Update on MacFarlane's Fleet of Bird Transfering Vehicles

At MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. we currently utilize four Freightliner FL60s with sleeper berths and flatbeds. Three of our trucks also have separate refrigerated boxes for hauling day old chicks and eggs. We added our third reefer this spring because the versatility of this set up is greater than the cargo vans. This creates a dual purpose vehicle for our operation. The refrigerated box pulls in fresh air constantly while two exhaust fans expel the hot air. The box is insulated to maintain a constant temperature of 73 to 75 degrees. The cooling unit is adjustable to haul eggs, chicks, or frozen product for our dressed department. This is the safest and most humane way of hauling these chicks. We are able to serve a larger geographic area, haul a greater quantity of chicks, and have a more dependable vehicle.

In the mature operation we use our Freightliners with the flatbeds and goosenecks. The Freightliners may be used by pulling an 8 by 26 foot gooseneck trailer or alone as a flatbed. This allows us to take large quantities of birds longer distances. The extended cab or sleeper section allows us to use two drivers for longer trips. They rotate driving and resting so that it is a non-stop trip from MacFarlane Pheasants to the customer. This allows our service area to go from Florida to Canada, from New Jersey to Montana. The dual driver situation is also safer for our drivers, letting them rest while on the road. Another feature we have in the delivery vehicles are cell phones, ensuring communication to and from the drivers.

This combination of vehicles is working very well for us. It lets us use our equipment in a variety of ways that are safe and economic, as well as keeping the best interest of the birds in mind.