RoRo vs Container Shipping for Golf Carts: Which Should You Choose?

Once you have chosen your golf cart, the next question for an export order is how it travels. There are two main ways to ship a golf cart overseas: in a container or by RoRo. Both get your cart to the destination port. From there it is cleared through customs and, in Europe and Asia, our local partner delivers it to your door. Here is how each method works and how to choose.

How container shipping works

Your carts are loaded into a standard steel shipping container at the U.S. end, secured to stop any movement, and the container is sealed. It travels on a container ship, is unloaded at the destination port and opened only for customs inspection and delivery.

• Full container (FCL). The whole container is yours. This is the usual choice for several carts and for dealer orders.
• Shared container (LCL). Your cart shares a container with other cargo. It can work for one or two carts on some routes.
• Mixed loads. You can combine Club Car, E-Z-GO, Evolution, STAR EV, Cushman and Denago carts, plus accessories, in one container.

How RoRo shipping works

RoRo stands for roll-on, roll-off. Vehicle-carrying ships have ramps and garage-style decks, and your cart is driven or towed on at the U.S. port and off again at the destination. There is no container, so there is less handling and loading cost.

• Cart only. RoRo carriers usually do not allow personal items or loose accessories inside the vehicle, so extras ship separately.
• Route dependent. RoRo only runs between ports that the vehicle carriers serve.
• More exposure. The cart sits on a vehicle deck rather than inside a sealed box.

RoRo vs container at a glance

	Container	RoRo
Protection	Highest: sealed steel box	Good: covered vehicle deck
Best for	2 or more carts, mixed brands, dealers	A single cart on a RoRo route
Cost per cart	Lower as you add carts	Often lower for one cart
Accessories and spares	Can ship in the same container	Usually ship separately
Routes	Most ports worldwide	Only ports served by RoRo carriers
Lithium batteries	Prepared to dangerous-goods rules	Prepared to dangerous-goods rules

Which one should you choose?

Choose a container if you are buying two or more carts, mixing brands, adding accessories or spare parts, buying for resale, or want the most protection for a premium cart.

Consider RoRo if you are shipping one cart, your destination port is on a RoRo route, and you want to keep the freight cost down.

Not sure? Tell us the destination and the number of carts. We compare the options for your route and recommend the better one in your quote.

Preparing a golf cart for ocean shipping

Whichever method you choose, we prepare the carts before they leave:

• A final inspection before loading.
• Carts secured to prevent movement in transit.
• Lithium and lead-acid batteries prepared to carrier and dangerous-goods requirements.
• Loading by carriers experienced with vehicles.
• Cargo insurance available for the full journey.

How long does it take?

Ocean transit is usually 10 to 21 days at sea, depending on the route. Allow extra time for preparation and loading in the U.S., and for customs clearance and door delivery at your end.

New to exporting? Start with how to buy a golf cart from the USA and ship it abroad, or see worldwide shipping for documents and a quote form. Dealers can see wholesale golf carts for container pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is RoRo shipping for golf carts?

RoRo means roll-on, roll-off. The cart is driven or towed onto a vehicle-carrying ship and off again at the destination port, without a container.

Is container or RoRo cheaper for a golf cart?

For a single cart on a RoRo route, RoRo is often cheaper. For two or more carts, a full container usually costs less per cart.

Which is safer for a golf cart, RoRo or container?

A container gives the most protection, because the carts travel inside a sealed steel box. RoRo carts travel on a covered vehicle deck.

Can I ship accessories with my golf cart?

In a container, yes: accessories and spare parts can travel with the carts. RoRo carriers usually do not allow loose items in the vehicle, so they ship separately.

Can I mix brands in one container?

Yes. You can mix Club Car, E-Z-GO, Evolution, STAR EV, Cushman and Denago carts in one container.

How long does ocean shipping take?

Usually 10 to 21 days at sea, plus time for loading, customs clearance and delivery.