Cattle Trailers in Ocala, Florida — Built for Florida's Horse and Cattle Country
Ocala is the heart of Marion County, Florida — one of the most agriculturally diverse counties in the state. Best known for Thoroughbred horse farms and horse country, Marion County also runs a substantial commercial cattle operation. The flatwoods, wet prairies, and improved pastures surrounding Ocala support thousands of head of beef cattle, and the Florida Cattlemen's Association counts Marion County among the state's most active beef-producing counties. If you're hauling cattle in north-central Florida, you need a trailer built for the humidity, the rain, and the sand-and-clay soils that never really dry out.
Florida's Humidity Problem — and the Hot Dip Galvanized Solution
Central Florida averages 54–56 inches of rainfall per year, with a wet season from June through September that keeps pastures, barn floors, and trailer beds continuously damp. Add year-round humidity that rarely drops below 70%, and you have near-ideal conditions for accelerated steel corrosion. Marion County's sandy-clay soils drain better than coastal flatwoods but still pack against frames and undercarriages after every rain.
A painted trailer in this climate ages fast. The paint cracks at weld joints and cut edges first — exactly where moisture finds a way in. Within five years you're dealing with surface rust. By ten you're looking at structural pitting under the floor. Star Manufacturing's hot dip galvanized trailers are processed by submerging the entire completed frame in a bath of molten zinc — the zinc bonds metallurgically to every surface, inside and out, including the interior of hollow structural members. There's no edge, no seam, no weld joint left unprotected. For Florida conditions, it's the only finish that makes long-term economic sense.
Star Manufacturing Specs
- Frame: 5/16" thick, 3×5 heavy angle steel — seam welded throughout
- Galvanizing: Full hot dip process, ASTM A123 compliant, 3–6 mil zinc coating
- Fabrication: Laser cut, tabbed and slotted components for precision fit before welding
- Sizes: 14' through 40' in standard increments
- Widths: 6'8", 7'0", or 7'6"
- Manufacturer: Star Manufacturing, 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488
Drive Time from Wharton, TX to Ocala, FL
Ocala is approximately 14–15 hours from our facility in Wharton, TX — I-10 east through Beaumont, Baton Rouge, Tallahassee, then south on I-75 to Ocala. We ship to the Ocala area and can arrange delivery. Many Florida buyers also trailer in when picking up a new unit — the Gulf South route on I-10 is a straight pull and Ocala buyers often combine the pickup with stops at Florida Livestock Auction or other auction points on the way back.
Marion County and North-Central Florida Cattle Operations
Marion County runs a mix of commercial cow-calf operations on improved bermudagrass and bahiagrass pastures, stocker operations backgrounding calves on flatwoods range, and occasional exotic and horse transport. Putnam County to the east and Alachua County to the north are also active cattle counties. The Ocala Stockyards and Florida Livestock Auction serve as key market outlets for the region. Producers from Lake, Citrus, Levy, and Gilchrist counties regularly haul to Ocala-area markets as well.
North-central Florida also has active 4-H and FFA programs tied to the Southeastern Youth Fair and state shows in Kissimmee. Livestock show transport in this region often means a horse trailer doing double duty — but serious exhibitors moving show cattle benefit from a purpose-built cattle trailer with proper dividers and proper height for show steers.
Trailer Sizes for Florida Operations
| Trailer Length | Typical Use | Approximate Head |
|---|---|---|
| 14'–16' | Small farm, 4-H/FFA show stock, occasional moves | 3–6 cows |
| 20'–24' | Mid-size cow-calf, stocker hauls to Ocala markets | 8–12 cows |
| 28'–32' | Commercial runs, auction barn trips, backgrounder loads | 14–18 cows |
| 36'–40' | Large commercial operations, full loads to Tampa/Kissimmee | 20–26 cows |
Get an Instant Quote — No Phone Tag Required
Use Star Manufacturing's online quote builder to configure your trailer — length, width, finish, and options — and get live pricing instantly. No waiting for a callback. If you'd rather talk through your requirements, call (979) 532-1486 or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488.
Other Florida and Southeast Markets We Serve
We ship trailers across Florida and the Gulf South regularly. Related city pages: Pensacola, FL, Tallahassee, FL, Mobile, AL, and Gulf South overview. Browse our full cattle trailer lineup and blog for maintenance guides and hauling tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship cattle trailers to Ocala, Florida?
Yes. We deliver to Marion County and the north-central Florida region. Call (979) 532-1486 to discuss delivery logistics and lead time.
Why choose galvanized over painted for Florida?
Florida's year-round humidity, 54+ inches of annual rainfall, and sandy-clay soils create near-constant corrosive conditions for steel. Hot dip galvanized trailers last significantly longer than painted units in this environment — the zinc coating is a metallurgical bond, not a surface layer.
Does Star Manufacturing make horse trailers?
We specialize in cattle and livestock trailers, not dedicated horse trailers. However, our livestock configurations work for cattle and can be specified with appropriate interior heights for some livestock applications. For horse-specific builds, we recommend contacting us to discuss your requirements.
What's the lead time on a new trailer?
Lead times vary by season and current production queue. Call us at (979) 532-1486 for current availability and delivery estimates.