The comparison this calculator makes
The pickup side counts a round trip: fuel, a mileage allowance for vehicle wear, tolls, parking, helpers, equipment, and the time you assign to the trip. The shipping side adds the quote, packing or handling, insurance, and surcharges. The lower number is highlighted, but the choice is still yours.
When pickup can still be the better choice
- You are collecting several lots and can spread one trip across all of them.
- The goods are fragile, oversized, unusually valuable, or difficult to insure.
- You need to inspect the purchase before accepting it.
- The auction house does not offer shipping or the third-party quote is unusually high.
When shipping can save the deal
Shipping can win when a pickup window would require lost work, a hotel, a trailer, or a long low-MPG trip. It also makes distant online-only inventory practical—provided the auction terms clearly permit shipping and the quote covers the full order.
Put the logistics number into your bid
Use the chosen pickup or shipping total as freight in the Auction Profit & Max Bid Calculator. It will become part of the acquisition cost and reduce the maximum hammer bid accordingly. If you are still looking for inventory, use the auction-house finder and its pickup, online-bidding, and nationwide-shipping filters.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include my travel time?
Yes, if you want a fair comparison. Enter what an hour of your time is worth. Enter zero if you only want to compare out-of-pocket cash.
Does this use live gas or freight rates?
No. It uses only the values you enter. Replace every default with the actual price, mileage, and quote available to you.
Can I divide the cost among several lots?
Yes. Enter the number of lots sharing the trip or shipment. The total does not change, but the per-lot estimates do.
What if shipping availability is unclear?
Ask the auction house before bidding. Pickup windows, approved shippers, handling charges, and storage penalties are controlled by the sale terms.