Ritchie Bros Auction Buyer's Guide to Equipment Pickup and Shipping

Start Planning Before You Bid

The most common mistake auction buyers make is waiting until after they win to think about shipping. By then, you may be facing a tight pickup deadline with limited carrier availability — especially during peak auction season when multiple yards are releasing equipment simultaneously. Before you place a bid, you should already know:

• The equipment's dimensions and operating weight (available on the lot detail page)
• The auction yard's load-out hours and pickup deadline
• The delivery address and any site access limitations
• An estimated shipping cost so you can factor it into your maximum bid

Ritchie Bros. provides a shipping estimator tool on item detail pages, but for accurate quotes on oversize loads, contact a specialized heavy haul carrier directly before bidding.

Pickup Deadlines and Yard Procedures

Ritchie Bros. auction yards have strict pickup deadlines — typically 5–10 business days after the auction closes, depending on the yard and auction type. Missing the deadline results in storage fees that can add up quickly. After payment is confirmed, you'll receive an invoice with pickup instructions specific to that yard.

Before your carrier arrives at the yard, confirm:

• Load-out hours: Most yards have specific hours for equipment release — typically weekdays during business hours. Some yards require appointments.
• Gate requirements: The carrier's driver will need to present a valid bill of lading (BOL) at the gate. The BOL must match the lot number and buyer information exactly.
• Export paperwork: If you're exporting the equipment, additional documentation (EEI/AES filing) must be presented at the yard before release.
• Equipment location within the yard: Large yards can span hundreds of acres. Confirm the specific row and position of your lot to avoid delays.

Choosing the Right Trailer

Trailer selection depends on the equipment's dimensions and weight. Here's a quick reference:

Equipment Type	Typical Trailer
Skid steers, compact loaders, small attachments	Flatbed or hotshot
Telehandlers, compact excavators, small dozers	Step deck or flatbed
Large excavators (20+ ton), motor graders, large dozers	Lowboy or RGN
Cranes, large generators, transformers	Multi-axle lowboy or specialized
Non-running equipment	RGN (allows winch loading) or lowboy with crane assist

Always verify the equipment's transport dimensions — not just the operating dimensions listed in the auction catalog. Some machines have attachments or configurations that affect transport height or width.

Non-Running Equipment: What to Know

Auction equipment is sometimes sold as non-running or inoperable. This significantly affects shipping logistics:

• Non-running equipment cannot be driven onto a trailer — it requires a winch, crane, or forklift for loading.
• RGN trailers with a detachable gooseneck allow winch loading for tracked equipment that cannot be driven.
• Some auction yards have forklifts or cranes available for loading assistance — confirm availability before your carrier arrives.
• Non-running equipment may require additional securement to prevent movement during transit.

Common Mistakes Auction Buyers Make

• Underestimating dimensions: The auction catalog lists operating dimensions, not transport dimensions. A machine with a tall ROPS or wide blade may require a different trailer than expected.
• Booking the wrong carrier: Standard freight brokers and auto transport companies are not equipped for heavy equipment. Always use a carrier with specific heavy haul experience and the right trailer type.
• Missing the pickup deadline: Storage fees at Ritchie Bros. yards can be $50–$200/day per unit. Book your carrier immediately after winning.
• Ignoring delivery site access: Can a lowboy trailer access your delivery site? Low-clearance driveways, soft ground, and tight turns can prevent delivery. Confirm site access before booking.
• Not photographing the equipment at pickup: Document the machine's condition at the yard before it's loaded. This protects you in case of a damage claim during transit.

How IronHaul Works with Auction Buyers

IronHaul Logistics works directly with Ritchie Bros. auction buyers nationwide. When you contact us with a lot number and yard location, we:

• Verify the equipment's dimensions and weight from the auction listing
• Select the appropriate trailer type
• Handle all oversize permit applications
• Coordinate pickup scheduling with the auction yard
• Provide a bill of lading for yard gate release
• Deliver to your specified location with real-time tracking

Just won something at Ritchie Bros.? Don't wait — contact IronHaul Logistics now to lock in your carrier before the pickup deadline. Request a quote online, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected]. We respond to all quote requests within one business day.