How to Buy a Military Truck

Most surplus military vehicles are all-purpose trucks.

When buying surplus military vehicles, it's good to have realistic expectations. These workhorses may have been driven many miles and operated in extreme conditions, and they may be damaged. Most surplus military vehicles are all-purpose trucks. Jeeps and Humvees fall into this category.

Expectations

Surplus military vehicles will sometimes require a substantial investment of time or money before they can be started, much less driven. Most will be between 25 and 50 years old.

Restrictions

Don't expect to get a fully operating assault vehicle. Military surplus vehicles must be "demilitarized" before they can be sold to the public. If they can't be demilitarized, they are crushed and sold for scrap.

Where to Buy

A primary source for buying military vehicles is the website Government Liquidation, a division of Liquidity Services in Washington, D.C. The company was awarded a government contract in 2001 to operate online auctions. The Canadian government sells its military surplus through Crown Assets Distribution Centres.

Responsibilities

Buyers are generally responsible for removing vehicles from the location where they are stored. In many cases, this will involve removing the trucks by loading them on a trailer. Buyers will need to provide a driver's license and proof of insurance. All sales are final.

References

• Olive-Drab: Government Surplus Military Vehicle Auctions: Where to Buy
• Government Liquidation: Terms and Conditions for Exchange Sales
• Government Liquidation: Vehicles and Support Equipment

Resources

• Government Liquidation