Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers — operating at rbauction.com — is the world's largest and most trusted marketplace for buying and selling used heavy equipment, commercial trucks, and industrial machinery. Founded in 1958 by David Edward Ritchie, the company has grown from a regional auctioneer into a global powerhouse spanning more than 170 countries.
In 2025, Ritchie Bros. completed the acquisition of IAA, Inc. and rebranded its parent company as RB Global, Inc. (NYSE & TSX: RBA), now headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. Despite the corporate rebranding, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers continues to operate as the flagship brand, and rbauction.com remains the primary platform for live and online equipment auctions.
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What Is RB Global and How Does It Relate to RBAuction?
RB Global is the parent company overseeing a portfolio of specialized marketplaces. Its transaction solutions for heavy assets include:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Ritchie Bros. (RBAuction) | World's largest live and online industrial auctioneer |
| IronPlanet | Weekly online featured auctions with IronClad Assurance® certification |
| Marketplace-E | Controlled marketplace with flexible price and timing options |
| GovPlanet | Government surplus equipment auctions |
| SalvageSale | Salvage and total-loss asset sales |
| Mascus | Leading European online equipment listing service |
| Ritchie List | Self-serve listing service for North America |
| Rouse Services | Equipment data, valuation, and market intelligence |
| SmartEquip | Fleet management and parts procurement tools |
Together, these platforms serve buyers and sellers across construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, oil and gas, and forestry sectors.
Scale and Reach: By the Numbers
- Founded: 1958
- Parent company: RB Global, Inc. (NYSE & TSX: RBA)
- Auction sites: 44+ locations in more than 14 countries
- Customers served: 170+ countries worldwide
- Annual auctions held: 300+
- Annual equipment sales value: Over $6 billion USD
- 2024 Orlando flagship event: 22,000 buyers, 16,500+ items, $258 million+ in Gross Transaction Value (GTV)
- 2026 Grande Prairie record: $68.7 million in a single auction event, more than doubling year-over-year
Key Features of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
1. Live and Online Auctions (Hybrid Format)
Ritchie Bros. pioneered the hybrid auction model, allowing bidders to participate either on-site at one of its global auction facilities or in real time online via rbauction.com. Every auction features a live auctioneer with bid catchers on-site and simultaneous online bidding — ensuring maximum competitive reach for sellers and maximum access for buyers.
2. Unreserved Auction Format
All items at Ritchie Bros. auctions are sold unreserved — meaning every item that goes to auction sells to the highest bidder, with no minimum price. This policy drives buyer confidence and guarantees sellers a certain sale.
3. IronClad Assurance® (via IronPlanet)
For buyers seeking greater certainty, IronPlanet — a sister platform under RB Global — offers the exclusive IronClad Assurance® equipment condition certification. Each certified item is independently inspected and photographed, giving remote buyers a verified, trusted condition report before bidding.
4. Extensive Equipment Categories
Ritchie Bros. handles virtually every category of commercial and industrial asset, including:
- Excavators, bulldozers, and graders
- Cranes and lifting equipment
- Agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters, planters)
- Commercial trucks and trailers
- Oilfield and energy equipment
- Forklifts and material handling equipment
- Mining and quarrying machinery
- Marine vessels and forestry equipment
5. Multiple Selling Channels
Sellers can choose the sales channel that best fits their timeline and objectives:
- Live auction (rbauction.com): Best for large fleets or high-volume disposals at flagship events
- IronPlanet weekly auctions: Fastest speed to sale; equipment sells where it sits
- Marketplace-E: Controlled pricing with expert buyer outreach for individual or premium assets
- Ritchie List / Mascus: Self-serve listings for North America and Europe
6. Rouse Valuation and Market Intelligence
Rouse Services, part of RB Global, provides data-driven equipment valuations and market pricing insights — used by fleet managers, lenders, and buyers to make informed decisions.
7. Global Buyer Network
With over 170 countries represented in its buyer base, Ritchie Bros. delivers unmatched international exposure for every consignment, driving competitive bidding and strong returns for sellers.
How to Use RBAuction: Step-by-Step
For Buyers
- Create a free account at rbauction.com — registration is always free.
- Browse inventory using the advanced search filters (category, location, year, make, model, auction date).
- Inspect equipment — attend preview/inspection days at auction sites or review IronPlanet inspection reports for online-only items.
- Bid live or online — participate in real time from anywhere in the world.
- Complete payment — accepted methods include credit cards, wire transfers, and other electronic payment options.
- Arrange transportation — Ritchie Bros. provides logistics support and connections to trusted transport providers.
For Sellers
- Contact the sales team at rbauction.com or call +1.800.663.8457.
- Choose your selling channel — live auction, IronPlanet weekly, Marketplace-E, or listing services.
- Equipment inspection and photography — Ritchie Bros. handles inspection and marketing.
- Consignment options — choose from straight commission, gross guarantee, or outright purchase arrangements.
- Receive payment — IronPlanet sellers are paid within 15 business days of the auction close.
Benefits of Using Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
For Buyers:
- Access to one of the largest global inventories of used heavy equipment
- Transparent, competitive bidding with no hidden reserve prices
- Verified inspection reports (via IronClad Assurance® on IronPlanet)
- Financing options available through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services
For Sellers:
- Guaranteed sale with no reserve — every item sells
- Massive global buyer exposure driving competitive final prices
- Multiple channel options to match your timeline and asset type
- End-to-end service: inspection, marketing, bidding, payment, and logistics
Recent Milestones and Developments (2024–2026)
- 2023: Ritchie Bros. parent company rebranded as RB Global, Inc. following the acquisition of IAA, Inc.
- 2024 Orlando flagship auction: 22,000+ buyers, 16,500+ lots, $258M+ GTV — one of the most successful events in company history.
- February 2025 Orlando auction: 15,103 items listed across 10 equipment categories at the world's premier equipment auction event.
- July 2025: RB Global completed the acquisition of J.M. Wood Auction Co., expanding its U.S. footprint.
- May 2026: RB Global completed the acquisition of BigIron, significantly expanding its U.S. agricultural auction presence.
- May 2026: Ritchie Bros. Grande Prairie auction set a site record with $68.7 million in GTV, more than doubling year-over-year.
- May 2026: Ritchie Bros. generated over C$175 million in GTV at a Canadian auction event.
Is registration on RBAuction free?
Yes. Creating an account on rbauction.com is completely free for both buyers and sellers.
Can I inspect equipment before bidding?
Yes. Ritchie Bros. offers designated inspection days at all auction sites before every event. For online-only items via IronPlanet, detailed inspection reports and photos are available digitally.
What payment methods does Ritchie Bros. accept?
Accepted payment methods include credit cards, wire transfers, and other electronic payment options. Payment terms are clearly disclosed prior to each auction.
Are there warranties on equipment sold?
No. All items are sold as-is, where-is, with no warranties. Buyers are encouraged to inspect items thoroughly or review IronClad Assurance® reports.
Can I sell my equipment through RBAuction without attending the auction?
Yes. IronPlanet's weekly online auctions allow equipment to be sold directly from your yard or job site — Ritchie Bros. handles inspection, photography, marketing, and payment collection.
Does Ritchie Bros. offer equipment financing?
Yes. Financing is available through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services (rbauctionfinance.com) for qualified buyers.
In how many countries does Ritchie Bros. operate?
Ritchie Bros. has auction sites in more than 14 countries and serves buyers and sellers in over 170 countries worldwide.
What happened to the Ritchie Bros. brand after the RB Global rebrand?
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers continues to operate as the core brand under the RB Global parent company. The rbauction.com platform, the annual flagship Orlando auction, and all regional live auction events continue under the Ritchie Bros. name.
