Shipping & Delivery

Shipping & Delivery — Mini Highland Breed

Bringing a Mini Highland calf home should feel safe, simple, and exciting. Below is exactly how we prepare, ship, and deliver—so you know what to expect at every step. Every option prioritizes animal welfare, transparency, and on-time delivery.

Our Promise

  • Animal-first transport: Calm handling, clean bedding, water & rest stops, and weather-aware routing.
  • Fully documented: Health certificates and required movement paperwork for interstate travel.
  • Clear communication: Written quotes, scheduling windows, GPS/driver updates, and delivery day check-ins.
  • No-surprise pricing: You’ll approve a written quote before we book any trip.

Delivery Options

1) Local Pickup (By Appointment) – Free

Pick up your calf at our ranch by appointment. We’ll help load and review care instructions.

  • What you’ll need: a safe stock trailer or a properly sized stock box/crate secured in a pickup bed.
  • We provide: halter & lead (if applicable), feed/water guidance, copies of health documents.

2) Breeder Drop-Off (Regional)

For nearby buyers, we can personally deliver to your property or a safe meeting point.

  • Coverage: Typically within our regional radius (ask for current range).
  • Pricing: Flat + mileage rate; quoted in writing.
  • Ideal for: First-time owners who want extra arrival coaching.

3) Licensed Ground Transport (Nationwide)

Our most common option. We work with fully insured, USDA-compliant livestock haulers who specialize in cattle, including minis.

  • Equipment: Ventilated stock trailers with non-slip bedding and partitions.
  • Care on route: Watering & rest as needed; weather-adjusted schedules.
  • Scheduling: We coordinate pick-up windows, share ETA updates, and confirm delivery 24 hours prior.
  • Pricing: Based on mileage, lane availability, season, and fuel. You’ll receive a fixed quote before booking.

4) Air Cargo (Case-by-Case)

For longer distances or time-sensitive placements, air transport may be possible for calves subject to airline rules and seasonal temperature restrictions.

  • Availability: Case-by-case; not all airports or seasons are eligible.
  • Crating: IATA-approved, reinforced crate sized for the calf; lined for comfort and cleanliness.
  • Ground legs: Professional hauler to/from the airport.
  • Pricing: Airline + crate + ground handling. Quoted in writing prior to booking.

We only approve air cargo if the route, weather, animal size/age, and airline policies ensure a safe, low-stress experience.

5) Buyer-Arranged Transport

You’re welcome to book your own insured, livestock-experienced carrier. We’ll coordinate pickup once we verify credentials and timing.

Health, Paperwork & Readiness

We follow all applicable state and federal movement requirements for cattle. Typical documents may include:

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued shortly before transport
  • Official ID where required (e.g., ear tag/microchip/official band)
  • Vaccination/parasite control records (age-appropriate)
  • Brand inspection (if your state requires it)

Requirements vary by state. We’ll confirm the exact list for your delivery address and share copies for your records.

Calf readiness: We ensure the calf is appropriately weaned, eating well, and halter-acclimated (when applicable) prior to travel. For very young calves, timelines prioritize welfare and proper development.

Timing & Scheduling

  • Preparation window: 3–10 business days for vet checks, paperwork, and carrier scheduling (varies by season and destination).
  • Weather holds: If heat, cold, or storms pose risk, we’ll pause or reroute—always in the calf’s best interest.
  • Delivery window: Carriers provide a window and narrow it to an ETA as the route progresses. We’ll text/call when the truck is ~2–4 hours away.

Pricing & Payments

  • Quotes: Written, all-in transport quotes with no hidden fees.
  • What affects price: Distance, route demand, season, carrier availability, and (if flying) airline fees and crate size.
  • Deposits: A transport deposit may be required to secure a slot. Balances are typically due prior to pickup or airline check-in.
  • Insurance: Carrier liability is included; optional extended coverage can be added upon request.

Delivery Day — What to Expect

  • Arrival check: Driver/handler reviews calf condition; you inspect and sign delivery paperwork.
  • On-site guidance: We’ll walk you through safe unloading, pen setup, water/feed introduction, and first-48-hours tips.
  • Settling in: Quiet, clean, secure pen with shade, fresh water, familiar hay/forage, and minimal stress for the first 24–48 hours.
  • Support: Call/text us anytime with questions—we’re here to help your calf transition smoothly.

Safety & Welfare Standards

  • Clean transport spaces with dry bedding and appropriate ventilation.
  • Humane handling—no electric prods; calm, low-stress techniques.
  • Regular checks on water, comfort, and footing.
  • Temperature-aware routing to avoid extreme heat/cold exposure.
  • Fit-to-travel verification by our vet prior to departure.

Cancellations, Delays & Contingencies

  • Weather & route delays: We’ll notify you promptly and provide the next best delivery window.
  • If you need to reschedule: Tell us as early as possible; carrier reschedule fees (if any) will be passed through at cost.
  • If a calf is deemed unfit to travel: We will postpone and re-clear with our veterinarian—your calf’s health comes first.

How to Get a Shipping Quote

  1. Share your ZIP code & preferred timeframe
  2. Tell us which delivery option you prefer (pickup, breeder drop-off, ground, or case-by-case air).
  3. We’ll confirm documents required for your state and send a written quote.

Contact:

  • Phone/WhatsApp: [Insert your ranch phone/WhatsApp]
  • Email: [Insert your ranch email]
  • Address (for pickup): [Insert ranch address]

FAQ

Q: Can you deliver to my state?
A: In most cases, yes—ground transport with licensed haulers covers the lower 48 states. We’ll verify any special state requirements before booking.

Q: How soon can my calf ship?
A: Once vet documents are complete and a carrier slot opens, many routes depart within 1–2 weeks. Seasonal demand and weather can extend this.

Q: Will my calf be stressed by travel?
A: We minimize stress with calm handling, proper spacing, bedding, and water stops. Many calves handle travel very well when transported by experienced livestock carriers.

Q: Do you offer tracking?
A: Yes—ETA updates by call/text are standard. Some carriers also provide GPS-share links; if available, we’ll pass them along.

Q: What if my schedule changes?
A: We’ll work with you and the carrier to reschedule. Any third-party fees will be shared in advance.

Ready to Bring Your Mini Highland Home?

Get your personalized shipping plan today. Contact us with your ZIP code, target dates, and preferred delivery option—we’ll handle the rest with care and professionalism.

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