A brief overview of the transportation of livestock in South America is given, with emphasis on scientific reports produced in Chile. Aspects such as journey distances covered, stocking densities used and general handling characteristics, mainly regarding cattle transport, are discussed in relation to their effects on blood variables related to stress as well as on meat quality. A lot of the results are being transferred through talks, training courses and written material to producers, transporters and slaughterhouse personnel; this has produced awareness of changes that need to be made to improve transport and handling conditions. At government level, scientific evidence has shown that existing regulations, usually based on information from more developed countries, need to be complemented by or adapted to local conditions in each country.