Shipping Equipment from Proxibid and EquipmentFacts: A Buyer's Guide

How Proxibid and EquipmentFacts Work for Buyers

Proxibid and EquipmentFacts (now part of the same parent company) operate as online auction marketplaces that host auctions from hundreds of independent auctioneers. Key characteristics that affect shipping logistics:

• Decentralized locations: Equipment is sold from the auctioneer's location — which could be a dealer yard, contractor site, government facility, or industrial plant anywhere in the country. There is no centralized pickup location.
• Buyer responsibility: The winning bidder is responsible for all transportation costs, rigging costs, and logistics coordination. The platform and auctioneer do not arrange shipping.
• "As-Is, Where-Is" sales: Equipment is sold in its current condition and location. The buyer assumes all risk immediately upon winning the bid.
• Removal deadlines: Most auctions require equipment removal within 7 days of the auction close. Failure to meet deadlines typically results in daily storage fees of $10–$25 per day.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After Winning a Proxibid or EquipmentFacts Auction

1. Read the Terms of Sale immediately: Every auction on Proxibid and EquipmentFacts has specific Terms of Sale that govern removal deadlines, storage fees, rigging requirements, and site access. Read these before doing anything else.
2. Contact the auctioneer: Call or email the auctioneer to confirm the pickup address, hours of operation, loading dock or ramp availability, and whether the machine is operational. Get this information in writing.
3. Verify equipment specifications: Confirm the machine's make, model, year, and dimensions (length, width, height, weight). Proxibid and EquipmentFacts listings typically include this information, but verify with the auctioneer if dimensions are unclear or if attachments are included.
4. Get a transport quote immediately: Contact IronHaul Logistics with the equipment specs, pickup location, and delivery destination. We provide fast quotes — often within hours — so you can schedule transport before the removal deadline.
5. Schedule pickup within the removal window: Coordinate the pickup date with both the auctioneer and IronHaul. Ensure the pickup date is within the removal deadline to avoid storage fees.
6. Confirm loading arrangements: Verify that the auctioneer's site can accommodate the transport trailer and that loading assistance is available if needed.

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

One of the most common mistakes Proxibid and EquipmentFacts buyers make is failing to account for all costs before bidding. The total investment includes:

• Hammer price: The winning bid amount
• Buyer's premium: Typically 10–14% of the hammer price on most auctions
• Internet/platform fees: 2–5% in some cases
• Sales tax: Varies by state and auction terms
• Transport cost: Can range from a few hundred dollars for a local skid steer move to $5,000+ for a large excavator transported across the country
• Rigging/loading costs: If the auctioneer requires authorized riggers or if the machine is non-operational, rigging fees can add $500–$2,000
• Permit costs: For oversize loads, permit fees vary by state and load dimensions

Rule of thumb: Get a transport quote before bidding. A machine that looks like a great deal at $20,000 may cost $4,000 to transport from a remote location — knowing this before you bid lets you set an appropriate maximum bid.

Rigging Requirements at Auction Sites

Some auctioneers on Proxibid and EquipmentFacts require that only authorized, insured riggers be permitted to load equipment at their facilities. Key requirements often include:

• Proof of liability insurance (often $2 million or more)
• Rigging certification for the specific equipment type
• Advance notification to the auctioneer before arrival

IronHaul Logistics carries appropriate insurance and can coordinate with auctioneer rigging requirements. Inform us of any specific rigging requirements when requesting a quote.

Non-Operational Equipment: Special Considerations

Equipment sold on Proxibid and EquipmentFacts is often older or in unknown condition. If the machine is non-operational:

• Inform IronHaul when requesting a quote — non-operational machines require different loading equipment (crane, winch, or forklift)
• Confirm with the auctioneer whether loading equipment is available at the site or if you need to arrange it separately
• Non-operational machines may require additional securement to prevent movement during transport
• Factor in potential repair costs at the destination — a non-operational machine may need work before it can be put to use

Government Surplus Equipment on Proxibid

Proxibid hosts a significant volume of government surplus equipment through GovDeals and Municibid integrations. Government surplus equipment often comes from municipal facilities, school districts, and state agencies. Pickup from government facilities may require:

• Advance scheduling with the facility's property management office
• Photo ID and vehicle registration for site access
• Compliance with facility-specific loading hours and procedures
• TWIC credentials for certain federal facility pickups

IronHaul Logistics is a trusted transport partner for Proxibid and EquipmentFacts buyers nationwide. We handle pickups from dealer yards, contractor sites, government facilities, and industrial plants across the country. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get a pre-bid or post-win transport quote for your auction purchase.