Shipping Equipment You Bought on GovPlanet: A Complete Logistics Guide
GovPlanet is one of the largest online marketplaces for government surplus heavy equipment, selling everything from military trucks and construction machinery to generators and forklifts on behalf of federal, state, and local government agencies. Winning a bid is the easy part -- coordinating pickup and transport from a government facility, often in a remote location, is where buyers frequently run into problems. This guide walks through the complete post-auction logistics process for GovPlanet buyers.
Understanding the GovPlanet Post-Sale Process
GovPlanet's post-sale process has several steps that must be completed in sequence before you can pick up your equipment:
- Payment: Full payment must be received within 3 business days of the auction close. Late payment charges apply after this deadline.
- Tax documentation: If you're claiming a sales tax exemption (e.g., for resale or export), you must upload your resale certificate or other qualifying documentation to your GovPlanet account before or immediately after purchase.
- End-Use Certificate (EUC): Some military-origin equipment with specific demilitarization codes (D, F, or Q) requires an End-Use Certificate approved by Trade Security Controls before the Item Release Form is issued. EUC approval typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. No storage fees accrue during EUC review.
- Item Release Form: Once payment is confirmed and any EUC is approved, the Item Release Form becomes available in your GovPlanet account. This is the document your driver must present at the pickup site.
- Pickup scheduling: After the Item Release Form is available, you have 10 days to contact GovPlanet Pickup Support to schedule a pickup date. Equipment must be removed within 8 business days of the auction (or 8 days from EUC approval) to avoid storage fees.
Pickup Site Considerations
GovPlanet equipment is sold from a wide variety of government facilities, including military bases, county maintenance yards, state DOT depots, and municipal equipment lots. Each type of facility has different access requirements:
- Military bases: Require advance coordination with the base's property disposal office. Drivers must present a valid government-issued ID, the Item Release Form, and may need to pass a vehicle inspection. Some bases require background checks for drivers. Allow extra time for gate processing.
- County and municipal yards: Generally more accessible than military bases, but may have limited hours (typically 7 AM-3 PM, Monday-Friday). Confirm hours with GovPlanet Pickup Support before scheduling.
- Remote locations: Some government equipment is stored at remote sites with limited road access. Verify that the site can accommodate your trailer type (length, turning radius) before dispatching.
- Loading equipment: Government facilities may or may not have a forklift or crane available for loading. Confirm loading equipment availability with GovPlanet Pickup Support. If none is available, IronHaul can arrange a crane or forklift at the site.
Trailer Selection for GovPlanet Equipment
GovPlanet sells a wide variety of equipment, so trailer selection depends on what you bought:
| Equipment Type | Typical Trailer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military trucks (LMTV, HEMTT, etc.) | Flatbed or step deck | Often operational; can be driven onto trailer |
| Construction equipment (excavators, dozers) | RGN / Lowboy | May be non-running; confirm operability |
| Generators (trailer-mounted) | Flatbed or gooseneck | Towable if hitch is intact |
| Forklifts | Flatbed or step deck | Confirm fork height for loading clearance |
| Compact equipment (skid steers, mini excavators) | Flatbed or gooseneck | Often legal-size; no permit needed |
Non-Running Equipment from GovPlanet
Government surplus equipment is frequently sold as-is, with no guarantee of operability. Non-running machines require special handling:
- RGN trailer: A Removable Gooseneck trailer allows non-running equipment to be loaded by crane or forklift directly onto the low deck, without needing to drive the machine up a ramp.
- Crane or forklift at origin: If the government facility doesn't have loading equipment, IronHaul can arrange a crane or forklift at the site. This adds $500-$2,000 to the transport cost depending on machine weight and site conditions.
- Condition documentation: IronHaul drivers photograph the equipment at pickup to document its condition before loading. This protects both the buyer and the carrier in case of any damage claims.
Permit Requirements for Government Surplus Equipment
Government surplus equipment often includes large, heavy machines that require oversize or overweight permits. Key considerations:
- Military trucks (HEMTT, PLS, etc.) are often within legal dimensions but may be overweight due to armor or equipment packages.
- Construction equipment (excavators, dozers, cranes) typically requires oversize permits for width and may require overweight permits for heavy machines.
- IronHaul handles all permit applications as part of the transport package.
Ready to pick up your GovPlanet purchase? Call IronHaul Logistics at (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online. We coordinate GovPlanet pickups nationwide and respond within hours.
Common questions
How long do I have to pick up equipment after winning a GovPlanet auction?
Equipment must be picked up within 8 business days of the auction close (or 8 days from EUC approval for military equipment requiring an End-Use Certificate) to avoid storage fees. You have 10 days after the Item Release Form is available to schedule a pickup date with GovPlanet Pickup Support.
What is an End-Use Certificate (EUC) and does my equipment need one?
An EUC is required for military-origin equipment with specific demilitarization codes (D, F, or Q). It's a government document certifying the intended use of the equipment. EUC approval typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. No storage fees accrue during EUC review. GovPlanet will notify you if your purchase requires an EUC.
What does my driver need to bring to pick up GovPlanet equipment?
Your driver must present a valid government-issued ID and the Item Release Form (available in your GovPlanet account after payment and any EUC approval). Military base pickups may require additional documentation and background checks. IronHaul coordinates all pickup documentation requirements.
Can IronHaul pick up non-running equipment from a GovPlanet site?
Yes. IronHaul uses RGN trailers for non-running equipment and can arrange crane or forklift loading at the site if the government facility doesn't have loading equipment. We coordinate with GovPlanet Pickup Support to confirm site access and loading equipment availability before dispatching.
Can IronHaul pick up from a military base?
Yes, with advance coordination. Military base pickups require the driver to present a valid ID and Item Release Form, and may require a vehicle inspection at the gate. Some bases require background checks for drivers. IronHaul coordinates all base access requirements with GovPlanet Pickup Support before scheduling.
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