How to Ship Equipment from Purple Wave Auction: A Buyer's Complete Guide

Understanding Purple Wave's Removal Requirements

Purple Wave auctions are conducted online, but the equipment is physically located at various sites — often farms, government yards, or dealer lots across the central US. As a buyer, you are responsible for all removal logistics. Key requirements include:

• Paid invoice required: The auction yard will not release equipment without a copy of your paid invoice. Download and print (or have ready on your phone) before arriving or sending a carrier.
• Removal deadlines: Each auction specifies a removal deadline in the listing and on your invoice. Missing this deadline can result in storage fees or, in some cases, the equipment being deemed abandoned. Deadlines are typically 5–10 business days after the auction closes.
• Buyer provides loading: Purple Wave does not guarantee loading assistance. You or your carrier must bring appropriate equipment to load the machine. If the equipment is non-operational, a winch truck or crane may be needed.
• As-is condition: Equipment is sold as-is. Verify the machine's operational status before your carrier arrives — a machine that won't start requires different loading equipment than one that drives.

Step 1: Confirm the Equipment's Location and Condition

Before booking transport, confirm:

• The exact pickup address (not just the city — rural sites often have specific gate or access instructions)
• Whether the machine starts and drives under its own power
• Whether keys are available on-site
• The machine's dimensions and weight (check the auction listing or manufacturer specs)
• Any access restrictions at the pickup site (low bridges, soft ground, narrow gates)

This information is critical for your carrier to bring the right trailer and loading equipment. Surprises at the pickup site — a machine that won't start, a gate too narrow for a lowboy — cause delays and additional costs.

Step 2: Determine What Trailer You Need

Purple Wave sells a wide range of equipment, from compact tractors to large excavators. Trailer selection depends on the machine's weight and dimensions:

• Flatbed or equipment trailer: For small equipment under 8.5 ft wide and under 48,500 lbs (skid steers, small tractors, attachments)
• Step-deck: For wheeled equipment up to 10 ft tall (telehandlers, larger tractors, wheel loaders)
• RGN Lowboy: For tracked equipment (excavators, dozers, track loaders) and tall machines that need a low deck height
• Multi-axle lowboy: For equipment over 80,000 lbs (large cranes, heavy excavators, mining equipment)

If you're unsure what trailer your equipment needs, IronHaul's team can look up the machine's specs from the auction listing and recommend the right configuration.

Step 3: Book Transport Early

Purple Wave's removal deadlines are firm. Book your transport as soon as your invoice is paid — ideally within 24 hours of the auction closing. Carrier availability in rural areas (where many Purple Wave lots are located) can be limited, and last-minute bookings often cost significantly more than planned moves.

When booking, provide your carrier with:

• The paid invoice (carriers need this to pick up the equipment)
• The exact pickup address and any site access notes
• The machine's operational status (starts/drives or non-operational)
• The removal deadline
• Your delivery address and any delivery access restrictions

Step 4: Coordinate the Pickup

On pickup day, your carrier will:

1. Present the paid invoice to the site contact to authorize release
2. Inspect the machine and document its condition before loading
3. Load the machine using ramps, a winch, or crane as appropriate
4. Secure the machine with chains and binders per DOT requirements
5. Obtain a bill of lading or pickup receipt from the site

If the site is unstaffed (common for farm or government surplus lots), your carrier may need a gate code or contact number for the property owner. Confirm these details before pickup day.

Common Purple Wave Equipment Types and Shipping Notes

• Agricultural tractors: Most fit on a step-deck or flatbed. Fold down any ROPS (rollover protection structures) that exceed height limits. Remove front-end loaders if they add excessive width.
• Skid steers and compact track loaders: Standard flatbed or equipment trailer. Typically under 8.5 ft wide and well within weight limits.
• Excavators: RGN lowboy required for tracked models. Retract the boom and tuck the bucket before loading.
• Government surplus vehicles: Trucks, utility vehicles, and specialty vehicles may be driveable and can be transported on a car hauler or driven if licensed and legal for highway use.
• Attachments and implements: Often shipped on a flatbed alongside the host machine or separately. Secure all pins and hydraulic lines before transport.

Why Use IronHaul Instead of Purple Wave Shipping?

Purple Wave offers its own shipping service (Purple Wave Shipping, LLC) for buyers who want a one-stop solution. However, buyers who shop their transport independently often find more competitive rates, especially for larger equipment or longer distances. IronHaul Logistics specializes in heavy equipment transport and can often provide faster scheduling and more competitive pricing for loads that require permitted oversize transport — a category where general shipping brokers may lack expertise.

Get a Quote for Your Purple Wave Pickup

IronHaul Logistics handles Purple Wave auction pickups nationwide. We coordinate with the pickup site, bring the right trailer and loading equipment, and deliver your equipment safely to your yard or job site. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form — have your auction listing or invoice ready and we'll get you a quote quickly.