Ritchie Bros. Auction Seller Equipment Shipping: A Consignor's Transport Guide

Understanding the Consignment Timeline

Ritchie Bros. auctions operate on a fixed schedule, and consignment deadlines are non-negotiable. Key timeline milestones for consignors:

• Consignment agreement: Signed weeks or months before the auction date. This is when you commit to delivering the equipment to the yard.
• Yard delivery deadline: Typically 1-2 weeks before the auction date. Equipment must be at the yard and checked in by this deadline to be included in the auction catalog and inspected by Ritchie Bros. staff.
• Inspection period: Ritchie Bros. staff inspect and photograph equipment after delivery. Equipment that arrives after the inspection deadline may not be fully cataloged, which can reduce buyer interest and final sale price.
• Auction date: The live or online auction event. Equipment sells on this date.
• Buyer pickup window: Buyers typically have 5-10 business days after the auction to remove their purchased equipment from the yard.

Work backward from the yard delivery deadline when planning transport. For equipment that needs to travel long distances or requires oversize permits, allow extra lead time for permit processing.

Preparing Equipment for Consignment Transport

Ritchie Bros. has specific requirements for equipment delivered to their yards. Consignors should prepare equipment as follows:

• Running condition: Equipment should be in running condition if possible. Non-running equipment can still be consigned, but it must be disclosed and may affect the sale price. Inform your carrier if the equipment is non-running so they can bring appropriate loading equipment.
• Fluid levels: Check and top off all fluid levels (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant). Equipment that arrives with low fluids may not start for the Ritchie Bros. inspection team.
• Cleanliness: Clean the equipment before delivery. Well-presented equipment photographs better and attracts more buyer interest. Remove excessive mud, grease, and debris.
• Documentation: Have the title, registration, and any maintenance records ready. Ritchie Bros. will need the title to process the sale.
• Attachments: Decide whether to include attachments (buckets, blades, forks) with the equipment or consign them separately. Attachments shipped with the machine should be secured to the machine or the trailer.

Transport Options for Consignment Delivery

Consignors have several options for getting equipment to the auction yard:

• Self-haul: If you have your own lowboy or flatbed trailer and the appropriate CDL, you can deliver the equipment yourself. This is the lowest-cost option but requires your own equipment and driver time.
• Third-party carrier (IronHaul): Hiring a professional heavy-haul carrier is the most common option for consignors who don't have their own transport equipment. A professional carrier handles permit procurement, loading, and delivery coordination.
• Ritchie Bros. transport services: Ritchie Bros. offers transport coordination services through their logistics partners. These services are convenient but may not always be the most cost-competitive option.

Yard Delivery Requirements

Each Ritchie Bros. yard has specific delivery requirements. Common requirements include:

• Appointment scheduling: Most yards require a delivery appointment. Call the yard in advance to schedule your delivery window. Showing up without an appointment can result in long waits or being turned away.
• Gate check-in: Drivers must check in at the gate with the consignment paperwork and a valid ID. Have the consignment number and equipment details ready.
• Unloading area: The yard will direct the carrier to the appropriate unloading area. Ensure the carrier has a lowboy or RGN with ramps for self-propelled equipment, or a crane/forklift for non-running equipment.
• Fuel level: Some yards require equipment to have at least a quarter tank of fuel for the inspection and demonstration.

Post-Sale Buyer Pickup Coordination

After the auction, the buyer is responsible for arranging pickup of their purchased equipment. As the consignor, your role in this process is minimal — but there are a few things to be aware of:

• Item Release Form: Ritchie Bros. issues an Item Release Form to the buyer after payment is confirmed. The buyer's carrier must present this form at the gate to pick up the equipment.
• Pickup deadline: Buyers typically have 5-10 business days to remove equipment from the yard. Equipment left beyond this window may incur storage fees charged to the buyer.
• Your equipment is gone: Once the buyer picks up the equipment, the transaction is complete. Ritchie Bros. handles the payment disbursement to you according to the consignment agreement terms.

Cost Factors for Consignment Transport

• Distance to the auction yard: The primary cost driver. Short regional moves (under 200 miles) typically run $500-$1,500. Long-distance moves (over 1,000 miles) can run $3,000-$8,000+.
• Equipment size and weight: Larger equipment requiring oversize permits and pilot cars costs more to transport.
• Permit lead time: If you're close to the consignment deadline, expedited permit processing may be available at additional cost.
• Loading assistance: Non-running equipment requiring a crane or forklift for loading adds cost.

Get a Quote for Your Consignment Transport

IronHaul Logistics works with Ritchie Bros. consignors nationwide to coordinate equipment delivery to auction yards on time and within budget. We handle permit procurement, loading coordination, and yard delivery scheduling. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get a fast rate for your consignment transport.