IronPlanet Auction Seller Equipment Shipping Guide

How IronPlanet Auction Sales Work for Sellers

IronPlanet operates as an online marketplace where sellers list equipment for sale through scheduled online auctions. Unlike traditional live auctions, IronPlanet auctions are conducted entirely online, with buyers bidding from anywhere in the world. Key seller responsibilities include:

• Equipment inspection: IronPlanet's IronClad Assurance program requires a certified inspection of each unit before listing. The inspection report is published to buyers and is the basis for IronPlanet's guarantee.
• Accurate listing: Sellers must provide accurate hours, condition information, and any known defects. Misrepresentation can result in disputes and chargebacks.
• Post-sale removal: After the auction closes and payment is processed, buyers have 8 business days to remove their equipment from the seller's location. Sellers can charge storage fees after this deadline.
• Loading assistance: Sellers are not required to load equipment into containers or dismantle machinery for transport. However, providing a level loading area and basic loading assistance (if available) speeds up the process and reduces disputes.

Managing Buyer Pickup Logistics

The 8-business-day removal window creates a logistics coordination challenge for sellers with multiple units sold in a single auction. Here's how to manage it effectively:

Communicate Proactively with Buyers

After the auction closes, contact buyers directly (through IronPlanet's messaging system) to confirm their transport arrangements. Ask for the name of their carrier, expected pickup date, and any special equipment needs (crane, forklift, etc.). Early communication prevents last-minute scrambles and missed deadlines.

Prepare the Equipment for Pickup

• Move sold equipment to a designated staging area accessible to lowboy and RGN trailers
• Ensure the loading area has firm, level ground capable of supporting heavy trailers and cranes
• Have the Item Release Form ready — buyers need this to authorize their carrier to take possession
• Document the equipment's condition with photographs before the carrier arrives
• Ensure fuel is at a reasonable level for drive-on loading (if the unit is operational)

Coordinate with Carriers

Buyers may use any carrier they choose, including IronPlanet's integrated partner VeriTread or independent carriers like IronHaul. When a carrier arrives:

• Verify the carrier has the buyer's Item Release Form and proper identification
• Confirm the unit being loaded matches the sold item (serial number, model)
• Provide a Bill of Lading or delivery receipt documenting the transfer of possession
• Note any pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading to protect against transit damage claims

International Buyer Pickups

IronPlanet has a large international buyer base, and many units sold on IronPlanet are destined for export. International pickups have additional requirements:

• Export documentation: International buyers must arrange their own customs brokerage and freight forwarding. The seller's responsibility ends when the carrier takes possession at the seller's location.
• Container loading: Some international buyers request that equipment be loaded into shipping containers at the seller's location. Sellers are not required to provide this service, but it can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Titled vehicles: For titled vehicles being exported, buyers should contact IronPlanet's title department in advance. Sellers should have the title ready for transfer at pickup.
• TWIC requirements: If the seller's location is within a port facility, drivers accessing the site may need TWIC cards. Verify access requirements with your port authority.

What Happens When Buyers Miss the Removal Deadline

If a buyer fails to remove equipment within 8 business days of auction close, IronPlanet's terms allow sellers to charge storage fees. If equipment remains for more than 60 days, it may be declared abandoned. Here's how to handle missed deadlines:

1. Document the missed deadline with timestamps and communication records
2. Contact the buyer through IronPlanet's messaging system to request immediate pickup
3. Notify IronPlanet customer support if the buyer is unresponsive
4. Begin charging storage fees per IronPlanet's terms (typically $25–$100/day depending on equipment size)
5. If equipment remains beyond 60 days, contact IronPlanet for guidance on the abandonment process

Selling Equipment That Needs Transport to a Different Location

Sometimes sellers need to move equipment to a different location before listing on IronPlanet — for example, consolidating inventory from multiple job sites to a central yard, or moving equipment to a location with better buyer access. IronHaul Logistics coordinates pre-sale transport for IronPlanet sellers, including:

• Moving equipment from job sites to dealer yards or auction staging areas
• Transporting equipment to IronPlanet inspection facilities
• Consolidating multi-location inventory to a single listing address
• Moving sold equipment to port facilities for export buyers

Streamlining Your IronPlanet Seller Operations

High-volume IronPlanet sellers — dealers, rental companies, and construction fleets — benefit from establishing a relationship with a reliable transport partner before auction day. IronHaul Logistics offers:

• Priority scheduling: Pre-arranged transport capacity for post-auction pickup windows
• Multi-unit coordination: Managing multiple buyer pickups from a single location on the same day
• Export logistics: Coordinating transport to port facilities for international buyers
• Documentation support: Bills of Lading, condition reports, and delivery receipts for every move

IronHaul Logistics works with IronPlanet sellers to make post-auction logistics seamless. Whether you need to coordinate buyer pickups, move equipment to a new listing location, or transport sold units to port for export, we're ready to help. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online.