Shipping IronPlanet Auction Equipment to a Port for Export: Step-by-Step Guide

What IronPlanet Does (and Doesn't) Handle

IronPlanet is an online auction marketplace. Once you win a bid and payment is processed, IronPlanet's role is essentially complete. The platform provides:

• Contact information for the seller (released after full payment)
• A list of recommended transportation partners (including VeriTread and Ritchie Bros. Logistics)
• Guidance on export documentation requirements

What IronPlanet does not handle: physical transport, loading, dismantling, container stuffing, port drayage, customs filings, or ocean freight booking. All of these are the buyer's responsibility.

Step 1: Understand the Pickup Deadline

This is the most time-sensitive step. IronPlanet requires equipment to be removed from the seller's premises within eight business days after the auction closes. If equipment remains on-site after the eighth business day, the seller is entitled to charge storage fees. Equipment remaining for more than 60 days may be considered abandoned.

Eight business days sounds like plenty of time, but for international buyers coordinating transport from overseas, it can go fast. The moment you win a bid, start the transport booking process. Don't wait for payment to clear before contacting a carrier—get a quote and tentatively book the move immediately.

Step 2: Identify the Pickup Location and Equipment Condition

IronPlanet auctions pull equipment from seller locations across the United States. The pickup location determines:

• Which carrier can reach the site (some rural locations require specialized access)
• Which port makes the most sense for export (Houston for Latin America/West Africa, Savannah for East Africa/Middle East, Los Angeles/Long Beach for Asia, Newark for Europe)
• What permits are required for the overland transport leg

Review the equipment's IronPlanet inspection report carefully. Note any non-running conditions, missing components, or damage that could affect loading. Non-running equipment requires a carrier with winch or crane loading capability.

Step 3: Choose Your Export Port

Port selection significantly affects total logistics cost and transit time to the destination country. Key US export ports for heavy equipment:

• Houston, TX: Best for Latin America, West Africa, and Middle East. High volume of RoRo and flat-rack services.
• Savannah, GA: Strong connections to East Africa, Middle East, and Europe. Growing RoRo capacity.
• Baltimore, MD: Major RoRo hub with direct services to Europe, West Africa, and the Middle East.
• Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA: Best for Asia and Pacific destinations.
• Newark, NJ: Busiest US container port; strong connections to Europe and West Africa.
• New Orleans, LA: Good connections to Latin America and West Africa.

Work with your freight forwarder to identify the best port for your destination country and the available vessel schedules.

Step 4: Book Overland Transport

The overland transport leg—from the IronPlanet pickup location to the export port—is where IronHaul Logistics comes in. Key considerations:

• Equipment dimensions and weight: Provide the carrier with the machine's make, model, operating weight, and dimensions (length, width, height). This determines trailer type and permit requirements.
• Running vs. non-running: Running equipment can be driven onto an RGN trailer. Non-running equipment requires winch loading or crane assistance.
• Port delivery requirements: The carrier must be TWIC-compliant for port terminal access. Confirm this before booking.
• Timing: Coordinate the delivery date with your freight forwarder's vessel booking. Equipment arriving at the port too early may incur storage fees; arriving too late may miss the vessel cutoff.

Step 5: Handle Export Documentation

For self-propelled vehicles (which includes most heavy equipment), US Customs requires:

• EEI/AES filing: An Electronic Export Information filing through the Automated Export System, submitted at least 72 hours before export. Your freight forwarder handles this.
• Export documentation: A domestic Bill of Lading indicating the pickup location, plus valid export documentation showing the final destination and US port of exit. These must be submitted to IronPlanet within five business days of delivery to qualify for sales tax exemption on export purchases.
• Title and ownership documents: Ensure you have clear title to the equipment before export. Some countries require notarized title documents.

Step 6: Port Delivery and Vessel Loading

Once the equipment arrives at the port, the freight forwarder coordinates with the terminal for staging and loading. RoRo equipment is driven onto the vessel by port drivers; flat-rack cargo is lifted by port cranes. Confirm with your freight forwarder whether the equipment will move RoRo or flat-rack, as this affects how the machine should be prepared (fuel level, battery disconnect, etc.).

Common Mistakes IronPlanet Export Buyers Make

• Missing the pickup deadline: Eight business days goes fast. Book transport the day you win the bid.
• Not verifying running condition: A non-running machine requires different (and more expensive) loading equipment. Confirm running condition before booking a standard RGN carrier.
• Choosing the wrong port: Routing equipment to a port with poor vessel service to your destination adds weeks to transit time. Work with a freight forwarder who knows the vessel schedules.
• Missing the EEI filing deadline: The 72-hour AES filing requirement is strictly enforced. Missing it can delay export and result in fines.

IronHaul Logistics specializes in auction equipment pickup and port delivery for international buyers and exporters. We handle TWIC-compliant port drayage, multi-state permit coordination, and non-running equipment loading. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a quote online to get your IronPlanet purchase moving.