Purple Wave Auction Buyer's Guide to Equipment Shipping

How Purple Wave's Logistics Model Works

Unlike centralized auction houses (Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet) where equipment is consolidated at a yard, Purple Wave sells equipment where it sits — at the seller's location. This means your winning bid could be on a machine located at a farm, a construction company's yard, a municipal facility, or a dealer lot anywhere in the country.

Purple Wave does not arrange shipping. Once you win, you are responsible for:

• Contacting the seller to arrange pickup access
• Hiring a licensed heavy equipment transport carrier
• Ensuring the equipment is removed by the auction's removal deadline
• Paying all transport costs

Removal deadlines vary by auction event — check the specific terms for your purchase. Missing a removal deadline can result in storage fees or forfeiture of the equipment.

Step-by-Step: Arranging Pickup After Winning at Purple Wave

1. Review the auction terms immediately: Confirm the removal deadline for your specific auction event. Deadlines are typically 5–10 business days after the auction closes.
2. Contact the seller: Purple Wave provides seller contact information after the auction closes. Call or email the seller to confirm the equipment's exact location, access hours, and any site-specific requirements (gate codes, contact person on-site, etc.).
3. Verify equipment condition and dimensions: Ask the seller for the machine's operating weight, dimensions, and whether it is in running condition. Non-running equipment requires specialized loading equipment (winch, crane, or forklift) and may affect trailer selection.
4. Book a carrier: Contact a heavy equipment transport company like IronHaul Logistics with the equipment's specs, pickup location, and delivery address. Provide the removal deadline so the carrier can prioritize scheduling.
5. Confirm loading access: Ensure the pickup site has firm, level ground and sufficient space for a truck-and-trailer combination. Discuss any access constraints with your carrier before dispatch.
6. Coordinate with the seller on loading day: Confirm the carrier's estimated arrival time with the seller. Have a contact number for both the seller and the driver on loading day.

Trailer Types for Purple Wave Equipment

Purple Wave sells a wide range of equipment, so trailer selection depends on what you bought:

• Flatbed (48–53 ft): For legal-width loads under 48,000 lbs that fit within 13.5 ft height. Common for skid steers, small forklifts, attachments, and light construction equipment.
• Step-Deck: For mid-sized equipment that needs additional vertical clearance. Common for compact track loaders, telehandlers, and smaller excavators.
• Lowboy / RGN: For large excavators, dozers, cranes, and any equipment over 10 ft tall or 80,000 lbs. The most common trailer for heavy construction equipment.
• Flatbed with winch: For non-running equipment that cannot be driven onto a trailer. A winch pulls the machine onto the deck.
• Lowboy with crane assist: For non-running equipment that is too heavy or awkward to winch-load. A crane lifts the machine onto the trailer.

Non-Running Equipment at Purple Wave

Purple Wave frequently sells non-running or inoperable equipment. If your purchase is non-running, inform your carrier immediately — this affects trailer selection, loading method, and cost. Non-running equipment typically requires:

• A winch-equipped trailer or crane assist for loading
• Additional time at the pickup site for loading
• Potentially higher transport costs due to specialized loading requirements

Always ask the seller whether the machine runs and drives before booking transport. If the seller is unsure, assume it is non-running and plan accordingly.

Common Purple Wave Equipment Categories and Shipping Notes

• Agricultural equipment (tractors, combines, planters): Often located at farms in rural areas with limited truck access. Verify road conditions and site access before dispatch.
• Construction equipment (excavators, dozers, loaders): Typically located at contractor yards or job sites. Confirm the site is accessible for a lowboy or step-deck.
• Municipal/fleet equipment (trucks, utility vehicles, generators): Often located at government facilities with specific access hours. Confirm operating hours and any security requirements.
• Attachments and implements: Can often ship on a flatbed or step-deck with other equipment. Confirm dimensions and weight for accurate trailer selection.

Tips for Smooth Purple Wave Pickups

• Book your carrier as soon as you win — don't wait until the day before the removal deadline
• Get the seller's cell phone number, not just an office number, for day-of coordination
• Confirm the carrier's arrival window with the seller 24 hours in advance
• Have a backup plan if the seller is unavailable on loading day
• Document the equipment's condition with photos before and after loading

IronHaul Logistics handles Purple Wave auction pickups nationwide. We know the urgency of auction removal deadlines and move fast to get your equipment picked up on time. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or get a free quote at ironhaullogistics.com.