Example of 2 Go Karts in Trailer

Go-karts are fast, fun and a great source of excitement for novices and enthusiasts alike. What they are not, however, is effective for driving across the country. For this reason, when situations arise that call for moving a kart a significant distance, you must look to move the vehicle by means other than its own power. If you own a truck and trailer this can be accomplished rather easily, but for the rest of us a professional moving company is probably the best choice. The following will help you choose a quality company, as well as prepare your kart to be shipped.

Choosing a Shipping Company for Your Go Kart

The primary concerns when selecting a company to transport a go-kart are reliability and responsibility, and in order to be a quality candidate a carrier should have an established record of successful moves coupled with a sufficient insurance policy.

References are a convenient and efficient way to establish a company’s record of customer service because they are readily available first-hand accounts from previous moves. These are on most mover’s websites, but if not the company should be able to provide some to you. Keep in mind that carriers often move a variety of vehicles, so be sure that at least one reference relates to a go-kart shipment.

A company can also provide you with information on their insurance policy at this stage in the process. While the policy may seem self explanatory, be sure you are clear on the steps that must be taken in the event of an accident.

Also, be wary of unreasonably high deductibles or loopholes in the policy that could be problematic. Additional information on most shipping companies is also available through the Better Business Bureau.

Preparing your Go Kart for Transportation

Once you have settled on a shipper, a few steps are necessary to prepare the go-kart for the trailer. Even as different companies may vary on the specifics they require, this will provide a great starting point in the process.

To begin, wash off the Kart and inspect it for any damage. Document any dents, scratches and dings with pictures and a brief written account. This will come in handy if the kart is damaged and you are forced to file a claim with insurance. (This step is not as important for a backyard kart as it is for a racer, but it is never bad to get an idea of your vehicle’s condition.)

After cleaning it up, remove any accessories that could be potentially rattle loose while in transport. This includes mirrors, flags and anything else applicable, as a carrier’s insurance will not provide compensation for lost or damaged accessories. Also, helmets and other gear that go along with the kart will not be allowed in the trailer, so plan on shipping these separately.

The final step in the prep process is a quick mechanical overview. Even as the vehicle will probably not be driven while in transport, it is important to determine its current condition. Check the fluid levels for leaks and that the tires are inflated to the right level. Leaking fluids can drip and cause a mess, and flat tires make moving difficult, so be sure to address these issues. Also, most shippers will not require you to remove the battery or drain the gas tank, but be sure to find out your company’s policy on this beforehand. At this point you should be all set.

Happy Holidays!

The above article is written by Ben Leffler of uship.com, an online marketplace for Go-Kart Shipping.