03/07/2025
Insights
Commercial fleets are the backbone of many businesses across the UK. However, when a firm goes insolvent or upgrades its vehicles, disposing of its fleet can often be a long and arduous process.
Selling them at auction could prove to be a much more efficient method for disposing of cars, vans, trucks and HGVs in a collection, but requires careful preparation to ensure sales go smoothly.
Our guide takes you through the steps you should take when you prepare vehicles for auction, so continue reading to learn more.
What is a commercial fleet?
A commercial fleet can be defined as a collection of vehicles owned by a business for operational purposes. Common uses for these motors include transporting goods, mobile services or travelling to client meetings.
Which sectors can sell fleets at auction?
- Local authorities
- Logistics and couriers
- Construction
- Vehicle hire
- Oil and gas
- Healthcare and law enforcement
- Food and beverage
How do I prepare my commercial vehicles for auction?
Inventory and documentation
Begin by collating a full inventory of the fleet, including details like make, model, registration, mileage and condition.
Next, ensure each vehicle has all the necessary paperwork, as this is often essential to transfer ownership. The key documentation you should gather includes V5C registration, MOT certificates, service and maintenance history, and finance settlements (if applicable).
Repairs and maintenance
While commercial fleets can be auctioned off in less-than-desirable conditions, we recommend ensuring they are fully operational to boost their value and speed up the sale process.
Arranging an MOT and service can highlight any immediate issues and give the buyer confidence in their purchase.
Cleaning and detailing
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to cars, vans and trucks. A clean motor can indicate that it has been looked after properly over the years. We advise investing in a full interior and exterior valet to ensure dirt and grime are effectively removed.
If you have branded your commercial fleet, then it could be a wise decision to have decals professionally removed to ensure no paint is lost in the process. The new owner can then add their own branding or drive it as is.
High-quality photography
If you are listing your commercial fleet on an online auction site like ours, photographs can make a huge difference to the number of interested parties. Therefore, you should instruct a professional to take high-quality photos of each vehicle, focusing on the following features:
- Full exterior
- Interior and dashboard
- Engine bay
- Tyres
Transparency is appreciated during vehicle sales, so be sure to include close-up images of any cosmetic damage.
Why should I consider selling my commercial fleet at auction?
Selling your commercial fleet at auction can be extremely beneficial, with the biggest advantages being:
- Speed – You can liquidate assets quickly, often within days or weeks
- Market reach – You have access to a wide buyer pool, including dealers, traders and business owners
- Competitive bidding – Bidding deadlines create urgency, which could exceed trade-in valuations or bring in larger fees than selling privately
- Transparency – Clear terms are set out, and structured timelines simplify the process for all involved
Get fleet disposal tips or sell vehicles at auction with us
Do you have a commercial fleet of vehicles that you would like to sell at auction? Call 0333 200 2041 or complete the form below to get started. Our experts can also provide tips for disposing of a fleet if required.
Get in touch with the Eddisons team
Please contact us for more details and information
