GovPlanet FAQ — Buying Heavy Equipment from Government Surplus

GovPlanet (govplanet.com) is the heavy-equipment-focused government surplus auction platform. It's owned by Ritchie Bros, the world's largest industrial auctioneer, and specializes in military vehicles, construction equipment, and trucks. The IronClad Assurance condition program — third-party inspections with detailed reports — sets it apart from other government auction platforms. Here are the questions buyers ask most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GovPlanet?

GovPlanet is an online auction platform for government surplus heavy equipment, military vehicles, and trucks, owned and operated by Ritchie Bros. Inventory comes primarily from the U.S. Department of Defense (through Defense Logistics Agency contracts) and other federal sources. It's the dominant platform for civilian-accessible military surplus vehicles like Humvees, LMTVs, MTVRs, and 5-ton trucks.

What does GovPlanet sell?

Demilitarized military vehicles (Humvees, LMTVs, MTVRs, 5-ton and 2.5-ton trucks, deuce-and-a-halfs), military trailers (M105, M1102), generators, construction equipment (loaders, dozers, excavators), trucks (semis, dump trucks, vacuum trucks), industrial equipment, and miscellaneous specialty items like aircraft tugs and fuel tanks.

Are GovPlanet vehicles street-legal?

Some are; many are not without modification. Demilitarized military vehicles are typically sold as off-road or "off-highway" vehicles and require state-specific titling and modifications (lights, signals, mirrors, brake systems) to be street-legal. Each state has different rules — California is strict, Texas and Arizona are lenient. Always research your state's requirements before bidding on a vehicle you intend to drive on public roads.

What is IronClad Assurance?

IronClad Assurance is GovPlanet's third-party inspection program. Items with IronClad Assurance have been inspected by Ritchie Bros technicians and come with detailed condition reports including engine status, transmission status, hydraulics, electrical, body condition, and known defects. If an item is materially misrepresented in an IronClad Assurance report, GovPlanet will cover certain repair costs or accept return — making it the strongest buyer protection in the government auction space.

What is the GovPlanet buyer's premium?

GovPlanet charges a buyer's premium of 10–15%, depending on the item and seller. The exact premium is shown on each listing page. On a $20,000 winning bid, expect $2,000–$3,000 in premium charges on top. Some items also carry an additional documentation or processing fee.

How do I register for GovPlanet?

Registration is free at govplanet.com. Provide your name, address, phone, email, and a valid payment method. You may need to verify your identity for higher-value purchases. Some categories — particularly demilitarized military vehicles — require additional buyer eligibility verification, including agreement to demilitarization conditions.

What payment methods does GovPlanet accept?

Wire transfer, certified check, cashier's check, and (for smaller amounts) credit card. Most heavy-equipment purchases require wire transfer. Payment is due within 5 business days of winning. GovPlanet uses Ritchie Bros financial infrastructure, so the payment process is more polished than smaller platforms.

Does GovPlanet offer financing?

Yes. Through Ritchie Bros Financial Services (RBFS), GovPlanet buyers can apply for equipment financing. Approval is based on credit and the equipment value. RBFS specializes in industrial equipment financing and can typically close faster than a traditional bank for established commercial buyers. Personal buyers can also apply but should expect more documentation requirements.

How does pickup work on GovPlanet?

Items are picked up from the original government location — typically a military base, demilitarization facility, or government storage yard. For military bases, you'll need to coordinate access (TWIC card, escort, or sponsor depending on the facility). Pickup deadlines are typically 30 days from sale; storage fees apply after that. GovPlanet can also arrange transport through its Ritchie Bros logistics network for an additional fee.

Can GovPlanet ship items?

For an additional fee, yes. Ritchie Bros Logistics offers transport quotes through the GovPlanet platform. For long-haul moves you may also use third-party services like uShip, Roadrunner, or Montway. Vehicles can be moved on flatbed trucks or driven (if street-legal). Heavy equipment requires specialized lowboy trailers.

Are GovPlanet items in good condition?

Condition varies — military vehicles often have been sitting outdoors for years before sale and may have weather damage, dry-rotted tires, or fluids that need replacement. The IronClad Assurance program offers the best protection: items with detailed inspection reports are worth a premium because the condition is documented. Items without IronClad Assurance should be treated with extra caution.

Can I inspect items before bidding?

Yes — most items have scheduled inspection days listed on the auction page. For military bases, you'll need to coordinate access in advance. Inspecting heavy equipment in person is strongly recommended; photos rarely capture rust, leaks, or hour-meter discrepancies. If you can't inspect, look for IronClad Assurance items or bid conservatively.

What happens if I win but the item is misrepresented?

This is where IronClad Assurance matters. If an IronClad-rated item is materially different from the inspection report, GovPlanet will work with you on remediation — repair credits or, in extreme cases, return. For non-IronClad items, the default is as-is, no return — but Ritchie Bros' larger size means resolution is sometimes possible for clear misrepresentations. Document everything (photos, video, mechanic reports) immediately after pickup.

Can civilians buy military Humvees on GovPlanet?

Yes — Humvees (HMMWVs) sold on GovPlanet are demilitarized and sold to civilian buyers. They're typically titled as "off-highway" or "off-road" vehicles and require state-specific modifications to be street-legal. Some states (Alabama, Arizona, Maine) allow Humvees on the road with modest modifications; others (California, New York) effectively prohibit street use. Research your state before bidding.

How does GovPlanet compare to GSA Auctions for heavy equipment?

GovPlanet is more specialized and has better condition reporting (IronClad Assurance), but charges 10–15% buyer's premium versus GSA's zero. GSA's heavy-equipment selection is smaller but cheaper net of fees. For high-value purchases ($30,000+) where condition certainty matters, GovPlanet's IronClad Assurance can be worth the premium. For pure price, check GSA first.

How do I find good deals on GovPlanet?

Look for items at less-popular pickup locations (Alaska, Hawaii, Guam — fewer bidders willing to coordinate transport), items ending overnight in the Pacific time zone, equipment with higher hours but well-documented maintenance, and bundled lots where the photographed star item undervalues the bundle. Set up alerts on GovAuctions to catch new listings matching your criteria across multiple platforms.