A golf cart is not solely for the golf course. Whether you want to roll in comfort at the senior community, take your family members on a joy ride around the neighborhood, or cruise over to the nearest beach access – it’s also a great way to make house calls and take kids around for Halloween – a cart is super handy. But what if you’re moving or selling it? Caravan Auto Transport answers your golf cart shipping questions.
Things To Know Before Shipping
Before you request quotes and book a service, you’ll want to understand a few things about transporting a golf cart, including cost and delivery time.
Cost Factors to Consider When Shipping a Golf Cart
It may have crossed your mind to haul it yourself. If so, you’d need an RV cart carrier (and RV), truck bed, or trailer, however, and these things aren’t exactly light. The effort and time spent loading, driving, and unloading just might not be doable. Enter professional golf cart delivery.
In general, it costs approximately $100 to $200 to ship a golf cart locally and $300 to $600 to transport over a long distance. In comparison, this is a lot cheaper than a standard passenger vehicle, which often costs $500 to $1,500 (or more, depending on the provider).
When it comes to cost, there are eight main factors that affect the rate:
- Weight: The heavier the cart, the more fuel consumption, and therefore, the more expensive it is to ship.
- Size: If your golf cart is extra-long or tricked out, it will take up more space on the carrier, which translates to pricier transport.
- Running condition: Does your cart run? If not, this will add to the cost. Carriers have to utilize additional equipment and effort to get a non-operable cart on and off the truck. Keep this in mind when shopping around for quotes.
- Location: Are you shipping to or from a rural area? If so, expect the cost of shipment to go up.
- Travel distance: The destination point and length of travel are other big influences on price. Obviously, it will be cheaper to have your cart delivered a couple of hundred miles as opposed to across the United States. Transporters generally charge a certain amount for the first 500 miles, however, and any journey over 500 miles is subject to a reduction in cost per mile.
- Time of year: Summertime is generally the busiest time to ship a vehicle. This means increased pricing. If it works for your schedule, transporting during the winter and fall typically provides greater savings and shipping availability.
- Type of transport: When choosing options, you’ll need to decide on enclosed transport versus open transport. Enclosed transport offers greater protection, but it’s also more expensive than an open carrier.
- Speed of delivery: Another thing to keep in mind is your schedule. If you need it delivered quickly, you’ll want to opt for expedited service. Of course, this adds to the overall cost.
And finally, the cost of transporting a golf cart is affected by the auto transport company of choice. There are a ton of providers out there, promising a fantastic experience, but not all can stand behind that claim. With Caravan, you can bypass all the research & effort. Easily select from our group of fully qualified shipping partners for a hassle-free delivery.
Shipping Time
Transport time can vary depending on carrier, season, distance, and type of service. In general, you can expect to have your golf cart reach its final destination within a week. Of course, if it’s being delivered relatively close or you choose an expedited option, the cart will get from point A to B faster (one to six days) than cross-country or multi-state transportation.
Type of Transport
Typically, a golf cart is hauled like a car. There are three common modes of transport.
- Strapped down: Some carriers will roll it on an open truck bed and strap it down.
- Enclosed: And then there’s also the enclosed option. This route allows for greater peace of mind, especially if your cart is brand new or of high value.
- Open carrier: An open carrier is cheaper, but it does expose your cart to the elements and potential damage by rocks and other debris.
So, how do you get the cart on the truck? A good company will save you the effort of having to take it to a drop-off location or depot. Instead, they’ll pick it up at your home or wherever it’s stored. Be sure to inquire about how it works for a particular shipping company. Again, not every hauler offers door-to-door delivery. Make sure you get what you need.
Preparing a Golf Cart for Shipping
Now that we’ve gotten the things you need to know prior to booking a transporter out of the way, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to do to prepare your golf cart for transport.
1. Choose a carrier
You have several options, which include asking someone for a recommendation, doing cold online searches, or enlisting the handy assistance of an auto transport broker like Caravan.
2. Select your service
There are two main types. These are enclosed delivery and open delivery. Enclosed is more expensive but safer, while open is cheaper and more readily available. Also, consider if you need quicker shipment.
3. Inquire about insurance coverage
Be sure that your company of choice has ample insurance to cover your cart. Ask for a copy of their insurance policy. Oftentimes, you can also find these details on the company website.
4. Wash the cart
There are a couple of good reasons to do so. First, it will be a lot easier to clean when it gets to its new home. Second, but most importantly, washing your cart will allow you to see its true condition for documentation (more on that below).
5. Take pictures
Hopefully, your cart enjoys a smooth trip. But you never know what could happen. From flying rocks to highway accidents, you’ll want to have pictures in case of an insurance claim. Take plenty of shots from all angles.
6. Document the cart’s condition
Along with ample images, you should create a written record of the current condition of your golf cart. Be detailed – include any scratches, dents, or other damage. Also, make sure your company makes an official note. This will be a lifesaver if you have to file an insurance claim.
7. Track your golf cart
If you’re wanting to keep tabs on your cart’s journey, inquire about tracking. This can be super convenient, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule and need to know exactly where your cart is at any given moment during transit.
8. Send the cart
Whether you get a door-to-door service or have to drop off and pick up yourself, it’s time to say goodbye (until next time) to your cart.
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Hiring a pro to ship your golf cart can get you out of a sand trap, so to speak. Whether you just don’t have the time, energy, or resources to do it yourself, you can rely on a hauler to deliver your cart anywhere in the country safely & securely. Sit back & relax with help from Caravan Auto Transport!
From family vans to exotic supercars to golfing carts, Caravan Auto Transport is the go-to for all your auto shipping needs. With the help of our wide network of highly reputable, licensed, and insured carrier partners, we provide easy (and affordable) access to the services you need. Click here to request your free quotes today!