this, start preparing your animals for a trip a few weeks in advance. Make sure they are comfortable mounting and dismounting from the stock box. You can also put a bit of flavoring in their water, such as lemon or a sports drink. They will become used to this taste, and then you can add the same flavor to their drink on the road. Many animals refuse to drink water when they don’t recognize the taste, which leads to dehydration.

As the owner of two show hogs, my Cimarron stock box is a lifesaver. It’s easy to set up, and my hogs stay quiet and comfortable on the road.

Darius Bianchi, Macon, MO

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