How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Golf Cart: Guide

Shipping a golf cart costs anywhere from $200 to over $2,000. Many things change this price. Things like how far it goes, its size, and the type of truck used all play a part. This guide will help you understand all the details of golf cart shipping rates. You will learn how to get the best deal.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Golf Cart
Image Source: a1auto.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com

What Shapes Golf Cart Shipping Costs?

The price you pay to ship a golf cart is not fixed. Many things can make it go up or down. Think of it like buying an airline ticket. The price changes based on when you fly, how far you go, and if you want a first-class seat. Shipping a golf cart is much the same. Knowing these key things helps you plan and save money. It helps you get good golf cart transport quotes.

Key Elements that Change the Price

Many things affect the final cost. We will look at each one.

Distance Traveled

How far your golf cart needs to go is a big part of the cost. Shipping a golf cart across a state is much cheaper than shipping it across the country. Long distance golf cart shipping price is always higher. It costs more money and time for the driver. It uses more fuel.

For example, sending a cart 200 miles might cost $200-$400. But sending it 2,000 miles could cost $800-$1,500 or more. The price per mile often goes down on longer trips. This means a 1,000-mile trip might not cost five times more than a 200-mile trip. It might be only three or four times more. This is because some costs, like loading, stay the same.

Size and Weight of Your Cart

The bigger and heavier your golf cart is, the more it will cost to ship. This is because larger carts take up more space on the truck. They might need special ramps or lifts. A standard two-person golf cart is usually easy to ship. But a lifted cart with big tires, a four-seater, or one with a cargo bed will cost more. Dimensions and weight golf cart shipping are important.

Make sure to tell the shipping company the exact size and weight of your cart. This includes any extra parts like extended roofs or back seats. If you do not give the right size, the price might change later. Or the truck might not have enough room. Be honest about your cart’s size to get a true quote.

Type of Transport

You have two main choices for how your golf cart travels: open or enclosed.

Open Transport: This is like a car carrier you see on the highway. Your golf cart sits on an open trailer. It is out in the open air. This is the most common way to ship cars and golf carts. It is also the cheapest option. Your cart will be open to the weather. It will face wind, rain, and road dirt. For most golf carts, this is fine. It offers good value for money.
Enclosed Transport: Your golf cart goes inside a closed trailer. It is safe from weather, dust, and road debris. This option costs more. The enclosed golf cart transport cost can be 30% to 50% higher than open transport. It is a good choice for custom carts. It is also good for carts that are very valuable or new. If you worry about small scratches or dirt, this is the way to go.

The choice depends on your budget and how much protection you want. Most people choose open transport for a golf cart.

Delivery Method

How your golf cart gets picked up and dropped off also changes the price.

Door-to-Door Delivery: This is the most common and easiest option. The driver picks up your golf cart right from your home. They drop it off at the exact address you want. This is very handy. The door to door golf cart delivery price is usually included in most quotes. This service often costs a bit more than terminal service. This is because it takes more time and fuel for the driver to go to specific addresses.
Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery: You drop off your golf cart at a shipping company’s lot or “terminal.” You then pick it up from another terminal near the drop-off city. This can be cheaper because the driver does not make special stops. But it means you need to get your cart to and from the terminals yourself. This can add extra time and effort for you.

For most golf cart owners, door-to-door is the best choice. It removes a lot of hassle.

Time of Year

When you ship your golf cart can affect the price. Certain times of the year are busier for shippers. This means prices go up.

Peak Season: Spring and summer are often busier. People move for vacations or snowbirds head north. Prices might be higher. Late fall and early winter are also busy in some areas. This is when snowbirds head south.
Off-Season: If you can ship during the slower times, like late fall (before snowbird season) or early spring, you might get a better deal. Less demand means lower golf cart shipping rates.

Be flexible with your dates if you want to save money.

Insurance Coverage

All licensed carriers must have basic insurance. This covers major damage or total loss. But this basic coverage might not pay for the full value of your golf cart. It might only cover a small amount per pound.

You can buy extra insurance. This is called full coverage. It protects your cart for its full value against more types of damage. This added insured golf cart transport cost is usually a small part of the total bill. It is often worth it for peace of mind. Always ask what insurance is included in your quote. Ask about buying more coverage if you need it. Make sure you know what is covered before your cart ships.

Service Type

How fast you want your golf cart to arrive also affects the cost.

Standard Service: This is the cheapest option. It means your cart ships on a regular schedule. The transit time is typically 1-2 weeks for cross-country trips. Shorter trips are faster.
Expedited Service: If you need your golf cart to arrive quickly, you can pay extra for faster service. This means your cart gets priority loading. It might be on a direct route. This can cut delivery time by several days. But it will cost more money.

Most people choose standard service for golf carts.

Cart Condition

Does your golf cart run and drive? Or is it broken? This makes a difference.

Running Cart: If your golf cart drives and steers, it is easy to load onto a truck. This is the cheapest way to ship.
Non-Running Cart: If your golf cart does not run, it needs special equipment to load. This might be a winch or a forklift. This adds to the cost. Make sure to tell the shipper if your cart does not run. If you don’t, there could be delays or extra fees at pickup. Always be clear about your cart’s condition.

Average Golf Cart Shipping Fees: A Quick Look

It is hard to give an exact price without knowing all the details. But we can give you a general idea of average golf cart shipping fees. These prices are just estimates. They are for a standard, running golf cart using open transport.

Distance	Estimated Cost (Open Transport)	Estimated Cost (Enclosed Transport)
Short (Under 300 miles)	$200 – $500	$300 – $750
Medium (300 – 800 miles)	$400 – $800	$600 – $1,200
Long (800 – 1,500 miles)	$600 – $1,100	$900 – $1,650
Very Long (Over 1,500 miles)	$800 – $1,500+	$1,200 – $2,250+

Remember, these are just rough numbers. The actual cost will depend on all the factors we just talked about. Always get a custom quote for your specific needs.

Getting Golf Cart Transport Quotes: Your Path to a Good Deal

Finding the right shipper and getting a good price takes a little work. You need to gather information and compare offers. This part will help you get clear golf cart transport quotes.

Where to Find Quotes

You have a few good places to look for shipping quotes:

Online Shipping Marketplaces: Websites exist where many different shipping companies bid on your job. You put in your golf cart’s details and your shipping needs. Then, many carriers will send you quotes. This lets you compare prices easily in one spot. It is a good way to see many options at once.
Direct Carriers: You can search online for companies that specialize in golf cart shipping. These companies own their trucks. You can call them directly for a quote. This might give you a more direct line of communication.
Shipping Brokers: Brokers do not own trucks. They work with many different carriers. They find the best carrier for your shipping job. They act as a middleman. They can often find good rates. They also handle communication and problem-solving. This can save you time.

It is a good idea to check all three types of sources. This helps you get a wide range of quotes.

What to Ask For

When you get quotes, do not just look at the final price. Ask specific questions to make sure you compare apples to apples.

All-Inclusive Price: Ask for the total cost. Make sure there are no hidden fees. Does the price include fuel costs, loading, and unloading?
Insurance Details: Ask what kind of insurance is included. What does it cover? How much will it pay if something goes wrong? Can you buy more insurance?
Pickup and Delivery Times: Ask for a clear idea of when your cart will be picked up. Ask when it will be delivered. Most companies give a window of days, not an exact time.
Type of Trailer: Ask if it will be an open or enclosed trailer. Make sure it matches what you want.
Cancellation Policy: What happens if you need to cancel or change your shipping date? Are there fees?
Payment Terms: When do you pay? Do you pay a deposit? When is the final payment due?

Writing down these answers helps you compare offers clearly.

Comparing Quotes

Once you have a few golf cart transport quotes, it is time to choose. Do not just pick the cheapest one.

Check Reviews and Reputation: Look up the shipping companies online. Do they have good reviews? Are there many complaints? Websites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot can help. A slightly higher price from a trusted company is often better than a very low price from a new or poorly rated one.
Read the Fine Print: Look at the contract terms. Make sure everything you discussed is written down.
Communication: How easy is it to talk to the company? Do they answer your questions quickly? Good communication is a sign of a good company.

Take your time to pick the right shipper. Your golf cart is valuable.

Ways to Save Money: Cheap Golf Cart Shipping Options

Everyone wants to save money. Here are some smart ways to lower your golf cart shipping cost. These are options for cheap golf cart shipping.

Be Flexible with Dates

If you are not in a hurry, you can often get a better price. Shipping companies like to fill their trucks completely. If you let them pick up your cart when they have space on a route, they might give you a discount. This means your cart might wait a few days longer for pickup. Or the delivery might take a bit more time. But it can save you money.

Choose Open Transport

As we talked about, open transport is always cheaper than enclosed transport. If your golf cart is not a rare collector’s item, open transport is likely fine. The money you save can be big. This is the most common way to ship golf carts.

Opt for Terminal Delivery

If there is a shipping terminal close to your pickup or drop-off spot, think about using it. You take your cart to their lot, and they take it to their other lot. You then pick it up from there. This saves the driver the trip to your specific address. This can cut down the overall cost. Make sure the terminals are easy for you to get to.

Ship During Off-Season

If you can avoid peak shipping times, you might find lower prices. If snowbirds are heading south, prices to Florida will be high. If they are heading north, prices from Florida will be high. If you can ship in the middle of summer or winter (if it is not a snowbird route), you might catch a deal. Demand is lower, so prices often drop.

Prepare Your Cart Well

A well-prepared golf cart is easier to load and unload. This can make the process smoother. It might even save a tiny bit on labor if a driver sees it as an easy job. Remove loose items. Make sure tires are aired up. An empty cart is lighter too. This is not a huge cost saver but helps.

Readying Your Golf Cart for Travel

Preparing your golf cart properly before shipping helps make sure it arrives safely. It also prevents problems. Follow these simple steps.

Simple Steps Before Shipping

Clean the Cart: Give your golf cart a good wash. This lets you spot any existing scratches or dents. You want to know its condition before it leaves.
Remove Loose Items: Take out anything that is not bolted down. This includes cup holders, golf clubs, personal items, chargers, and anything else inside the cart. These items can move around during travel and cause damage. They can also get lost.
Charge Battery (Electric Carts): If you have an electric golf cart, charge the battery fully. Disconnect the battery. This prevents it from running down during transit. It also stops any electrical problems. Turn off any alarms or GPS trackers that draw power.
Empty Fuel (Gas Carts): If you have a gas golf cart, run the fuel level down to about a quarter tank or less. Some carriers ask for less fuel for safety reasons. Check with your shipper.
Check Tire Pressure: Make sure all tires are inflated to the right pressure. This helps the cart roll easily. It also prevents flat spots during travel.
Take Photos: Take clear, detailed photos of your golf cart from all angles. Do this right before it is loaded. Note any existing damage. These photos are important proof if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Secure Parts: Make sure anything that could flap or move is secured. This includes windshields, mirrors, and seats. You can use tape for windshields if they fold down. Some people even remove windshields to be extra safe. Fold down any convertible tops.
Lock It (If Possible): If your golf cart has a lock, use it. This adds an extra layer of security.

Doing these steps makes the shipping process smooth. It helps keep your golf cart safe.

Insuring Your Golf Cart’s Journey

When you ship your golf cart, you want to know it is safe. Insurance plays a big part in this. Insured golf cart transport cost is a key thing to think about.

Why Coverage Matters

Things can go wrong during shipping. Accidents happen. Weather can cause problems. Knowing your golf cart is covered gives you peace of mind.

Carrier’s Basic Liability: Most shipping companies offer basic insurance. This covers a very small amount, often just pennies per pound. This means if your 1,000-pound golf cart is worth $5,000 but the carrier only covers $0.50 per pound, you would only get $500 if it was damaged. This is usually not enough to cover the actual value of your cart.
Full Coverage: You can often buy extra insurance from the shipping company or a third-party insurer. This “full coverage” protects your cart for its actual cash value. It covers more types of damage. This costs more, but it is a wise choice for valuable golf carts. Ask your shipping company what they offer. Ask about the cost and what is covered.
Check Your Own Insurance: Call your personal auto or homeowner’s insurance company. Ask if your golf cart is covered while being shipped. Some policies might offer limited coverage. Do this before you buy extra insurance.

Always read the insurance policy details. Know what is covered and what is not. This way, you avoid bad surprises if damage happens.

What to Do When Your Cart Arrives

The moment your golf cart arrives is important. You need to do a careful check before the driver leaves.

Check for Damage

Inspect Thoroughly: Before you sign any paperwork, walk around your golf cart. Look at every part. Check for new scratches, dents, or broken parts. Look at the tires, body, lights, and seats. Take your time.
Compare with Pre-Shipping Photos: Use the photos you took before shipping. Compare the cart’s condition to those pictures. This helps you spot any new damage that happened during transit.
Note Any Issues on the Bill of Lading: The driver will have a document called a “Bill of Lading” or “BOL.” This is a record of the shipment. If you find any damage, write it down clearly on this document. Be very specific. Take more photos of the damage. Both you and the driver should sign the BOL after noting the damage. If you do not write the damage on the BOL, it is very hard to claim it later. The shipping company might say it happened after delivery.
Keep All Paperwork: Keep your copy of the BOL, photos, and any other shipping documents. These are vital if you need to file a claim.

Once you are happy with the delivery and the condition, you can sign the BOL as “clear” or “received in good condition.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about shipping golf carts.

How long does it take to ship a golf cart?

Most golf cart shipments take between 3 and 14 days. This depends on the distance. Shorter trips across a state might take 1 to 3 days. Cross-country trips can take 7 to 14 days. Weather delays or truck breakdowns can add more time.

Can I put stuff in my golf cart when it ships?

It is generally not allowed. Most shipping companies do not let you put personal items in the golf cart. Loose items can move around. They can cause damage to the cart or other things on the truck. Also, personal items are usually not covered by the shipping insurance. Take out all loose items before shipping.

Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?

Yes, it is best to be there for both pickup and delivery. This way, you can sign the Bill of Lading. You can also inspect the golf cart for damage at delivery. If you cannot be there, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to do it for you. Make sure they know what to look for and what to sign.

Is enclosed shipping really worth the extra cost?

Enclosed shipping costs more. It is worth it if you have a very valuable, custom, or classic golf cart. It protects your cart from road debris, weather, and dust. For most standard golf carts, open transport is enough. The added cost might not be needed.

What if my golf cart does not run?

If your golf cart does not run, you must tell the shipping company when you get a quote. They will need special equipment, like a winch, to load it. This will add to the shipping cost. If you don’t tell them, the driver might not be able to pick it up. This could cause delays and extra fees.

How far in advance should I book my golf cart shipment?

It is best to book your shipment at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance. If you are shipping during peak season, book even earlier, like 3 to 4 weeks ahead. This gives you time to get quotes and choose a good shipper. It also helps the shipping company find a spot for your cart. Booking last minute might cost more.

What should I do if my golf cart arrives damaged?

If your golf cart arrives damaged, immediately write down all the damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Take clear photos of the damage. Do this before the driver leaves. Get the driver’s signature on the BOL, confirming the noted damage. Contact the shipping company right away to start a claim. Keep all your paperwork and photos as proof.