Where the trailers for sale come from
The trailers on offer come mainly from German public sales. Customs and public authorities dispose of service trailers or seized equipment. Courts and bailiffs sell seized trailers. VEBEG sells off federal and military equipment, often by sealed tender. Liquidators and insolvent companies also put trailers up for auction. Many lots go unsold due to a lack of visibility outside Germany. Bidorado brings these scattered sales together and translates them, so you can spot a trailer before the closing date.
Checkpoints before bidding
Read the German description carefully. "Nicht fahrbereit" means not roadworthy, "Motorschaden" engine damaged, "Unfallfahrzeug" accident vehicle. Check "ohne TÜV" or "HU abgelaufen" (roadworthiness test expired), "Zulassung erloschen" (registration cancelled) and the EZ, first registration. For a trailer, check the GVW, number of axles, braking system, lights, tyres and chassis corrosion. The useful documents are the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II. An inspection (Besichtigung) is often possible before the sale. A bid generally offers neither a warranty nor a right of withdrawal: read the seller's terms.
Collection, delivery and formalities
Many lots are to be collected on site ("nur Abholung"). Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. To bring a trailer back by road, the usual solution is the export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) with temporary insurance. Short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are intended for driving in Germany and their use abroad is often refused. Transport on a flatbed avoids this issue. In France, a temporary WW registration is possible, then a certificate of conformity, a tax clearance and an ANTS application are required. Between Germany and the EU, no customs duty; outside the EU, duties and import VAT apply.