Moving large amount of nucs long distance, sugestions?

[MarkT]

I have to move 165 nucs about 1800 km, night time temps expected of 30-40 f, small chance of showers,  plan is:

screen entrances after flight ends,
load 20 in back of 1/2 ton- 1/2 plywood with spacer on top of nucs, another row of 20 on top of that, another sheet of plywood with spacer on top on nucs, final row of 20 on top of plywood, then another plywood layer with space, tie down,  remainder in same configuration in open flat deck trailer with plywood at front to block wind.

Concerns are,  temperature,  will there be to much heat build up, even with temps in low 30's for most of the night, or to cold, maybe better to wait and travel during the day, temps expected of 10-20 celsius, 

Suggestions, welcome, first trip of this distance.

[Michael Bush]

The best is to put them in a refrigerated trailer with total control over the temperatures and keep it about 40 F so they are not active, but not too cold.  Obviously in the wind is harder than in a closed trailer.  Are we jumping between C and F with the numbers?  30's during the night and 10-20 Celsius in the day sounds like the 30's are in Fahrenheit.   Assuming 30 F at night and 50-70 F in the day, I'd probably take the 50-70 in the day and hose them down a little if the day looks hot.  But it's a hard choice.  If I could have the 30 F with no wind, I'd take that...

[MarkT]

Sorry for jumping between F-C was to early to do the math, I could not line up a refrigerated truck, could get a enclosed cargo trailer, but other beekeepers here suggested that with lack of air bees could overheat or suffer from carbon dioxide.

[Michael Bush]

Agreed.  I would not use a closed trailer without some kind of ventilation or refrigeration.

[rober]

the eastern mo beekeeping ass. just hauled 200 nucs from la. to mo in early april on an open flatbed trailer with no problems. i believe the night time temperature was around 40 f. with no wind cover. there was a net covering them to prevent escapbees. the net was stapled to the trailer deck.

[MarkT]

Thanks Guys, appreciate the advice, heading out tonight, will post how things went, and if my set up worked well. 

[Nature Coast Beek]

With temps like that, probably little chance of it ending like this....at least I would think not   :shock:

[Moots]

NCB,
WOW....Thanks for sharing that video....that was CRAZY!

[don2]

I'll have to talk to John about that. He's my Mentor but he hasn't taught that trick yet. :shock: :roll: :'( d2

[divemaster1963]

I'll have to talk to John about that. He's my Mentor but he hasn't taught that trick yet. :shock: :roll: :'( d2

I was going to suggest a van until I thought about what john had happen to him  :lau: :hissyfit:

I glad someone tagged the video to show.

John

[hardwood]

Why would you move them without closing them in during the daylight when it's warm out??? I don't care if you used a van of truck or donkey cart, the bees will come out!

Scott