The cost to ship a golf cart varies widely, generally ranging from \$300 to over \$1,500, depending on distance, transport method, and service type.
Moving a golf cart might seem simple, but getting it from point A to point B safely requires careful planning, much like shipping other vehicles. People move golf carts for many reasons. Maybe you bought one far away. Perhaps you are moving to a new home in a different state. Whatever the reason, knowing the price is key. This guide will help you figure out the golf cart transport charges you can expect to pay. We will look at what affects the final bill and how to get the best deal.
Factors Shaping Golf Cart Transport Charges
Several key elements influence the final price you see on a golf cart freight quote. Think of these as levers that push the price up or down. Knowing them helps you budget correctly.
Distance of Travel
This is the biggest factor. Moving a golf cart across town costs much less than moving it across the country.
- Local Moves (Under 200 Miles): These are often the cheapest. Some local movers might offer flat rates.
- Regional Moves (200 to 800 Miles): Prices rise steadily here. Fuel costs start to matter more.
- Cross Country Moves: Shipping a golf cart cross country involves long hauls. This means higher fuel surcharges, driver time, and more complex logistics. These moves will have the highest cost to ship a golf cart cross country.
Type of Transport Service Used
Do you need an open trailer or a secure, enclosed trailer? This choice significantly impacts the price.
Open Trailer Golf Cart Shipping Price
Open transport is the most common and cheapest method for most vehicles, including golf carts.
- Pros: Lower cost. Faster pickup times because carriers often have space on existing routes.
- Cons: The golf cart is exposed to weather (rain, snow, sun) and road debris.
Enclosed Trailer Golf Cart Transport Cost
Enclosed transport is like putting your golf cart in a moving van. It costs more but offers superior protection.
- Pros: Maximum protection from weather and theft. Ideal for high-value or custom carts.
- Cons: Higher price tag due to limited space on the truck and specialized handling. This falls under enclosed trailer golf cart transport cost.
Cart Size and Weight
Golf carts are not all the same size. A small two-seater is lighter and takes up less room than a large, six-seater lifted cart.
- Heavier or bulkier carts need more fuel and may require specialized loading equipment. This can increase golf cart moving expenses.
- Sometimes, carriers group golf carts with ATV transport costs if the size is similar, but golf carts usually fit better on standard vehicle haulers.
Carrier Type and Insurance
The company you choose matters. Experienced, fully insured carriers charge more than smaller, less experienced haulers.
- Look for carriers that specialize in specialty vehicle transport rates. They know the ins and outs of securing these unique vehicles.
- Insurance coverage is critical. Higher coverage limits mean higher initial quotes, but they protect your investment.
How to Get Accurate Golf Cart Shipping Rates
To get a good estimate, you need to shop around and provide detailed information. Do not rely on a single quote.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cart Information
Have these details ready before calling providers:
- Exact pickup and drop-off addresses (zip codes are best).
- Dimensions (length, width, height).
- Weight (estimate if you don’t know the exact weight).
- Year, make, and model of the golf cart.
- Any special modifications (lift kits, large tires).
Step 2: Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers
Contact at least three to five different transport companies. This helps you find the best balance between price and service quality. When you request a golf cart freight quote, make sure you ask them to specify if it is for open or enclosed transport.
Step 3: Check Reviews and Licensing
A low price is useless if the service is terrible or uninsured. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online review sites. Verify that the carrier is properly licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if moving across state lines.
Price Breakdown: Expected Golf Cart Moving Expenses
To give you a clearer picture, here is a table estimating typical costs based on distance. Remember, these are starting points, not guarantees. Fuel prices and market demand constantly shift golf cart shipping rates.
| Distance Category | Estimated Open Trailer Price Range | Estimated Enclosed Trailer Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Under 200 Miles) | \$300 – \$550 | \$500 – \$800 | Often flat-rate pricing. |
| Regional (200 – 800 Miles) | \$550 – \$900 | \$850 – \$1,200 | Prices rise steadily with miles. |
| Cross Country (1,000+ Miles) | \$900 – \$1,500+ | \$1,400 – \$2,500+ | Heavily influenced by route and fuel costs. |
These figures reflect general golf cart hauling service pricing. A six-seater or a heavily customized cart might cost 15% to 25% more than the estimates listed here.
Specialized Transport Considerations
Sometimes, your golf cart requires services beyond standard car hauling.
Shipping Carts with Specialized Equipment
If your cart is a utility model used for commercial purposes, it might require specific tie-downs or loading assistance.
- Forklift Loading: If the cart cannot be driven onto the trailer, the carrier may need to arrange a forklift at the pickup location. This adds labor costs to your golf cart moving expenses.
- Non-Running Carts: If the golf cart does not run, inform the shipper upfront. They may need a winch or specialized trailer setup, increasing the golf cart transport charges.
Comparing Golf Cart Transport to ATV Transport Costs
People often wonder if moving a golf cart is similar to moving an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle).
While both are recreational vehicles, golf carts are generally larger, heavier, and have different profiles than most ATVs.
- ATV Transport: ATVs are smaller and can often be strapped down in tight spaces on a truck, sometimes allowing carriers to fit more on one load. This can keep ATV transport costs slightly lower per unit if grouped.
- Golf Cart Transport: Due to their size, golf carts take up significant deck space. Carriers price them based on the space they occupy, which is usually more than a standard ATV.
When getting quotes, always specify “Golf Cart,” not “Utility Vehicle,” to ensure accurate specialty vehicle transport rates.
Fathoming Delivery Speeds and Scheduling
How fast you need the cart moved directly affects the price. Expedited service costs more than standard delivery.
Standard vs. Expedited Service
- Standard Service: This usually means your cart will be picked up within a window (e.g., 1 to 7 days) and delivered when the carrier’s route naturally aligns with your destination. This is the cheapest way to get golf cart shipping rates.
- Expedited Service: You pay a premium for a guaranteed, faster pickup and direct delivery route. This is necessary if you have tight deadlines, like moving before a specific event or seasonal use begins.
Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door
Most personal vehicle transport, including golf carts, is door-to-door service. However, terminal transport can sometimes save money.
- Door-to-Door: The carrier picks up and drops off right at your locations. This is convenient but often costs more due to the difficulty of navigating residential streets or restricted access areas.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: You drop off the cart at the carrier’s local terminal (a large depot) and pick it up at the destination terminal. This works well if both locations are close to major carrier hubs. This method might lower your golf cart moving expenses slightly.
Maximizing Value: Tips for Lowering Your Shipping Bill
Everyone wants the best price. Here are actionable tips to reduce your overall cost to ship a golf cart:
- Ship During the Off-Season: Demand surges in the spring and early summer, especially in warmer climates. Shipping during the late fall or winter often yields lower golf cart shipping rates.
- Choose Open Transport: If your cart is not a rare collectible, stick to open trailers. The savings are significant, especially for cross-country moves.
- Bundle Services: If you are moving other items, like an ATV, boat, or other recreational vehicle, ask carriers if they offer discounts for bundling multiple items onto one transport load. This utilizes their specialty vehicle transport rates more efficiently.
- Ensure the Cart is Ready: Make sure the golf cart is clean, fully accessible, and has clear instructions for loading. A slow pickup due to poor preparation can lead to added waiting time fees, inflating golf cart transport charges.
- Use Short Pickup/Delivery Windows: Be flexible. The more flexible you are with pickup dates, the more likely a carrier is to slot you into an existing route, reducing deadhead mileage and saving you money.
The Role of Specialty Vehicle Transport Rates
Golf carts fall into a niche category. They are not cars, but they are not small parcels. Transport companies that handle motorcycles, RVs, and exotic cars often have specialized knowledge regarding the securing and handling of golf carts.
When obtaining a golf cart freight quote, inquire specifically about their experience with similar, low-profile recreational vehicles. Companies that move heavy equipment or ATV transport costs often have the right trailers, but confirm their expertise with golf cart dimensions.
High-quality golf cart hauling service pricing reflects professional loading techniques that prevent damage to the suspension or body panels during transit. Cheap quotes might mean inexperienced staff who use improper tie-downs.
Deciphering Enclosed vs. Open Pricing for Long Hauls
The cost difference between open and enclosed transport widens dramatically over long distances, such as shipping a golf cart cross country.
On a 3,000-mile trip:
- An open trailer might add \$100 to \$200 per day in fuel and labor costs compared to a shorter trip.
- An enclosed trailer adds more weight, thus increasing fuel consumption significantly over that distance. This is why the enclosed trailer golf cart transport cost can easily exceed the open trailer price by 50% or more for cross-country routes.
If you are moving a high-end custom cart, the security and protection offered by the enclosed trailer golf cart transport cost often justify the extra expense, safeguarding your investment from the elements encountered during a long haul.
Finalizing Your Choice of Carrier
Once you have several quotes, you must make a final selection based on reliability, not just the lowest number.
Vetting the Carrier
Before signing any contract, confirm these details to ensure you are getting fair golf cart shipping rates:
- Insurance Verification: Ask for the carrier’s insurance certificate. Does it cover the full replacement value of your cart?
- Contract Clarity: Does the written agreement specify open or enclosed transport? Are all fees, including fuel surcharges and tolls, included in the final quoted price? Ambiguous contracts lead to unexpected golf cart moving expenses.
- Inspection Process: How will the pre-transport inspection be documented? Most reputable companies use a detailed Bill of Lading (BOL) with photos to note any existing damage. You must complete the same detailed inspection upon delivery.
By following these steps, you move from guessing the cost to ship a golf cart to having a well-researched, secured transport plan. Proper preparation ensures your golf cart arrives safely without unwelcome financial surprises related to its golf cart transport charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Golf Cart Shipping
Can I ship a golf cart myself?
Yes, you can ship a golf cart yourself if you own or can rent a suitable trailer. You will need a trailer capable of securely holding the cart’s size and weight, appropriate tie-downs, and a vehicle with enough towing capacity. However, this requires significant time, fuel expenditure, and responsibility for safe towing. For many people, hiring a professional golf cart hauling service pricing structure is simpler and often safer, especially for long distances.
Is golf cart transport covered under standard car shipping policies?
Sometimes, but not always. Many standard auto shippers consider golf carts “non-running vehicles” or “recreational equipment.” You must explicitly ask if they handle golf carts and confirm if their specialty vehicle transport rates apply. If they only list cars and trucks, you may be better off seeking carriers experienced with ATV transport costs, as their equipment might be better suited.
How long does it take to ship a golf cart cross country?
Standard transit time for cost to ship a golf cart cross country (e.g., coast-to-coast) is typically 7 to 14 days. This depends heavily on how quickly the carrier can schedule the pickup and how many stops they make along the route. Expedited services can cut this time significantly, but at a much higher price point.
What is the difference between golf cart freight quote and standard vehicle quote?
A golf cart freight quote often reflects the unusual dimensions. Since golf carts are wider and taller than motorcycles but shorter than cars, they occupy space inefficiently on standard car haulers. This inefficiency often leads to higher per-unit pricing compared to fitting three motorcycles or two small cars in the same space.
Do I need to drain the gas or disconnect the battery?
If your golf cart uses gasoline, yes, you must usually drain the fuel tank to less than a quarter full, as required by Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for most haulers. Electric carts generally only require disconnecting the main battery switch for safety during transit. Always check the specific carrier requirements before finalizing your golf cart moving expenses.