Shipping your golf cart can seem like a huge task to tackle.
How can you be sure your cart will arrive safely at your destination?
If you’re faced with shipping your golf cart to a buyer or your own home, there are many options out there.
This guide will help you figure out which shipping option is the best for your situation, as well as what you should consider before shipping your golf cart.
What should you look for in a shipping company?
One of the first things you should do when looking at a golf cart shipping company is check the reviews other people have left.
These reviews can give you insight as to how the company does business as well as how competitive its rates are.
Rates are an easy way to compare companies as well.
However, you should aim to choose a company that has a rate in the middle of the quote range you received.
While it might seem tempting to go with the company that gives you the lowest rate, this can often result in the lowest level of customer service.
Don’t confuse value with quality.
You should also ask about any additional fees a shipping company includes in their final pricing.
While their rates may be comparable to other companies, these additional fees could make up the difference between an affordable rate and one much higher than your budget.
💡 Golfible Tip: It’s also a good idea to ask how payment is accepted. This goes for methods of payment as well as when the full balance is due.
For example, some companies may charge half up-front and the remaining half upon delivery. Other companies don’t charge you anything until you actually select a quote, which is typical of companies that contract with a third-party transportation company.
A large number of golf cart shipping companies contract with other transportation companies to do business.
Dealing with this third party can complicate the process if there are issues along the way, so factor this into your considerations as well.
Golf cart transport companies typically offer insurance, as well as a third-party insurance option. If you’re concerned about the distance your golf cart has to travel, the insurance available to you might be a good option to consider.
Finally, you’ll definitely want to look into how each golf cart transport company actually transports the carts.
We’ll dig further into the various methods of transporting golf carts in a few sections, but knowing what options are available to you can help you narrow down transport companies.
How should I prepare my golf cart for shipment?
Preparing your golf cart for transportation is similar to the way in which you’d prepare a car for transport. The steps are pretty straightforward but crucial for documenting the condition of your golf cart before and after transport.
- First, clean out all your personal items from the golf cart. Make sure that any add-on accessories have been removed.
- Then, clean the golf cart thoroughly. Note any defects or damage you may see and take pictures for visual documentation.
- Finally, ensure that your delivery dates and times are correct and that all necessary paperwork has been filled out.
- Store these documents in a folder you can easily find for when the pickup and/or delivery time comes.
How much can I expect to pay to ship a golf cart?
Rates for shipping your golf cart can vary from carrier to carrier. With that said, there are a few characteristics that influence how much your rate will be.
You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more to ship your golf cart.
It all depends on the factors involved in shipping your particular golf cart.
For example, the shipping rate depends on:
- the season in which you ship the golf cart
- the size and weight of the cart
- the shipping method you choose
- urgency or timeframe for shipping
- distance to the cart’s final destination
- fuel prices
The busiest time of year to ship a golf cart is late spring through the summer months.
Most people choose to ship their golf carts during this time because there’s less of a chance of bad weather damaging the carts during transport.
When shipping your golf cart, it’s always best to plan ahead. Scheduling a pickup a few weeks or even months in advance can greatly reduce your rate in some cases.
Generally speaking, open trailer transport is the most affordable and common option for people shipping their golf carts.
📢 Need To Know: Open trailers carry anywhere from 7-10 carts at a time, which can reduce the overall rates of those customers who contract with that transport company.
Golf cart shipping companies will break down their rates in various ways.
One component of their overall shipping rate is mileage.
Many companies will charge about $1 per mile, but in some cases, longer distances are subject to a lower rate.
While this might seem counterintuitive, transportation companies can often make more stops along the way on a long trip, making their mileage more efficient.
How long does it take to ship a golf cart?
The time it takes to ship your golf cart can vary greatly, depending on the time of year, the method of transportation you choose, as well as the distance to its final destination.
Pickup and arrival times are typically windows, rather than specific times, for this reason.
In fact, shipping your golf cart could take anywhere from a few days to up to a week or more.
Many shipping companies may provide you with a tracking number that shows you where your golf cart is located throughout the process.
Besides the actual shipping process itself, shipping companies may also be booked out. They may not be able to come to pick up your golf cart for a few days or more, so keep this in mind as well.
What are the most common methods for shipping a golf cart?
There are a few different ways you can ship a golf cart. Each of them has its own set of pros and cons.
Driving the Cart
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to transport a golf cart is to simply drive it to its destination. This is achievable within a neighborhood or across a mile or two.
Towing the Cart
While it is possible to put the golf cart in tow mode and tow it through town, this is not always the safest option. Improper use of the tow function can also damage your golf cart as well.
Renting a Trailer
If you need to ship the golf cart further than that, renting a trailer is typically your next option. These trailers are similar to those you might use to transport an ATV or motorcycle.
Hire a Shipping Company
For those of you not able to use a trailer to transport your golf cart, you’ll need to contract with a shipping company. They may have their own truck and trailer and load up the golf cart to drive it to its destination for you.
Transport companies typically offer an open and closed trailer option for you to choose from. Both options have their own pros and cons.
We have an in-depth guide on shipping golf equipment to Ireland if that’s your destination.
What’s the difference between an open and a closed trailer?
Shipping companies can offer either an open or closed trailer for you to ship your golf cart.
- Shipping rates are often better for an open trailer.
- Open trailers are more common but leave golf carts exposed.
- Closed trailers shield your golf cart from road debris and the elements.
- Closed trailers keep your golf cart secure on its journey.
- Open trailers can hold anywhere from 7-10 golf carts, while closed trailers carry about half that much.
What are some popular golf cart shipping companies?
Search for “golf cart shipping companies” on Google and your results might include some of the following businesses: Easy Car Shipping, A1 Auto Transport, Montway, and/or U Ship. You can also check out TransportReviews.com to read feedback from real customers on major shipping companies.
It can also be helpful to call a shipping company you’re considering to ask questions about their services and what they offer in contrast to other golf cart shipping companies.
FAQs
How do you move a golf cart?
To move a golf cart, use a trailer hitched to a car or truck. The trailer must be big enough to hold the cart safely, and the hitch must support the weight. Drive the golf cart onto the trailer and secure it with straps or chains. Check that it’s balanced before transporting it to the destination.
What’s the average weight of a golf cart?
The weight of a golf cart can vary depending on its size, model, and features. However, the average weight of a golf cart is typically between 800 to 1,200 pounds (363 to 544 kilograms).
