Shipping Equipment Purchased on MachineryTrader or AuctionTime

How MachineryTrader and AuctionTime Work

MachineryTrader is a dealer-to-buyer marketplace where equipment dealers list inventory for direct sale. AuctionTime is an online auction platform (operated by the same parent company, Sandhills Publishing) where dealers and private sellers list equipment for competitive bidding. Both platforms list equipment from sellers across the US and Canada, meaning your purchase could be located anywhere from Texas to Montana.

Unlike Ritchie Bros or IronPlanet, which have established yard locations and sometimes offer transport coordination, MachineryTrader and AuctionTime purchases are typically private-party or dealer transactions. Transport is arranged independently by the buyer.

Step 1: Get a Transport Quote Before You Buy

The most common mistake MachineryTrader and AuctionTime buyers make is arranging transport after the purchase is complete — sometimes after the seller has already set a pickup deadline. The right approach is to get a transport quote before you finalize the purchase, so you know the total cost of ownership.

To get an accurate quote, you'll need:

• Equipment make, model, and year
• Operating weight (from the manufacturer's spec sheet or the listing)
• Dimensions: length, width, height (with any attachments that will be shipped with the machine)
• Whether the machine is operational (starts, drives, and brakes)
• Pickup location (city, state, and whether it's a dealer lot, job site, or private property)
• Delivery location
• Desired pickup window

Step 2: Understand the Seller's Pickup Requirements

MachineryTrader dealers and AuctionTime sellers typically have specific pickup requirements. Before booking transport, confirm:

• Pickup deadline: Some sellers require equipment to be removed within 5–15 business days of sale. Missing this deadline can result in storage fees of $25–$100/day.
• Loading assistance: Will the seller load the equipment onto the trailer, or is that the buyer's responsibility? Most dealers will load with their own equipment; private sellers may not have loading capability.
• Site access: Is the pickup location accessible to a semi-truck and trailer? Low-clearance gates, soft ground, or narrow driveways can complicate loading.
• Hours of operation: Dealer lots typically have set business hours. Coordinate pickup times in advance to avoid showing up when the lot is closed.

Step 3: Select the Right Trailer

Trailer selection depends on the equipment's weight, dimensions, and loading capability. Common options for MachineryTrader and AuctionTime purchases:

Trailer Type	Best For	Typical Payload
Hotshot (gooseneck)	Compact equipment under 20,000 lbs	Up to 20,000 lbs
Flatbed (48–53 ft)	Legal-dimension equipment, multiple small pieces	Up to 48,000 lbs
Step-Deck	Taller machines 8'4"–10' tall	Up to 42,000 lbs
Lowboy / RGN	Heavy machines, excavators, dozers, cranes	Up to 80,000 lbs
Multi-Axle Lowboy	Superloads over 80,000 lbs	80,000–200,000+ lbs

Step 4: Understand Permit Requirements

Many pieces of equipment purchased on MachineryTrader and AuctionTime require oversize or overweight permits. A load is oversize when it exceeds:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches)
• Height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Length: 75 feet (single vehicle) or 80 feet (combination)
• Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs

Permits are state-specific — a cross-country move may require permits from 5–8 states. IronHaul handles all permit filings as part of the transport service, so you don't need to navigate state DOT websites yourself.

Step 5: Inspect the Equipment at Pickup

Before the carrier loads your equipment, conduct a thorough inspection and document the machine's condition:

• Take dated photographs of all four sides, the undercarriage, and any pre-existing damage
• Note any damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before signing
• Confirm the serial number matches the listing and your purchase documentation
• Verify the machine starts and operates as described in the listing

If the machine arrives at your facility with damage that wasn't present at pickup, the Bill of Lading is your primary evidence for a freight claim. Never sign a clean BOL for a damaged machine.

Cost Factors for MachineryTrader and AuctionTime Purchases

Transport costs for equipment purchased on these platforms vary widely based on:

• Distance: The primary cost driver. Rates typically range from $2.00–$6.00 per loaded mile depending on trailer type and load complexity.
• Equipment size and weight: Larger, heavier machines require specialized trailers and permits, increasing costs.
• Permit complexity: Multi-state permit packages add $200–$600 to base transport costs.
• Fuel surcharges: Typically 15–25% of base rate, fluctuating with diesel prices.
• Expedited service: Rush pickups (within 24–48 hours) typically carry a 15–30% premium.

Get a Quote for Your MachineryTrader or AuctionTime Purchase

IronHaul Logistics specializes in transporting equipment purchased through online marketplaces and auctions. Our team handles trailer selection, multi-state permit coordination, and delivery scheduling — so you can focus on your business, not the logistics. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form for a fast, accurate rate on your shipment.