Livestock transporter finance covers the full range of vehicles used in commercial animal transportation - from 7.5t cattle trucks to 44t multi-deck livestock lorries, and from sheep trailers to purpose-built pig transport vehicles. This specialist sector requires lenders with a genuine understanding of the asset class.
Types of Livestock Vehicle Financed
- Cattle wagons - rigid and artic, single and multi-deck
- Pig transporters - multi-deck with ventilation systems
- Sheep lorries - often lighter rigids, 7.5t-18t
- Livestock trailers (towed) - Ifor Williams, Brian James and purpose-built commercial trailers
Animal Transport Welfare Regulations
UK animal transport rules (retained from EU Regulation 1/2005) set out requirements for vehicle ventilation, space per animal, journey duration limits and driver certification (Certificate of Competence for Animal Transport). Lenders view regulatory compliance positively as it reduces operating risk and improves asset saleability.
Rate Guide - October 2026
| Vehicle Type | Rate Range (APR) | Term | LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| New cattle wagon (rigid) | 6-9% | 3-5 years | 85% |
| New artic livestock unit | 5.5-8.5% | 3-5 years | 85% |
| Used livestock lorry (under 5yr) | 8-12% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| Livestock trailer (towed) | 7-11% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| Adverse credit | 12-16% | 2-3 years | 65% |
Key Lenders
Close Brothers - broad HGV appetite including livestock vehicles for established operators.
Aldermore - useful for newer businesses and adverse credit profiles in livestock transport.
Worked Example - 18t Sheep Lorry
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Asset | 2021 Scania P-series 18t sheep lorry, dual-deck |
| Purchase price | £75,000 |
| Deposit (15%) | £11,250 |
| Amount financed | £63,750 |
| Term | 48 months |
| Rate | 8.5% APR |
| Monthly payment | approx. £1,580 |