Pigs fly! M2 ships gilts to Vietnam with precision and care

M2 Transport has demonstrated its expertise in live animal logistics by successfully transporting 800 gilts on a dedicated airfreight charter from Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio to Hanoi, Vietnam. The flight, operated in partnership with Atlas Air, was completed under ideal foggy July conditions and marked another milestone in the company’s commitment to precision, safety, and humane handling in animal transport.

Moving such a large number of live animals across continents is no simple task. Every element of the operation—from ground handling and ventilation to feed scheduling and veterinary checks—was meticulously coordinated by M2’s experienced logistics team. The company ensured that the young female pigs, known as gilts, were transported under optimal conditions with minimal stress and maximum care.

This transport required not only advanced logistics expertise but also a deep understanding of the pigs’ lifecycle and welfare needs. Gilts typically reach breeding maturity between 170 and 220 days of age. These animals are carefully raised through structured stages—gestation, farrowing, nursery, and finishing, throughout 6 to 7 months, ultimately reaching a market weight of around 280 pounds. Each phase demands specific environmental controls, dietary planning, and health monitoring.

M2 Transport’s successful delivery highlights the growing demand for international livestock trade and underscores the importance of well-managed animal welfare in transit. It also reflects the company’s dedication to customized logistics solutions that serve both clients and animal health needs alike.

“At M2 Transport, we don’t just move freight—we make pigs fly,” the company proudly stated, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in live animal logistics. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Louisville and Washington, D.C., M2 Transport specializes in handling complex, high-value, and time-sensitive cargo across air, sea, and ground. From live animal charters to critical project logistics and onboard courier services, M2 delivers precision, care, and reliability across every shipment.

Photos: LinkedIn/Sean Nix/M2 Transport