IronPlanet Auction Equipment Shipping: Complete Logistics Guide for Buyers
IronPlanet is one of the world's largest online heavy equipment auction platforms, selling thousands of machines weekly through its weekly auctions, IronPlanet Marketplace, and Ritchie Bros. integrated listings. Every machine sold on IronPlanet needs to be transported — and buyers have just 8 business days to remove equipment from the seller's location before storage fees begin. This guide walks IronPlanet buyers through the complete shipping logistics process.
IronPlanet's Shipping Policy: What Buyers Need to Know
IronPlanet does not arrange or provide transportation. As a buyer, you are solely responsible for arranging pickup and transport of any equipment you purchase. Key policy points:
- 8-business-day removal window: Equipment must be removed from the seller's premises within 8 business days of the auction closing. This clock starts when the auction ends, not when you pay.
- Storage fees: After 8 business days, the seller may charge storage fees. If equipment remains for more than 60 days, it may be deemed abandoned and disposed of, with storage fees and commissions deducted from any proceeds.
- Item Release Form: After full payment is processed, you can access your Item Release Form through your IronPlanet account or the Post Sale Info page. This form contains the seller's contact information and is required to schedule pickup.
- Seller loading assistance: Sellers are not required to load equipment into containers or dismantle machinery. Any loading assistance must be negotiated directly with the seller.
The IronPlanet Shipping Timeline: Day by Day
Understanding the timeline helps you avoid the 8-day deadline:
- Auction day (Day 0): You win the bid. The 8-day clock starts.
- Day 1–2: Complete payment. Access your Item Release Form in your IronPlanet account.
- Day 2–3: Contact the seller using the Item Release Form to schedule pickup. Confirm equipment location, operating hours, and loading equipment availability.
- Day 2–4: Book your carrier. Provide equipment dimensions, weight, pickup address, and delivery address. Allow time for permit procurement if the load is oversize.
- Day 4–7: Carrier picks up equipment. Oversize permit procurement typically takes 2–5 business days.
- Day 8: Deadline. Equipment must be off the seller's premises.
Pro tip: Contact IronHaul before you bid on large or oversize equipment. We can provide a pre-bid shipping estimate and have a carrier on standby so you can move immediately after winning.
IronPlanet Equipment Locations: What to Expect
IronPlanet equipment is sold from seller locations across North America — not from a central auction yard. This means pickup logistics vary significantly by location:
- Dealer lots: Usually have loading equipment (forklifts, cranes) and flexible hours. Easiest pickups.
- Construction job sites: May have limited access, soft ground, and no loading equipment. RGN trailers preferred for self-loading.
- Industrial facilities: Often have strict access protocols; confirm hours and access requirements before dispatch.
- Remote locations: Rural or remote sites may require longer carrier lead times. Factor in travel time for the carrier.
- International locations: IronPlanet sells equipment in Canada and internationally. Cross-border moves require additional documentation (customs, PAPS/PARS for Canada).
Trailer Selection for IronPlanet Equipment
IronPlanet sells a wide variety of equipment. Matching the right trailer to your purchase is critical:
| Equipment Category | Recommended Trailer | Permit Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Excavators (20–50 ton) | Lowboy or RGN | Yes — width over 8.5 ft |
| Crawler dozers (D6–D9) | RGN | Yes — width over 8.5 ft |
| Wheel loaders (medium–large) | RGN or Lowboy | Yes — width over 8.5 ft |
| Skid steers / compact track loaders | Flatbed or Step Deck | Usually no |
| Forklifts (warehouse) | Flatbed | Usually no |
| Boom lifts / Scissor lifts | Step Deck or Lowboy | Depends on height |
| Motor graders | RGN | Yes — width and length |
| Generators (100–500 kW) | Flatbed or Step Deck | Depends on size |
IronPlanet's VeriTread Integration: Why You Should Shop Around
IronPlanet integrates with VeriTread to offer shipping quotes during checkout. While convenient, VeriTread quotes are non-binding estimates and may not reflect actual market rates. Buyers who contact specialized heavy haul carriers directly — like IronHaul Logistics — often find more competitive rates, faster scheduling, and more responsive service, especially for oversize loads that require permit coordination.
International Buyers: Export Shipping from IronPlanet
International buyers purchasing equipment on IronPlanet must arrange both domestic transport (to the export port) and international freight forwarding. Key steps:
- Arrange domestic transport to the nearest export port (Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Newark, Jacksonville)
- Hire a licensed customs broker for export documentation (EEI filing, commercial invoice, packing list)
- Notify IronPlanet's title department in advance for titled vehicles being exported
- Provide domestic Bill of Lading and export documents within 5 business days of delivery for sales tax exemption
Ship Your IronPlanet Purchase with IronHaul Logistics
IronHaul Logistics specializes in IronPlanet auction pickups. We move fast to meet the 8-day removal window, handle all permit procurement, and coordinate directly with sellers on your behalf. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or get a quote at ironhaullogistics.com — provide the IronPlanet lot number or equipment details and pickup location for a same-day response.
Common questions
How many days do I have to pick up equipment from an IronPlanet auction?
IronPlanet requires equipment to be removed from the seller's premises within 8 business days of the auction closing. After 8 days, the seller may charge storage fees. Equipment remaining for more than 60 days may be deemed abandoned.
Where do I find the seller's contact information to schedule pickup on IronPlanet?
After full payment is processed, access your Item Release Form through your IronPlanet account or the Post Sale Info page. This form contains the seller's contact information and is required to schedule a pickup appointment.
Does IronPlanet arrange shipping for buyers?
No. IronPlanet does not provide or coordinate transportation. Buyers are solely responsible for arranging pickup and transport. IronPlanet's checkout process offers non-binding shipping estimates through VeriTread, but buyers are free to use any carrier.
Can IronHaul pick up equipment from any IronPlanet seller location?
Yes. IronHaul operates nationwide and can pick up from any IronPlanet seller location in the continental US. For Canadian locations, we coordinate cross-border transport with customs documentation.
What if the IronPlanet seller has no loading equipment at their location?
IronHaul dispatches carriers with RGN trailers for self-propelled equipment, allowing machines to drive on under their own power. For non-running equipment or locations without loading infrastructure, we coordinate crane or rigging services at the pickup site.
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