7 Crucial Facts About First Choice Auto Auction Hammond: The EBlock New Orleans Acquisition Update
The landscape of wholesale vehicle purchasing in the Gulf Coast Region has undergone a significant transformation, and the facility formerly known as First Choice Auto Auction in Hammond, Louisiana, is at the center of this change. As of late 2022 and continuing into the current date, the auction house—officially "Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction" (LAFCAA)—is operating under the powerful umbrella of EBlock and America's Auto Auction, rebranding its operational identity to EBlock New Orleans. This acquisition has streamlined the buying process for licensed dealers, integrating a 34-acre, top-tier physical facility with cutting-edge digital auction technology to serve the entire region.
For licensed automotive dealers, understanding these recent updates is crucial for maximizing inventory sourcing. The Hammond location remains a vital hub for dealer-to-dealer wholesale transactions, offering a consistently high volume of consignment vehicles, but its processes and access points are now firmly tied to the EBlock platform. Here are the seven most crucial facts and updates you need to know about the First Choice Auto Auction facility in Hammond, LA.
7 Crucial Facts About the EBlock New Orleans (LAFCAA) Facility
The facility, located at 18310 Woodscale Road, Hammond, LA 70401, has a rich history as Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction. Its transition to EBlock New Orleans, part of America's Auto Auction, signifies a major upgrade in technology and reach. The following points detail the most important aspects for anyone looking to buy or sell vehicles at this location.
1. The Official Name and Ownership Structure
The name "First Choice Auto Auction Hammond" is now primarily a legacy reference. The auction operates under the official name Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction (LAFCAA), but its operational brand is EBlock New Orleans. This entity was acquired by EBlock in 2022, which itself is part of the larger America's Auto Auction group. This structure means the local expertise, led by professionals like Managing Partner John Poteet, is now backed by a national network and digital platform.
- Legal Entity: Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction (LAFCAA)
- Operational Brand: EBlock New Orleans
- Parent Company: America's Auto Auction Group
- Location Address: 18310 Woodscale Rd, Hammond, LA 70401
2. The Auction is Strictly a Dealer Only Sale
One of the most important facts for potential buyers is that the Hammond auction is not open to the public. It is a strictly Dealer Only Sale. This means you must be a licensed motor vehicle dealer registered with the auction to attend and bid. The facility holds a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License No: UD 00247033. This exclusivity ensures a high-quality, professional wholesale environment for dealers sourcing inventory.
3. The Main Sale Day is Every Tuesday
The core of the weekly action takes place on Tuesdays. This is the designated SALE DAY. While the facility is a 34-acre operation with various processes running throughout the week, the primary wholesale auction begins early.
- Sale Day: Tuesday
- Sale Time: The Dealer Sale typically starts at 8:30 AM (CST).
- Office Hours: On sale day, the office opens at 7:00 AM. On Mon, Wed, and Thur, office hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
4. The Facility Serves the Entire Gulf Coast Region
Strategically located approximately 60 miles north of New Orleans, the Hammond facility is a major wholesale nexus for the entire Gulf Coast Region. Its physical location in Tangipahoa Parish makes it easily accessible from major metropolitan areas in Louisiana and surrounding states. The large, 34-acre facility is equipped to handle significant volume from various consignors, including fleet accounts, financial institutions (such as Primalend, City Auto Finance, and Capital One), and dealer consignments.
5. Seamless Integration with EBlock's Digital Platform
The acquisition by EBlock brought the Hammond auction into the age of omnichannel sales. EBlock specializes in dealer-to-dealer wholesale auctions offered in multiple formats, including Live Auctions (regional live digital lanes), Timed Auctions, and LiveLanes. This means registered dealers can participate in the Tuesday sale physically in the lane or digitally from anywhere, accessing full condition reports, photos, and sale details online via the EBlock or EDGE Pipeline platforms.
This digital capability is key to the auction's national online buying base, expanding its reach far beyond the local Louisiana and Mississippi markets.
6. Essential Buying Logistics and Payment Requirements
For dealers successfully bidding on vehicles, prompt payment and logistics are mandatory. The auction enforces strict policies to maintain operational efficiency:
- Payment Deadline: All purchases must be settled on the sale day.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, check, or a pre-approved Floor Plan are the standard methods of settlement.
- Returned Check Policy: There is a significant fee of $100.00 for any returned check or draft.
- Condition Reports: The auction provides a full condition report with all sale listings, including photos, announcements, and seller comments, which is a valuable tool for remote buyers.
7. Commitment to Customer Service and Dealer Support
Despite the large-scale corporate ownership, the facility maintains a focus on local dealer support. Customer feedback often highlights the helpfulness of the on-site team, which is essential for facilitating inspections and smooth post-sale transactions. The auction's commitment to safety and service delivery remains a top priority for the America's Auto Auction family. Dealers can contact the facility directly for registration and specific sale details. Jessica Dugas is listed as a key contact for Dealer Registration, and Tyler Lewis handles Inside Sales Coordination, providing direct lines to support.
The transformation of Louisiana's 1st Choice Auto Auction into EBlock New Orleans ensures that the Hammond location remains a powerful force in the wholesale automotive market. By combining a large-scale physical auction with a modern digital platform, it provides a crucial, high-volume sourcing opportunity for licensed dealers across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
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