New Zealand ceased exporting live cattle in 2023. Across the Tasman however, the industry continues to be a major contributor to Australia’s export earnings.

The Northern Territory is a major player in Australia’s live animal export industry, with over 240,000 animals leaving the Darwin Port in 2023. Cattle from across the Northern Territory, Western Queensland and the fringes of Western Australia are assembled at export yards, primarily within 100km of Darwin.

Here, the animals are held under quarantine, health inspections take place, and a diet of dry feed is introduced in preparation for their journey by ship.

Up to three vessels call at the Darwin port each week, and depending on their size, they carry between 1000 and 20,000 animals. Primary destinations for the cattle include Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Road trains cart the cattle from the export yard directly to shipside at Darwin’s East Arm Port. The number of trucks required is contingent on the vessel size and how far away the supplying yard is located from the port.

‘Deck’ is the common term used by graziers (station owners) and livestock agents when arranging transport, rather than ordering trucks for a specific number of animals.

A standard triple combination comprising of three 12m (40/41ft) double-deck trailers is referred to as a six-deck unit.