Golf carts offer convenient transportation within golf course grounds, gated subdivisions, resorts, as well as big estates. But when you must move your golf cart a far distance, like for relocation, repair, or storage for the winter months, you need a trusted golf cart transport. In this article, we discuss what you need to know from golf cart shipping costs to golf cart transportation methods, to ensuring you can safely ship your golf cart, and even how you can easily ship your golf cart. Proper preparation, such as disconnecting batteries and securing loose parts, can help prevent damage during shipping. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, knowing your transport options makes the process smoother and stress-free.
The golf cart transportation fee varies extensively with a variety of factors such as distance, transportation mode, as well as the size and weight of your golf cart. The rates normally come in a per-mile basis. For example, car transport companies would typically offer a rate ranging from $1.00 to $2.00 per mile for relatively shorter distances that fall below 500 miles. For longer distances, the per-mile rate can be as low as $0.50 per mile to $0.75 per mile.
To make a rough estimate for golf cart services, hauling it 400 miles in an enclosed trailer might take between $900 and $1,000, but open shipping in that same distance might be a few hundred less. You can use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific route and cart details.
Other expenses that are taken into account include whether you opt for golf cart delivery in open or enclosed transportation, pickup and delivery point, and season. Choosing a delivery company that deals exclusively in golf cart services such as Bold Auto Transport ensures you quality services and fair prices.
The golf carts may be shipped either in open golf cart shipping or in enclosed golf cart shipping. Both offer merits and demerits depending on the amount of protection the cart needs as well as the available budget. Many customers also opt for a golf cart delivery service that specializes in safe and timely transport tailored to their cart’s specific needs.
Open golf cart transport is the least expensive and most in-demand option. Your golf cart is transported the same manner as a car or other smaller vehicle, on an open carrier. This exposes your cart to the elements, road hazards, and weather but is easily accessible and reasonably priced.
Enclosed golf cart shipping is shipping your cart in a totally enclosed trailer with four solid walls and a roof. It is the safest method for protecting your cart from the weather, road conditions, and shipping damages. Choosing the right golf cart transport trailer plays a key role in ensuring maximum safety during enclosed transit.
Enclosed shipping is best for specialty, antique, or high-end golf carts where cosmetic and mechanical condition is paramount. It is well-suited for long-distance state-to-state or even cross-country shipping.
The greatest priority in golf cart transportation is safety. Professional golf cart transport companies adhere strictly to guidelines so that your cart reaches you in top shape. This includes:
Employing the appropriate golf cart transportation trailer that is tailored to fit your cart securely.
Carefully loading with golf cart truck ramps or hydraulic lifts.
Straps, chains, and wedges for holding the cart in place against movement in transit.
Having experienced drivers who know how to drive golf buggy transport safely.
Offering tracking and communication in the shipping process.
Bold Auto Transport is dedicated to safe, easy golf cart transportation, pairing expert handling with customer-centered communication to ensure hassle-free shipping.
If you prefer a DIY approach or want to save on costs, you can make your golf buggy transport using heavy haulers or freight services. Here’s how the process typically works:
Preparation: Measure and weigh your golf cart. Clean it and remove any loose items. Provide details to the heavy hauler to determine the right trailer size and shipping cost.
Loading: Use sturdy golf cart truck ramps to load your cart onto a flatbed or enclosed trailer. Secure it tightly with straps.
Transport: The heavy hauler will transport your golf cart to the destination, following safety and regulatory guidelines.
Unloading: Upon arrival, carefully unload the cart and inspect it for any damage.
Partnering with a reputable car transport company like Bold Auto Transport can make this process easier, as they handle logistics, permits, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Delivery times for shipping a golf cart depend upon the distance and shipping method chosen. In general:
Delivery time for distances less than 500 miles is between 1 to 3 days.
For medium distance (500 to 1,500 miles), expect 3 to 7 days.
Delivery can take 7 to 14 days or longer for distances greater than 1,500 miles.
Factors like weather, route, and carrier schedules may affect timing. Bold Auto Transport provides estimated delivery time periods and tracking capabilities so you can plan ahead.
To start your golf cart shipping with Bold Auto Transport or another carrier, you generally need to:
Request a quote from the company.
Give the make, model, size, and weight of your golf cart.
Schedule a time and venue for pick-up.
Prep your golf cart by washing it and tightening loose components.
Ensure that the golf cart is in working order or notify the carrier if it is not.
You can tow a golf cart by yourself if you're well-equipped and experienced. Here are some tips:
Use a trailer that is big enough to safely transport your golf cart, i.e., a 5x10 or bigger utility trailer.
Load and unload the cart safely using good quality golf cart truck ramps.
Secure the cart with heavy straps or chains so that it cannot move.
Make sure that your towing vehicle can bear the weight of the golf cart and the trailer.
Drive carefully, especially on rough roads and turns.
Though this is economical, it is equipment-intensive and demands careful handling to prevent injury or accidents.
Shipping a golf cart does not need to be a hassle. A proper company that offers golf cart services can make it a hassle-free experience. This is how Bold Auto Transport does it:
Transparent prices with no surprises.
Transportation flexibility through open trailers and enclosed trailers.
Safe and proper loading and unloading.
Round-the-clock customer service and customer tracking.
Personalized solutions tailored to specific requirements.
The least expensive form of golf cart shipping is open carrier shipping. This is done through open trailers that expose the cart to the surrounding environment but significantly reduce the total cost from enclosed shipping.
Use solid ramps secured to the bed, engage the parking brake, and drive the cart up slowly. Secure the cart in after loading. Taking off or putting on a tailgate can prevent injury from loading.
Similar to loading onto a pickup, use ramps and strap it in position. Ensure the bed is large enough and the tailgate can support the weight of the cart or is removed for safety.
A standard 5x10 utility trailer is typically sufficient for most golf carts, including lifted or extended models.
A 5x8 trailer may be too small for most golf carts, which usually require at least a 5x10 trailer for safe and secure transport.
The cost is different but typically falls within the range of $0.50 and $2.00 per mile based on the distance and transport mode. A 400-mile enclosed transport, for instance, may cost around $900 to $1,000.
Companies like Bold Auto Transport, Montway Auto Transport, and Easy Auto Ship are reputable options, offering a range of services from open to enclosed golf cart transport.
Towing costs depend on distance and equipment but are generally similar to transport costs, factoring in fuel and trailer rental if applicable.
The ideal solution hinges on your finances and cart value. Covered shipping for golf carts provides maximum protection, whereas open shipping is economical for typical carts.
Open carrier transport is the cheapest method, balancing cost and reliability for most golf cart owners.