IronPlanet Auction Buyer's Guide to Equipment Shipping
IronPlanet is one of the largest online heavy equipment auction platforms in the world, offering certified used machinery from dealers, rental fleets, and government agencies across the United States and internationally. When you win a bid on IronPlanet, the clock starts immediately — you have 8 business days to remove the equipment from the seller's premises or face storage fees. Understanding the pickup and shipping process before you bid is the key to a smooth, cost-effective transaction.
How IronPlanet Auction Pickup Works
IronPlanet does not arrange or perform equipment transport — that responsibility falls entirely on the buyer. Once your payment is processed and cleared, an “Item Release Form” becomes available in your IronPlanet account. This document authorizes the carrier to pick up the equipment on your behalf and must be presented at the seller's site. Without the Item Release Form, the carrier cannot take possession of the machine.
If the listing notes “Pickup Support,” you must contact IronPlanet customer support to schedule a pickup window. For standard listings, you may contact the seller directly (if their information is released) to coordinate access. Always confirm site hours, access requirements, and whether a forklift or crane is available for loading before your carrier arrives.
The 8-Business-Day Removal Deadline
IronPlanet requires all purchased equipment to be removed from the seller's premises within 8 business days of the auction close. This deadline is strictly enforced:
- Days 1–8: Equipment must be removed. No storage fees during this window.
- After Day 8: Storage fees begin accruing. Rates vary by seller and location but can reach $50–$200 per day.
- After 60 days: Equipment may be deemed abandoned and disposed of, with storage fees and commissions deducted from any proceeds.
Book your carrier immediately after winning the auction — do not wait for the Item Release Form to arrive before contacting a shipper. IronHaul Logistics can often dispatch a carrier within 24 to 48 hours of booking for standard loads.
What Information You Need to Arrange Shipping
To get an accurate shipping quote, have the following ready when you contact IronHaul:
- Equipment make, model, and year
- Operating weight (from the IronPlanet listing or manufacturer specs)
- Overall dimensions: length, width, height in transport configuration
- Whether the machine is running and self-propelled
- Pickup address (seller's site) and delivery address
- Any site access restrictions at pickup or delivery (low bridges, soft ground, limited turning radius)
Trailer Types for IronPlanet Auction Loads
The trailer type depends on the equipment's size and weight:
- Flatbed: Skid steers, compact track loaders, attachments, small generators, and equipment under 8.5 ft wide and 13.5 ft tall.
- Step-Deck: Telehandlers, mid-size excavators, and equipment that needs extra vertical clearance.
- Lowboy / RGN: Large excavators, dozers, motor graders, cranes, and any equipment exceeding 13.5 ft in height. The removable gooseneck allows ground-level loading for tracked machines.
- Hotshot (gooseneck trailer): For smaller equipment under 20,000 lbs that needs fast, cost-effective transport.
IronPlanet's VeriTread Integration
IronPlanet integrates with VeriTread to provide non-binding shipping estimates during checkout. These estimates are a useful starting point but are not guaranteed rates. For accurate, committed pricing and guaranteed pickup within the 8-day window, contact a dedicated heavy-haul carrier like IronHaul Logistics directly. We provide binding quotes and can confirm carrier availability before you commit to a shipping cost.
Tips for IronPlanet Buyers
- Research shipping costs before bidding: Factor transport cost into your maximum bid. A machine 1,500 miles away costs significantly more to move than one 300 miles away.
- Confirm the machine's condition: IronPlanet's IronClad Assurance program provides inspection reports. Review these carefully — non-running machines require crane-assisted loading, which adds cost.
- Book your carrier the day you win: Don't wait. The 8-day clock starts immediately, and carrier availability can be tight during peak auction seasons.
- Verify site access: Confirm the seller's site hours, gate access requirements, and whether loading equipment is available before your carrier arrives.
- Get the Item Release Form ready: Your carrier cannot pick up the machine without it. Download it from your IronPlanet account as soon as payment clears.
IronHaul Logistics specializes in auction equipment pickup and transport. We understand the IronPlanet process, the 8-day deadline, and the urgency of getting your machine moved quickly. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit your load details through our online quote form for a fast, competitive rate.
Common questions
How long do I have to pick up equipment from IronPlanet?
IronPlanet requires all purchased equipment to be removed from the seller's premises within 8 business days of the auction close. Storage fees begin accruing after day 8, and equipment may be deemed abandoned after 60 days.
Does IronPlanet arrange shipping for buyers?
No. IronPlanet does not arrange or perform equipment transport. Buyers are responsible for hiring their own carrier. IronPlanet integrates with VeriTread for non-binding estimates, but for committed pricing and guaranteed pickup, contact a dedicated heavy-haul carrier like IronHaul Logistics.
What is the Item Release Form and why do I need it?
The Item Release Form is a document that becomes available in your IronPlanet account after payment clears. It authorizes your carrier to pick up the equipment on your behalf. Without it, the carrier cannot take possession of the machine at the seller's site.
How quickly can IronHaul pick up my IronPlanet purchase?
IronHaul Logistics can often dispatch a carrier within 24 to 48 hours of booking for standard loads. Contact us immediately after winning your auction — don't wait for the Item Release Form before reaching out.
What if my IronPlanet purchase is non-running?
Non-running machines require crane or heavy-duty wrecker assistance for loading. Notify IronHaul at booking so we can arrange the appropriate loading equipment. Crane-assisted loading typically adds $300–$800 to the shipping cost.
Ready to move a machine?
Tell us what you're shipping and where. We quote direct — no bidding wars, no load-board runaround.