Ritchie Bros. sold more than 6,500 items for $77 million-plus at its largest-ever Texas auction. As a transportation equipment hotspot for Ritchie Bros., the two-day Houston auction featured more than 620 truck tractors, totaling $15 million in gross transaction value — setting a new company record for truck tractor sales in a single auction.

More than 8,100 people registered to bid in the November 5 to 6, 2019, auction, including 6,500-plus registering to participate online. U.S. buyers purchased approximately 90 percent of the equipment, including 43 percent purchased by Texas buyers, while international buyers from such countries as France, Australia and the Philippines purchased 10 percent of the equipment. Online buyers purchased 61 percent of the assets.

"We broke nearly every Texas record we have with this Houston auction," said Alan McVicker, regional sales manager, Ritchie Bros. "With a record 6,500 items we attracted our largest audience ever, resulting in solid pricing on both days of the auction. We'd like to thank all our sellers for putting their trust in us to get them the best possible returns for their assets."

McVicker added, "For bidders who were unable to get the equipment they need in Houston, I encourage them to check out our IronPlanet online auction. There are lots of potential deals up for grabs."

Equipment highlights in the Houston auction included 140-plus excavators, 135-plus skid steers, 100-plus backhoe loaders, 85-plus cranes, 40-plus dozers, 380-plus aerial work platforms and more. All items were sold without minimum bids or reserve prices.