PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is trading in the auctioneer’s gavel for the computer mouse in making the switch to more convenient online auctions of the agency’s surplus vehicles and other equipment starting Tuesday, July 1.

The use of online auctions means ADOT’s used vehicles, older construction equipment and other surplus items will be put up for bid more frequently as they become available throughout the year. Until now, ADOT has held a public auction one or two times a year at an agency equipment yard in Phoenix.

Potential bidders will need to register online for free at publicsurplus.com where they will select Arizona as the region and Arizona Department of Transportation as the participating agency. Discover, MasterCard and VISA credit cards will also now be accepted as payment options.

ADOT’s first online auction items are scheduled to be available for bid starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Online auctions will typically run for 14 days.

Full descriptions of each item, along with photos and disclosures of any known issues, will be provided on the auction website.

Potential bidders also will be able to schedule an appointment to inspect items during each auction period by contacting ADOT Fleet Management. Information on how to schedule an appointment will be listed on the auction website.

Winning bidders of items will receive an email notification and then have five days to pay for the items and pick them up at the ADOT Equipment Services Yard, 2225 S. 22nd Ave., Phoenix.

Bidders should be aware that any ADOT vehicles and equipment will be auctioned and sold on an “as-is” basis.