Off-Lease & Repossessed Heavy Equipment: Shipping Guide for Remarketing Companies

The Off-Lease and Repossession Logistics Challenge

Unlike a standard equipment sale where the seller controls the timeline, off-lease and repossession moves often involve compressed schedules, uncertain equipment condition, and locations that weren't chosen for logistics convenience. The equipment may be at a remote job site with no loading dock, in a muddy yard with no hard surface for a lowboy to approach, or at a lessee's facility where access must be coordinated carefully to avoid confrontation or legal complications.

Remarketing companies and lenders who handle these moves regularly develop a playbook that prioritizes speed, documentation, and flexibility. The right transport partner understands this environment and can adapt to conditions on the ground.

Common Equipment Types in Remarketing Moves

• Excavators (mini to large): 8,000–200,000 lbs; require flatbed (mini) to multi-axle RGN (large)
• Wheel loaders and skid steers: 6,000–80,000 lbs; flatbed to lowboy depending on size
• Bulldozers and crawler dozers: 20,000–150,000+ lbs; lowboy or RGN standard
• Forklifts and telehandlers: 8,000–50,000 lbs; flatbed or step deck for most units
• Aerial work platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts): 10,000–40,000 lbs; flatbed or step deck
• Generators and compressors: 5,000–80,000+ lbs; flatbed to RGN depending on size

Workflow: From Recovery to Auction Yard

Step 1: Condition Assessment and Dimension Verification

Before booking transport, the remarketing company or lender should obtain the machine's current operating status (running or non-running), accurate dimensions (length, width, height in transport configuration), and weight. Non-running equipment requires a carrier with a winch or crane capability at the origin — not all carriers have this. Providing inaccurate dimensions leads to the wrong trailer being dispatched, wasting time and money.

Step 2: Trailer and Carrier Selection

Match the trailer to the machine's weight and dimensions. For multi-unit moves — common in fleet lease returns where 5–20 machines are being recovered simultaneously — coordinate a carrier that can handle multiple loads in sequence or in parallel. Batch moves reduce per-unit transport cost significantly compared to booking each machine individually.

Step 3: Permit Acquisition

Oversize permits must be obtained for every state the load crosses. For remarketing moves, the destination is often a major auction yard (Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave) or a dealer lot. These facilities are accustomed to receiving heavy equipment and typically have adequate unloading infrastructure. Confirm the destination's hours and any appointment requirements before the load departs.

Step 4: Documentation

Proper documentation protects all parties. The bill of lading should accurately describe the equipment (make, model, serial number, condition), note any pre-existing damage, and specify the release authorization. For repossession moves, the carrier should have a copy of the repossession order or lender authorization in case of questions at the pickup location.

Step 5: Delivery and Auction Prep

Most auction yards require equipment to be delivered during specific receiving windows and may require a delivery appointment. Ritchie Bros. and IronPlanet yards typically have their own unloading crews and equipment, but the carrier must be prepared to wait if the yard is busy. Confirm delivery appointment requirements at least 48 hours before the load arrives.

Cost Factors for Remarketing Moves

Transport costs for off-lease and repossession moves are driven by the same factors as any heavy haul: distance, equipment dimensions and weight, permit requirements, and trailer type. However, remarketing moves often carry additional cost factors:

• Non-running surcharge: Equipment that cannot be driven onto the trailer requires a crane or winch at the origin, adding $200–$800 depending on the situation.
• Remote pickup surcharge: Locations more than 50 miles from a major metro area or with difficult access (unpaved roads, tight gates) may carry a surcharge.
• Expedite premium: Lenders often need equipment moved within 24–48 hours of recovery. Expedited moves carry a 20–40% premium over standard rates.
• Multi-unit discount: Moving 5 or more units from the same location or to the same destination typically qualifies for a volume discount.

IronHaul Logistics works with equipment finance companies, lessors, and asset recovery firms to move off-lease and repossessed machinery quickly and professionally. We understand the urgency and documentation requirements of these moves. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form to discuss your remarketing transport needs.