Ritchie Bros Auction Equipment Shipping: A Buyer's Transport Guide

How Ritchie Bros Auction Pickup Works

After winning a lot at a Ritchie Bros auction (in-person or online via IronPlanet), the process for equipment removal is straightforward but time-sensitive:

1. Payment: Full payment must be cleared before the yard will release equipment. Ritchie Bros accepts wire transfer, credit card (with limits), and financing through their partners. Confirm payment clearance before scheduling pickup.
2. Removal deadline: Ritchie Bros typically requires equipment removal within 5–10 business days of the auction close. Check your purchase confirmation for the specific deadline — it varies by auction site and lot type.
3. Yard coordination: Contact the specific auction yard to schedule a pickup appointment. Ritchie Bros yards are busy — walk-in pickups without appointments can result in long waits or being turned away.
4. Loading assistance: Ritchie Bros yards typically have equipment operators available to assist with loading, but this is not guaranteed. Confirm loading assistance availability when scheduling your appointment.

Why Auction Pickups Require Specialized Carriers

Not every carrier is equipped to handle auction yard pickups. Key requirements for a successful Ritchie Bros pickup:

• Correct trailer type: The carrier must arrive with the right trailer for your specific machine. An excavator needs an RGN; a forklift may need a step-deck. Arriving with the wrong trailer means a wasted trip and a rescheduled pickup — burning into your removal deadline.
• Permits in hand: Oversize permits must be obtained before the carrier arrives at the yard. Carriers cannot legally leave the yard with an oversize load without valid permits.
• Yard access: Some Ritchie Bros yards have specific gate hours and require carrier check-in. Confirm gate hours and any carrier credentialing requirements with the yard before dispatch.
• Loading knowledge: Carriers who have loaded at Ritchie Bros yards before know the layout, the loading procedures, and how to work efficiently with yard staff.

Avoiding Storage Fees After a Ritchie Bros Auction

Storage fees at Ritchie Bros yards can be significant — typically $25–$100 per day per lot, depending on the yard and equipment size. On a large machine, fees can accumulate quickly if transport is delayed. To avoid storage fees:

• Contact IronHaul immediately after winning your lot — don't wait until the day before the deadline.
• Have your machine's dimensions and weight ready (check the lot listing on rbauction.com or IronPlanet for specs).
• Confirm your delivery address and any access restrictions at the destination before booking transport.
• If you're buying multiple lots at the same auction, consolidating loads onto one trailer (if dimensions allow) can save significantly on transport costs.

Ritchie Bros Auction Locations and IronHaul Coverage

Ritchie Bros operates major auction yards across the United States, including facilities in Houston TX, Denver CO, Orlando FL, Chicago IL, Minneapolis MN, Sacramento CA, and many others. IronHaul Logistics covers all Ritchie Bros locations nationwide. We're familiar with the specific pickup procedures, gate hours, and loading requirements at major yards, which means faster dispatch and fewer surprises on pickup day.

What to Have Ready When You Call IronHaul

To get a fast, accurate quote for your Ritchie Bros pickup, have the following information ready:

• Lot number and auction yard location
• Machine make, model, and year (from the lot listing)
• Machine dimensions: length, width, height (from the lot listing or RitchieSpecs)
• Machine operating weight
• Delivery address and any access restrictions (low bridges, soft ground, narrow gates)
• Removal deadline from your purchase confirmation

IronHaul Logistics specializes in auction equipment pickups from Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, Purple Wave, and other major auction platforms. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a quote online — we can typically dispatch a carrier within 24–48 hours of booking.