Shipping Equipment Purchased on MachineryTrader or AuctionTime for Export

MachineryTrader and AuctionTime: How Equipment Exporters Use These Platforms

MachineryTrader (owned by Sandhills Global) is a dealer-focused marketplace with over 100,000 listings from equipment dealers across North America. AuctionTime is Sandhills' auction platform, running weekly online auctions with equipment from dealers and private sellers. Equipment exporters use these platforms to source specific makes, models, and year ranges that are in demand in their target export markets — Latin America, West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Unlike Ritchie Bros. or IronPlanet (which have centralized auction yards), MachineryTrader and AuctionTime listings are typically located at the dealer's lot or the seller's location. This means the equipment can be anywhere in the continental United States, and the exporter must arrange inland transport from the seller's location to the export port.

Step 1: Confirming Equipment Location and Condition

Before purchasing equipment on MachineryTrader or AuctionTime for export, confirm:

• Exact Location: Get the full address of the equipment's current location. Rural locations, farm sites, or remote dealer lots may have limited truck access or require special loading equipment.
• Equipment Condition: Request a detailed inspection report and additional photos beyond the listing. For export, the equipment's condition directly affects its value in the destination market. Consider hiring a third-party inspector for high-value purchases.
• Title Status: Confirm that the seller has a clear title with no liens. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a clear title for equipment export. Lien releases can take weeks to process and will delay your export timeline.
• Operability: Confirm whether the equipment is operational. Non-operational equipment requires special loading equipment (crane or forklift) and may not be eligible for RoRo vessel shipping.

Step 2: Inland Transport from Dealer Lot to Export Port

Once the purchase is confirmed and the title is clear, arrange inland transport from the dealer's location to your preferred export port. Key considerations:

• Port Selection: Choose the export port based on vessel service to your destination market. Houston serves Latin America, West Africa, and the Middle East. Savannah serves West Africa and the Mediterranean. Baltimore serves Europe and West Africa. Los Angeles/Long Beach serves Asia and the Pacific.
• Trailer Requirements: The same trailer requirements apply as for any heavy equipment move. Large excavators, dozers, and cranes require RGN or lowboy trailers. Smaller equipment may move on flatbeds or step decks.
• Permit Coordination: For oversize loads, permits are required in every state the load passes through. A move from a dealer in Ohio to the Port of Houston crosses Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas — four state permits.
• Transit Time: Allow 3–7 days for inland transport depending on distance and load dimensions. Add 1–3 days for permit processing on oversize loads.

Step 3: Staging Warehouse vs. Direct Port Delivery

Most experienced exporters use a staging warehouse near the export port rather than delivering directly to the port terminal. Staging warehouses:

• Hold equipment until the vessel is ready to load, avoiding high port terminal storage fees
• Document equipment condition upon receipt with photographs
• Perform pre-export preparation (fluid compliance, battery disconnection for RoRo)
• Coordinate delivery to the terminal on the vessel cutoff date

Step 4: Shipping Method — RoRo vs. Breakbulk vs. Container

The shipping method depends on the equipment's size and operability:

• RoRo: Most cost-effective for operable wheeled or tracked equipment. The machine is driven or towed onto the vessel. Fuel must be at 1/4 tank or less.
• Breakbulk: For very large or heavy equipment exceeding RoRo ramp capacity. Equipment is lifted aboard by crane. More expensive but necessary for the largest machines.
• Flat Rack Container: For smaller equipment that fits within container dimensions. Provides weather protection and is cost-effective for compact machines.

Step 5: Export Documentation

Your freight forwarder handles most export documentation, but exporters should understand the requirements:

• AES/EEI Filing: Mandatory for all equipment exports. Generates an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) required by U.S. Customs.
• Commercial Invoice: Must accurately describe the equipment with make, model, year, serial number, and declared value.
• Clear Title: Required by CBP for all vehicle and equipment exports. Must be free of liens.

IronHaul Logistics: Your Inland Transport Partner for Equipment Exports

IronHaul Logistics specializes in the inland transport leg of the equipment export workflow — moving equipment from dealer lots and auction yards throughout the United States to staging warehouses and port terminals at Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and other major export gateways. We coordinate permits, pilot cars, and TWIC-credentialed drivers for port deliveries. To get a quote for your next MachineryTrader or AuctionTime purchase, call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form.