Golf Cart Shipping

Wash your golf cart before pickup so the pre-transport condition inspection can be done accurately. Dirt, grass clippings, and debris can obscure existing scratches, scuffs, or body damage that might otherwise be attributed to the transport. A clean cart gives the driver a clear baseline for the Bill of Lading condition report.

After washing, take time-stamped photos from all angles – front, rear, both sides, the roof (if applicable), the seat upholstery, and any custom body panels or accessories. Store the photos somewhere accessible. At pickup, review the Bill of Lading against your photos before signing. This documentation is your protection if any dispute arises after delivery.

If your cart is electric, charge the battery fully before pickup. The driver needs to be able to drive the cart onto and off of the carrier under its own power. A dead or low battery can prevent loading and may result in the driver being unable to complete the pickup without specialized equipment that may not have been pre-arranged.

If the battery is known to hold a poor charge or if the cart has any electrical issues that affect operability, disclose this to your SAC coordinator at the time of booking so a carrier with appropriate loading equipment can be assigned. Do not let the driver arrive expecting a driveable cart if you know the battery is problematic.

For gas-powered carts, keep the fuel level at approximately a quarter tank before transport. This is enough for the driver to load, unload, and reposition the cart without adding unnecessary weight. A full tank is not needed for transport and simply adds weight with no benefit during the shipment.

If the cart has a history of hard starting, a choke requirement, or any other starting quirk that the driver should know about, include this information in the notes provided to your SAC coordinator before pickup day. A driver who arrives briefed on the cart’s starting procedure will have a much smoother pickup experience than one who encounters it for the first time.

Remove everything from the cart before pickup – seat covers, towel bars, cargo nets, coolers, GPS devices, phone mounts, score cards, umbrellas, clubs, bags, and any other loose accessories. Personal items are not covered by carrier insurance and can shift or fall during transport, potentially damaging the cart or other vehicles on the carrier.

For carts with built-in storage compartments or under-seat storage areas, check all compartments and remove everything. For carts with roof-mounted accessories such as clamp-on mirrors or aftermarket lighting bars that are not permanently secured, remove them before pickup or confirm they are fully latched and will not shift during transit.

Aftermarket accessories that are not permanently installed should be removed before transport. This includes clip-on enclosure curtains, soft-sided windshields, removable rear seats, and any accessories attached with quick-release hardware. Items that can detach during transport create a safety hazard on the carrier.

For lifted carts with oversized tires or extended roof canopies that add significant height, inform your SAC coordinator of the cart’s overall dimensions when booking. Height and width affect which carrier can accommodate the cart and how it will be positioned on the trailer. Providing accurate dimensions upfront prevents surprises on pickup day.

Provide the driver with one key for the cart at pickup. Keep a spare for yourself. If the cart uses a key switch with a specific sequence, a PIN code, or any other non-standard access procedure, write it down and provide it to your SAC coordinator before pickup so the driver is fully briefed before arriving.

For older carts without a key system or with a toggle switch ignition, describe the starting procedure clearly so the driver knows exactly how to operate it. A driver who cannot start or move the cart on the first try at pickup wastes time for everyone and may delay the loading process if the carrier’s schedule is tight.

Before pickup day, confirm that the carrier can safely access your location with the transport vehicle. Most golf cart carriers use open trailers or flatbeds that need adequate space to back in and lower a ramp. Narrow driveways, low-hanging tree branches, garage approaches with tight clearances, and gated entry points all need to be considered.

For pickups at golf courses, country clubs, or gated communities, provide your SAC coordinator with the facility name, gate code or contact information, and any scheduling restrictions such as maintenance windows or event blackout dates. Coordinating access in advance prevents the carrier from being turned away at the gate and keeps your shipment on schedule.