FOR livestock trailer manufacturer Mark Johnston the challenge is two-fold: The first is building robust equipment that moves livestock as efficiently as possible; the second is ensuring the livestock and the driver arrive at their destination in the best possible condition.
Those objectives are complicated by the four different loading systems adopted by the various states and territories across Australia.
"We have to be able to build equipment that gets the job done as best as can possibly be done and isn't impeded by changes in road rules at the border," Mr Johnston said.
"It largely comes down to the preferences of each transport company and where their equipment is being used."
In Queensland volume loading and often rough roads mean the preference is for hard-wearing steel.
In NSW, however, trailers must comply with axle mass. The result is that many of the trailers constructed for use primarily on NSW roads are manufactured with airbag suspension and lighter aluminium cladding.
"Trucks operating in NSW generally operate on better road surfaces compared to Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
"In practical terms it means we can build lighter weight trailers for the southern states that allow the maximum amount of cattle to be carried."
In Western Australia's pastoral zone, Haulmark is also delivering seven-deck AAB combination trailers to maximise the efficiency of the long-haul operations.
"Whatever surfaces or state rules the transport companies operate under, we have to build for strength to make sure the maximum kilograms of cattle can be carried.
"There is no one trailer for all of Australia.
"It really comes down to where the trailers will be used and the requirements of the customer.
"Some operators want a straight six-deck roadtrain; other want to be able to mix trailers with B-double units."
Mr Johnston said Haulmark designs focused on building trailers that were quicker and simpler to load and unload and that avoided all forms of stress on both livestock and drivers.
"Animal welfare is all about ensuring the cattle load and travel without stress and are delivered in the best possible condition.
"Everyone one in the industry is very aware that the better cattle are treated, the better they perform whether they are going to a paddock, a feedlot or a meatworks.
"Full-through loading units have certainly become increasingly popular in the past 10 years."
Safety is also a major focus in Haulmark trailers.
All of the gates feature slam-shut latches and there are safety spots within the crates for the drivers when they are loading cattle.
New trailers also feature three wide catwalks on top of the trailers. Importantly, trailers are manufactured to avoid rust.
That includes loose-fitting floor grates and the elimination of right-angle corners on floors.
"They use the movement of the cattle inside the crate to prevent manure building up.
"By eliminating right angles on the floor surface, the cattle's hooves tread any manure away, which otherwise could build up and create a corrosion problem."
Some 200 people are employed by the company, which has its headquarters at Rocklea in Brisbane.
The company recently expanded its livestock trailer manufacturing and repairs business, opening a new branch in Darwin.
Haulmark national sales and marketing manager Mr Johnston said the facility had nine workshop bays suitable for roadtrains.
"Branch manager Shane Manning and his team play a critical role in servicing the large northern Australian market, which has a particular focus on live exports."