The cost to ship a golf cart changes based on many things. These include how far it goes, the size of the cart, and how you ship it. You can expect the price to vary a lot, from a few hundred dollars for short trips to over a thousand for long hauls across the country.
Factors Shaping Golf Cart Transport Rates
Figuring out your total golf cart shipping costs needs a close look at what affects the price tag. It is not just about the miles. Many small details add up to the final bill for moving your cart.
Distance: The Biggest Cost Driver
Distance is the most important part of setting golf cart transport rates. Moving a cart across town costs much less than shipping it from Florida to Washington state.
- Short Distance Moves (Local/Regional): These moves often use local carriers. Prices are lower because fuel use and driver time are less.
- Long Distance Moves (Cross-Country): Shipping a golf cart across country involves national carriers. These trips require more stops, more fuel, and longer driver hours. This pushes the price up significantly.
Cart Size and Type
Golf carts are not all the same size. A small two-seater is easier and cheaper to move than a large, lifted utility cart.
- Standard Carts: These fit easily on standard trailers or in smaller shipping containers.
- Specialty Carts: Lifted carts, carts with large tires, or heavy-duty electric models take up more space. This extra size means higher shipping fees.
Enclosure Type: Open vs. Enclosed Shipping
How your cart is protected during transit greatly affects the price. This is a key difference when looking at golf cart freight quotes.
Open Trailer Golf Cart Transport Pricing
Open transport is the cheapest way to move your cart.
- The cart is tied down to an open flatbed trailer.
- It is fast and simple.
- The downside is that the cart faces road dirt, weather, and possible stone chips.
Enclosed Trailer Golf Cart Shipping Cost
Enclosed transport costs more but offers better protection.
- The cart sits inside a closed box trailer.
- This shields it from rain, snow, sun, and road debris.
- If you are moving a high-value or custom golf cart, the extra cost for an enclosed trailer is often worth the peace of mind.
Shipping Method and Carrier Type
The type of company you choose impacts the final price for golf cart moving expenses.
- Standard LTL Freight: Less-Than-Truckload shipping means your cart shares space with other items. This lowers the cost per item but means more stops and handling.
- Dedicated Transport: Hiring a truck just for your cart ensures direct routes and less handling. This is faster but much more expensive.
Getting Accurate Golf Cart Freight Quotes
To get the best price, you must shop around. Do not settle for the first number you see. Comparing quotes helps you spot good deals and avoid overpaying.
Steps to Requesting Quotes
Follow these steps when you ask different companies for price estimates:
- Measure Everything: Get the exact length, width, and height of your golf cart. Add in any accessories like large bumpers or racks.
- Know the Weight: Find the approximate weight. Heavier items cost more to move.
- Define Pickup and Drop-off: Know the exact street addresses. Remote or rural locations often have extra fees added to the base rate.
- Specify Enclosure Needs: Clearly state if you need open or enclosed shipping. This is critical for accurate open trailer golf cart transport pricing.
Comparing Quotes for ATV and Golf Cart Shipping Prices
When you look at offers for ATV and golf cart shipping prices, check what is included in the total cost.
| Quote Component | Included in Basic Quote? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base Freight Rate | Yes | Covers the core transport service. |
| Fuel Surcharges | Usually | Varies with current gas prices. |
| Lift Gate Service | Sometimes | Needed if the pickup/delivery spot lacks a loading dock. |
| Insurance Coverage | Varies | Check the liability limits offered by default. |
| Residential Surcharge | Often | Extra fee for delivering to a home instead of a commercial center. |
A quote that looks low at first might hide high surcharges later. Always ask for an “all-in” final price.
Specialized Golf Cart Movers vs. General Freight
Some companies focus only on moving recreational vehicles, while others move everything. Choosing the right expert can save you headaches and potentially money.
Using Specialized Golf Cart Movers
Specialized golf cart movers often have better equipment and more experience with these specific vehicles.
- They know the best ways to secure carts to avoid damage.
- They are often faster for regional moves because they deal with similar items often.
- Their focus might mean fewer delays related to handling other types of freight.
General LTL Carriers
Large freight companies can move golf carts as part of their standard service.
- They usually offer lower rates for long-haul shipping because they are already making the cross-country run with other cargo.
- The risk here is less personalized handling. Your cart might be bumped or stacked with heavier freight if not crated properly.
Understanding Golf Cart Delivery Service Fees
Beyond the main shipping price, be ready for extra charges related to the delivery process. These golf cart delivery service fees can add 10% or more to your final bill if you are not prepared.
Access Fees
If your pickup or delivery location is hard to reach, expect an access fee. This includes:
- Remote rural addresses far from major highways.
- Locations with narrow roads that large trucks cannot easily navigate.
- Areas restricted by time or specific access codes.
Lift Gate and Inside Delivery
Standard freight carriers assume you have a loading dock. If you do not, you need specialized equipment.
- A lift gate uses a platform to lower the cart from the truck bed to the ground. This is necessary for residential deliveries without ramps.
- Inside delivery means the driver brings the cart into your garage or shed. Most movers will only deliver curbside. Paying extra for inside delivery adds to your overall golf cart moving expenses.
Detention Time
If the driver arrives and you are not ready with the cart or the paperwork, they must wait. Companies charge “detention time” for these delays. Always be ready when your driver calls to say they are close.
Cost Comparison: Short Haul vs. Cross-Country Golf Cart Shipping
To help budget, here is a general idea of what you might pay based on distance. Remember, these are estimates only.
| Shipping Distance | Estimated Low Cost (Open Trailer) | Estimated High Cost (Enclosed Transport) | Primary Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Under 200 Miles) | \$250 – \$400 | \$400 – \$650 | Low mileage, quick turnaround. |
| Regional (200 – 800 Miles) | \$450 – \$750 | \$700 – \$1,100 | Moderate fuel and driver wages. |
| Cross-Country (1,500+ Miles) | \$900 – \$1,500 | \$1,400 – \$2,500+ | Fuel, long driver hours, time. |
If you are looking at the cost to ship a golf cart across country, expect prices to be on the higher end of the spectrum, especially if you require specialized handling or an enclosed trailer.
Preparing Your Golf Cart for Safe Transit
Proper preparation protects your investment and can lower your final shipping price. A well-prepared cart is easier and faster for the driver to load.
Cleaning and Documentation
Start by giving your cart a good cleaning. A dirty cart hides damage that inspectors need to see.
- Take Photos: Document the cart’s condition with detailed photos from every angle before pickup. This is your proof if damage occurs.
- Remove Loose Items: Take off all personal items, keys, chargers, or accessories that are not bolted down. These can become projectiles during transit.
- Check Fluids (Gas Carts): For gas-powered carts, ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. Most carriers have strict rules about shipping flammable liquids.
Securing the Cart
The goal is to ensure the cart does not shift, roll, or tip during transport.
- Tying Down: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps. Connect the straps to the frame of the cart—never the plastic body or suspension components. Use at least four tie-downs, securing the cart to the trailer floor or rail.
- Tire Chocks: Use solid wheel chocks placed firmly against the tires. This prevents rolling even if the straps loosen slightly.
When getting golf cart freight quotes, confirm whether the carrier supplies the straps or if you must provide them.
Insurance and Liability in Golf Cart Shipping
Shipping any vehicle involves risk. Knowing your insurance options is vital when paying golf cart shipping costs.
Released Value Coverage vs. Full Value Coverage
Most LTL carriers provide minimal liability coverage, often called “released value.” This might only cover a few hundred dollars, regardless of the cart’s true worth.
- Released Value: Low cost, but low payout if damage happens.
- Full Value Coverage: You pay an extra fee (often 1-3% of the declared value) for complete protection against loss or damage. This is highly recommended for expensive carts.
Always review the carrier’s insurance certificate. If you are using a specialized service, their insurance might be more robust than a general freight company’s standard policy.
Choosing the Right Time to Ship
When you ship can sometimes affect golf cart transport rates.
Seasonal Demand
Demand peaks during certain times of the year, especially before major golfing seasons or holiday travel times.
- Spring and Summer: Higher demand due to people moving carts to vacation homes or resorts. Prices may creep up slightly.
- Winter: Can sometimes offer slightly lower rates if you are shipping south, as drivers look to fill empty southbound lanes.
Lead Time
Booking your move well in advance—at least two to three weeks—gives you time to secure better rates and coordinate a convenient pickup window. Last-minute bookings often incur rush fees.
Working with Golf Cart Moving Experts
Finding reliable help is key to a smooth move. Look for movers who specialize in powersports or utility vehicles.
Vetting Potential Carriers
Use online reviews, but dig deeper than just the star rating. Look for comments related to:
- Communication during transit.
- The condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
- How quickly they resolved any issues.
A company that advertises itself as one of the best specialized golf cart movers will likely have better procedures in place than a general broker.
Direct Carrier vs. Broker
- Direct Carrier: You book directly with the company that owns the truck. This gives you one point of contact but limits your comparison shopping.
- Broker: A broker finds the best available carrier for your route and price. They can often find lower golf cart shipping costs by using their network, but they add a layer of separation between you and the driver. Always verify that the broker is licensed and insured.
Finalizing the Cost: Delivery Inspection
The transaction is not complete until you inspect the cart at the drop-off point. This final step relates directly to the quality of the golf cart delivery service fees you paid.
- Check Straps and Load: Look to see if the cart shifted.
- Inspect for New Damage: Carefully check all painted surfaces, plastic shells, and accessories for scratches, dents, or breaks that were not there before pickup.
- Sign Off: Only sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) after you are satisfied. If you spot damage, note it clearly on the BOL before the driver leaves. Refusing to sign or noting damage protects your right to file a claim later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Shipping
Can I ship my golf cart with personal belongings inside?
Generally, no. Most carriers strictly forbid placing personal goods inside vehicles being shipped. This is due to liability, insurance restrictions, and customs regulations for cross-border moves. If you put items inside, it can void your insurance coverage.
What is the difference between LTL and dedicated golf cart transport?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) means your cart shares space on a large truck with other freight shipments, which lowers your price. Dedicated transport means you hire the whole truck or a dedicated portion just for your cart, making it faster and safer, but much more costly.
Does the type of fuel affect golf cart shipping costs?
Yes, slightly. Gas carts require special attention because of the fuel tank rules (usually needing to be nearly empty). Electric carts are often easier to handle as they do not have the same flammable liquid restrictions, which can sometimes lead to slightly smoother logistics and pricing.
How long does it take to ship a golf cart across the country?
For a cross-country move, standard transit time is usually 7 to 14 business days. Local or regional moves can often be completed in 2 to 5 business days. Always ask for an estimated transit window, not just a pickup date, when getting your quote.
Do I need to crate my golf cart for shipping?
Crating is rarely required for standard golf carts, especially if you are using enclosed trailer golf cart shipping cost options or specialized movers. However, if you are shipping via standard LTL freight where the cart might be stacked, crating offers maximum protection, though it significantly increases the golf cart moving expenses.