Beekeepers must recognize several possible risks and problems associated with moving bees for pollination. Before colonies are moved, hive bodies need to be secured together with wide staples, plastic, or metal bands. These preparations should be made at least one day in advance. The best time to move colonies is about dusk, when most of the bees are no longer flying. Many colonies are moved during the night arriving at their destination at daybreak. Waiting to move colonies until daybreak is less desirable because increasing light intensity and rising temperatures put additional stress on colonies. A cool, rainy day is also an appropriate time to move bees at any hour, so long as the bees are not flying.

The entrances of hives are normally closed with wire screen while bees are in transit. Entrance screens are about 4 inches wide and as long as the hive entrance. Before loading, smoke the hive entrances and push the loosely folded V-shaped entrance screens into place. All other openings of the hive should be sealed shut.

Some beekeepers make long-distance moves without closing hive entrances. This approach is good during very hot weather and when not traveling through large cities. Colonies are loaded during the night, with the tack engine running. Vibrations from the motor calm the bees after the colonies are placed on the truck. A better approach is to cover the entire load with netting or plastic screen.

If colonies must be moved during hot weather and entrances need to be screened, additional ventilation will be needed to prevent suffocation. Top-moving screens that cover the entire colony and provide 2 to 3 inches of clustering space should be installed. These screens replace the regular hive cover. An empty shallow super or similar wooden frame is covered with window screen or eight-mesh hardware cloth and placed on the hive with the screen side on top. Wetting the load down with water is also beneficial.

The hives should be stacked on the truck so that all colonies are sufficiently ventilated. Place the hives as close together as possible to keep the load from shifting, and securely tie down all stacks of hives.

Commercial beekeepers who specialize in moving colonies use migratory lids so hives can be stacked tight against each other; bottom boards are nailed in place and colonies are kept on pallets.