What is the cost to ship a golf cart? The cost to ship a golf cart varies widely, often ranging from a few hundred dollars for short, local moves to several thousand dollars for long-distance or specialized transport. This price depends on several key factors, including distance, the type of shipping service chosen, and the size of your cart.
Factors That Shape Golf Cart Shipping Rates
Moving a golf cart is not like sending a small package. It requires specialized transport. Many things affect how much you pay. Knowing these factors helps you get a better golf cart shipping quote.
Distance of Travel
Distance is the biggest part of the price. Moving a cart across town costs much less than moving it across the country.
- Local Moves (Under 200 miles): These are often the cheapest. Sometimes, a local carrier can move it in a single day.
- Regional Moves (200 to 800 miles): Prices start to climb here. You might see standard carrier rates applied.
- Long Distance Moving Cost: For moves across several states or the cost to ship a golf cart across country, expect the highest rates. Fuel costs, driver time, and possible overnight stays add up fast. This type of transport falls under long distance golf cart moving cost estimates.
Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed Transport
How your cart travels makes a big difference in the price. You have two main choices for transport.
Open Trailer Golf Cart Shipping Price
This is the most common and usually the cheapest option. Your cart is secured to an open flatbed trailer or the back of a truck.
- Pros: Lower cost, faster scheduling.
- Cons: The cart is exposed to weather, road debris, and dirt.
Enclosed Trailer Golf Cart Transport Cost
If your golf cart is expensive, customized, or you want total protection, you will choose an enclosed trailer.
- Pros: Complete protection from rain, sun, and road hazards. Ideal for brand-new or high-value carts.
- Cons: Higher price tag. It costs more to hire a truck that can handle a fully enclosed trailer.
Cart Size and Weight
Golf carts vary in size. A standard two-seater is easier to handle than a six-passenger limousine-style cart. Heavier carts need more fuel. This directly impacts golf cart haulage prices. If you are shipping other items with the cart, like gear or accessories, the total weight and space needed will increase the final price.
Shipping Requirements and Access
Does the pickup and drop-off location require special handling?
- Liftgate Service: If the pickup or delivery spot cannot accommodate a standard ramp (like a home without a loading dock), you need a liftgate. This adds a service fee.
- Residential vs. Commercial: Commercial addresses are often cheaper for carriers to service than remote residential areas.
Deciphering Golf Cart Freight Shipping Rates
For very long distances or when moving multiple vehicles, your cart might move via freight shipping. This is different from standard door-to-door services.
How Freight Shipping Works
Freight shipping moves goods using large carriers. Sometimes, your golf cart shares space on a truck or trailer with other large items. This is often the method used when calculating golf cart freight shipping rates.
- LTL (Less Than Truckload): Your cart takes up only part of the truck space. This is common but means the cost is shared among several shippers.
- Dedicated Truckload: You hire the entire truck. This is the most expensive but offers the fastest and most direct route.
When getting a motorcycle and golf cart shipping estimate, freight companies look at the combined volume and weight. They treat it similarly to recreational vehicle transport cost structures.
Comparing Shipping Costs: A Visual Guide
To give you a rough idea, look at how distance affects the price for standard open transport. These are estimates and change based on current fuel prices and carrier demand.
| Distance Range | Estimated Cost Range (Open Transport) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Under 100 Miles) | \$300 – \$600 | Often a flat fee for local haulers. |
| Regional (100 – 500 Miles) | \$500 – \$950 | Standard road transport rates apply. |
| Cross-Country (2,000+ Miles) | \$1,200 – \$2,500+ | Heavily influenced by route efficiency. |
If you specifically ask for enclosed trailer golf cart transport cost, expect these numbers to increase by 30% to 50%.
Exploring Different Transport Services
Several types of companies handle moving golf carts. Choosing the right one affects your overall experience and final bill.
Dedicated Transport Carriers
These companies specialize in moving recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and sometimes smaller items like ATVs and golf carts.
- They often offer door-to-door service.
- They provide clear tracking.
- If you are shipping both an ATV and a golf cart, many of these specialized companies can bundle the logistics, offering a better combined ATV and golf cart shipping quote.
Third-Party Brokers
Brokers connect you with available carriers. They do not own the trucks.
- Benefit: Brokers can shop around to find you the lowest available golf cart shipping rates at that moment.
- Caution: Quality can vary widely. Always check the reputation of the actual carrier the broker uses.
DIY Shipping (Towing Yourself)
Can you move it yourself? Yes, if you own a suitable truck and trailer.
- Cost Calculation: Your cost becomes gas, wear-and-tear on your vehicle, trailer rental fees (if applicable), and your time.
- Safety Check: Ensure your tow vehicle has the proper hitch rating for the weight of your golf cart. Improper towing is dangerous and can void insurance.
Tips for Reducing Your Golf Cart Shipping Cost
Everyone wants a great deal. Here are practical ways to lower your final bill when getting golf cart haulage prices.
1. Ship During Off-Peak Times
When do most people move? Spring and early summer, as people move their carts to vacation homes or use them more often.
- Lower Rates: Shipping in the late fall or winter is often cheaper because demand for carriers drops.
2. Choose Open Transport When Possible
If your cart is durable and you don’t need museum-quality protection, open shipping saves significant money. Review the difference between open trailer golf cart shipping price and enclosed options.
3. Use Commercial Locations for Pickup/Delivery
If you can drop off or pick up your cart at a business location that has loading docks or easy access, you eliminate the costly residential surcharges and liftgate fees.
4. Bundle Shipments
If you are moving a golf cart and perhaps a motorcycle or other small recreational vehicle, ask carriers for a combined quote. A good broker can often combine these into one shipment, lowering the per-item cost. This applies when getting a motorcycle and golf cart shipping estimate.
5. Prepare the Cart Correctly
- Remove all loose items, trash, and personal belongings from the cart. Extra weight means higher fuel consumption, which translates to higher costs.
- Ensure tires are properly inflated.
- If the cart is electric, check the battery status, though most carriers prefer batteries disconnected or fully charged for safety.
Special Considerations for Different Cart Types
The term “golf cart” covers a wide range of vehicles. The transport requirements change based on what you are moving.
Standard Electric vs. Gas Carts
Gas-powered carts require carriers who are certified and comfortable transporting vehicles with flammable fuel onboard. This certification can sometimes slightly increase the quote compared to a purely electric cart.
Lifted and Customized Carts
A standard golf cart fits neatly onto a standard flatbed. A heavily lifted cart with large tires or custom accessories might need specialized tie-downs or even a larger trailer configuration. This requires clearer communication when asking for a recreational vehicle transport cost estimate.
Club Car vs. EZ-GO vs. Yamaha
While the internal mechanics differ, for shipping purposes, most major brands (Club Car, EZ-GO, Yamaha) fall into the same general size category. The main differentiator is modification level, not brand name.
Fathoming the Quote Process: What to Ask Carriers
When you call providers to compare golf cart shipping rates, ask these specific questions to ensure you get an accurate price and avoid hidden fees.
Key Questions for Carriers:
- What exactly is included in this open trailer golf cart shipping price? (Does it cover insurance, fuel surcharges, and loading fees?)
- Is this a direct service, or will my cart be transferred between trucks? (Transfers increase risk.)
- What is the quoted transit time frame? (Not guaranteed, but helpful for planning.)
- If I choose enclosed transport, what is the declared replacement value coverage included in the enclosed trailer golf cart transport cost?
- How do you secure the cart to the trailer? (Look for professional methods like wheel nets rather than just chains around the frame.)
Insurance and Liability
Never assume the carrier’s liability insurance is enough. Standard carrier liability is usually minimal (often just \$100 to \$500). If your cart is worth \$10,000, you must purchase additional cargo insurance. Discuss this upfront when getting your golf cart shipping quote.
Long Distance Golf Cart Moving Cost Breakdown
Moving a golf cart from Florida to Washington state involves crossing diverse landscapes and carrier zones. This stretches the long distance golf cart moving cost significantly.
When planning a cost to ship golf cart across country, carriers base their final rates on:
- Zone Pricing: The US is often divided into shipping zones. Moving between Zone 1 (e.g., NYC area) and Zone 8 (e.g., Pacific Northwest) is premium priced.
- Deadhead Miles: This refers to empty miles a driver has to drive to pick up your cart or drive after dropping it off. Long, remote routes can incur higher deadhead penalties.
- Tolls and Permits: Crossing multiple state lines means multiple toll booths, which are factored into the overall price.
For these massive moves, carriers will rely heavily on golf cart freight shipping rates models, often requiring the cart to be crated or heavily secured if space sharing is involved.
Comparing Specialized Moves (ATV and Motorcycle Inclusion)
If you frequently move recreational gear, consolidating your transport needs can save money. When comparing services, check if they handle other types of equipment.
- ATV and Golf Cart Shipping Quote: Carriers who regularly handle ATVs know how to secure them safely. Combining an ATV move with a golf cart move often leads to a reduced per-unit rate because the truck is already mobilized for recreational vehicle transport.
- Motorcycle Integration: Motorcycles require even more specific securing techniques (like wheel chocks). If a carrier offers integrated motorcycle and golf cart shipping estimate services, it shows they have versatile loading capabilities.
Finalizing Your Golf Cart Transport Plan
Getting the actual price requires getting actual quotes. Do not rely on a single source. Get at least three detailed quotes from reputable providers specializing in recreational vehicle transport cost.
Always look for carriers who provide:
- Clear itemization of fees.
- Proof of active motor carrier authority (DOT number).
- Good reviews regarding the care taken during loading and unloading.
By focusing on distance, choosing the right security level (open vs. enclosed), and preparing your vehicle properly, you can effectively manage the cost to ship a golf cart and ensure a smooth journey for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it usually take to ship a golf cart?
Local moves might take 1–3 days. Cross-country shipping usually takes between 7 to 14 days, depending on the route and whether the carrier stops frequently or runs a more direct “hot shot” service.
Do I need to drain the gas tank before shipping?
If your golf cart is gas-powered, most carriers require the tank to be less than a quarter full for safety and regulatory compliance. Electric carts do not have this restriction, but batteries must often be disconnected or charged to a safe level.
Is my golf cart covered by insurance during transport?
Yes, legitimate carriers carry liability insurance. However, this standard coverage is often low. If your cart is new or expensive, you must purchase additional cargo insurance to cover its full replacement value. Always confirm coverage details when reviewing golf cart shipping rates.
Can a golf cart be shipped as LTL freight?
Yes, a golf cart can often be shipped via Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight, especially for very long distances. This is common when calculating golf cart freight shipping rates, but it often requires the cart to be professionally secured to a pallet or treated as oversized freight.
What is the difference between an ATV and golf cart shipping quote?
An ATV quote might factor in easier tie-down access or different clearance requirements. If you ship both, a combined ATV and golf cart shipping quote usually offers a better overall rate than booking two separate shipments.