How to ship car tires


Shipping Tires: How Much Does It Cost?

Key Points:

  • UPS, USPS, and FedEx are great couriers for shipping tires
  • When shipping a tire, you should take extra caution and use plenty of cushioning material
  • If you let a little air out of the tire before shipping, it will keep it more protected during transportation

Whether on eBay, Shopify, or any other platform, tires are sold daily in the U.S and worldwide. In 2021, the overall shipments of U.S. tires amounted to around 330 million units.

Since tires and wheels come in different sizes and weights, they can determine the cost of shipping. Shipping tires is relatively easy for those who have mastered the process. For some others, it can be a strenuous and challenging task. If not correctly done, the tire can be damaged even before getting to its destination.

The good news is you can become a pro at shipping tires: packaging, and even calculating the shipping cost. This blog post answers all your questions, so keep reading.

Table of Contents

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Tires?

Regardless of what you are shipping, the following factors impact shipping cost:

  • Courier service
  • Delivery speed
  • Weight of package
  • Shipping distance
  • Package dimensions

The average passenger car tires weigh roughly 20 pounds and another 30 pounds for the wheel and the metal, making the entire weight of the tire 50 pounds.

How much does it cost to ship tires domestically?

Major courier companies can ship tires domestically for eCommerce merchants. We'll calculate how much it costs to ship a 50-pound tire from New York to a couple of locations across the United States to understand the cost of shipping.

Shipping from New York to Los Angeles

Let's say you're shipping a 50-pound tire shipment from New York to Los Angeles; we'll calculate the rates for shipping tires below with FedEx tire shipping rates and other couriers below.

Courier Service Lead Time Price
USPS Priority Mail Express 1-2 business days $377.75
USPS Priority Mail 2-3 business days $161.15
UPS 2nd Day Air® 1-2 business days $393.59
UPS 3 Day Select® 2-3 business days $271.56
FedEx 2Day 2 business days $419.95
FedEx Express Saver 3-4 business days $347.18

Shipping from New York to Miami

Let's say you're shipping a 50-pound tire shipment from New York to Miami; we'll calculate the rates for the cost to ship a tire via UPS and other couriers below.

Courier Service Lead Time Price
USPS Priority Mail Express 1-2 business days $347.70
USPS Priority Mail 2-3 business days $123. 25
UPS 2nd Day Air® 1-2 business days $358.59
UPS 3 Day Select® 2-3 business days $216.14
FedEx 2Day 2 business days $390.27
FedEx Express Saver 3-4 business days $245.11

Shipping with Easyship

Shipping with Easyship can save you up to 91% off on shipping rates. Here are some of the discount costs for shipping tires across the country.

Courier Service Destination Lead Time Discount Cost
USPS Priority Mail Express NY to LA 1-2 business days $337.70
USPS Priority Mail NY to LA 2-3 business days $146.06
UPS 2nd Day Air® NY to LA 2 business days $140.06
UPS 3 Day Select® NY to LA 3 business days $98. 06
USPS Priority Mail Express NY to Miami 1-2 business days $306.05
USPS Priority Mail NY to Miami 2-3 business days $112.77
UPS 2nd Day Air® NY to Miami 2 business days $128.05
UPS 3 Day Select® NY to Miami 2-3 business days $75.56

How much does it cost to ship tires internationally?

Popular courier services that can ship tires internationally are USPS, UPS, and FedEx. We'll calculate how much it costs to ship a 50-pound tire from New York to a couple of locations internationally to understand the costs involved

Shipping from New York to Canada

Let's say you're shipping a 50-pound tire shipment from New York to Canada; we'll calculate the rates for shipping tires below.

Courier Service Lead Time Price
USPS Priority Mail International 3-5 business days $297. 65
UPS Worldwide Expedited® 2 business days $474.91
FedEx International Priority 2 business days $668.51

Shipping from New York to the United Kingdom

Let's say you're shipping a 50-pound tire shipment from New York to the United Kingdom; we'll calculate the rates for shipping tires below.

Courier Service Lead Time Price
USPS Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $254.40
UPS Worldwide Expedited® 3-4 business days $769.35
FedEx International Priority 3-4 business days $1,051.04

Shipping with Easyship

Shipping with Easyship can save you up to 91% off on shipping rates – guaranteed. Here are some of the discount costs for shipping tires across the globe.

Courier Service Destination Lead Time Discount Cost
USPS Priority Mail Express International NY to Canada 6-9 business days $291. 48
UPS Worldwide Expedited® NY to Canada 2 business days $118.99
USPS Priority Mail International NY to the UK 6-15 business days $241.68
UPS Worldwide Expedited® NY to the UK 3 business days $167.15

*Check out our Shipping Rates Calculator to view all the discounted costs for shipping tires

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Tires

If you want to ensure your tire is safe during shipping, you must prepare for it. Unlike any other item, packaging a tire for shipping takes extra care and consideration. Follow the steps below to package tires like a pro.

1. Remove any nuts or bolts and discard any loose hardware

Loose hardware, lug nuts, or bolts damage the wheel, especially during transit. Check the tire thoroughly, look for loose bolts and nuts, and remove them.

2. Secure center caps with tape

Based on the temperature, the aluminum alloy of the wheel's center cap can either expand or contract. If they are not secured, they can come off during movement. The best thing to do is to make sure they are in place all through the journey to avoid this happening. The tape will come in handy here, so use it to keep the center cap in place to ensure they don't fall off.

3. Place foam sheets on the face of the wheels

To protect the wheels, place foam sheets on the wheel's surface. The next step is foam sheets to help create a little padding between the wheel and the cardboard. Finally, you can use tape to secure the foam sheets to stay in place.

4. Layer cardboard bounds on both sides of the tire

Cut out cardboard in circle shapes to cover the wheel. You can use old shipping boxes for this. The rubber itself does not need to be covered with cardboard, so don't be worried if it is exposed. Instead, use plastic wrap to cover the whole tire when securing the wheel.

5. Place the tire inside a cardboard box

Once the tire has been compactly packed, you can place it in a box. You can always purchase the right size of a box from your carrier. Make sure the box you are using is big enough to contain the tire and the cushioning materials.

6. Add cushioning materials inside the cardboard box

What is the packaging for shipping without cushioning materials? Tires are not fragile, but the rubber surface is prone to poking and scratching. To be safe, add enough cushioning materials in the box to keep the tire in place all through the journey.

7. Seal the box and add shipping labels

Use tape to seal the box once your tire is tightly and safely packed in the box. Use a generous amount of tape, covering every opening. Afterward, attach an addressed shipping label on the package when you are set.

Related post: How to Ship Car Parts Internationally: Rates, Packing, and Customs

Best Practices for Shipping Tires

Follow these safe practices before sending your tires for shipping:

Make sure to deflate your tires slightly

The rubber becomes more cushiony by deflating the tire, and the sides get thicker. Letting a little air makes the wheels better protected.

Double-up on cushioning materials

Considering the cost of a tire and the cost of shipping, you do not want your customer to receive a botched tire, such as the wheel, cap, and even the rubber itself. Use enough cushioning materials while packing and make sure they are adequately sealed before shipping.

Add several layers of tape to the shipping box

If you can, go several rounds when you tape the shipping box. The more you tape the box, the better secure it is.

Always opt for shipping insurance

Try using shipping insurance when you ship, and you'll be grateful you did. Insurance provides maximum protection against lost, stolen, or damaged packages. So in case anything happens to your tire during transit, you have a cashback guarantee.

Consider using a shipping platform

When you use a shipping platform, you get access to software that helps you prepare for shipping tires. In addition, shipping platforms like Easyship have shipping calculators that help determine shipping rates for the available shipping carriers. You or your customer can select the one to use based on your preference.

Also, you can print your postage directly from the software. The advantages of using a shipping platform help you to take the stress out of shipping.

The Best Way for Shipping Tires with Easyship

Shipping tires does not have to be an arduous task for you. You spend less or nothing on packaging materials by using materials at your disposal. Also, regardless of the weight of the tire you are shipping, there are many available carriers with various shipping costs. So you do not have to break a bank to ship tires.

By relying on Easyship, you unlock access to premium features that can help you achieve a smooth shipping experience. What's more, Easyship offers the best shipping experience by handling logistics so that you can keep your business running. Click below to gain access to some of the Easyship features:

  • Free Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from major couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers
  • Easyship Branding Suite: Easyship provides a delivery experience consistent with your brand. Add your logo and advertising materials to your packing slips, landing pages, and tracking emails
  • Shipping Policy Generator: Our shipping policy generator helps merchants and crowdfunding campaigns generate their shipping policy by providing tracking, insurance options, and other vital information for your shipping process

Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and create your optimized shipping strategy for shipping tires

Shipping Tires FAQ

How much do tires weigh?

The weight of a tire is primarily determined by its type and size. However, the material and quality also impact the tire's total weight. For example, a small passenger car tire weighs between 20 and 22 pounds, while a large truck tire can be 30 or even 80 pounds.

What is the cheapest way to ship a heavy item?

Carriers like UPS and FedEx offer cheap alternatives for shipping heavy items. For example, the UPS Ground ships packages that weigh as much as 150 pounds. Also, FedEx Freight is likely to save you money when shipping heavy products.


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Can I Ship Tires? | Learn How to Ship Tires -Shipping School

If you think you need to roll your tire to wherever you need to send it, think again! You can ship a tire with pretty much any shipping carrier out there, although one carrier in particular offers the best rates and service for sending a tire.

  • UPS is the Best Carrier for Shipping a Tire
  • Properly Packing a Tire for Shipment
  • UPS Ground is the Best UPS Service for Shipping Tires

UPS is the Best Carrier for Shipping a Tire

When it comes to choosing the right shipping carrier for your shipment, look no further than UPS. The fact of the matter is, tires are bigger and more oddly-shaped than most of the shipments that USPS offers, so the Postal Service will charge a heavy premium for handling these shipments.

UPS, on the other hand, offers the most affordable rates and quick delivery times for bulkier items like tires. In fact, when doing some rate shopping for the same package across different carriers, prices from UPS will blow prices from other options like FedEx out of the water.

Properly Packing a Tire for Shipment (or Not)

Before you go looking for boxes for your tire, stop! You actually don’t need to pack your tire into a box or use any special kind of packing material in order to ship it with UPS. Instead, packing a tire for shipment is a fairly straightforward process, and we’ve listed out the steps here:

  • Apply pressure-sensitive tape through the center of the tire, and then completely around the body of the tire. Make sure the tape attaches to itself, and repeat this process several times. You want to make sure the area on the tire that the tape covers in about six inches wide.
    • If you don’t have any pressure-sensitive tape on hand, duct tape will work fine! Just don’t use flimsy tape, like Scotch tape or blue painter’s tape
  • Affix your label to the strip of tape where it covers the tread of the tire
  • Protect your label from damage by covering it with clear tape. This will keep the barcode and address information intact on your label if the tire rolls (which it undoubtedly will)

UPS Ground is the Best UPS Service for Shipping Tires

Out of all the UPS services, one of them stands out as the best for sending a tire: UPS Ground. Since tires are heavier and bulky, it’s easier for UPS to transport them on their trucks than it is on their airplanes—hence the cheaper rates for Ground.

Ground may be the cheapest service that UPS offers…but that doesn’t mean it’s the slowest! UPS typically delivers Ground shipments between 1-5 business days to any destination in the United States, and delivery may take place sooner than you think. In fact, UPS will deliver some Ground packages overnight, if the destination is close enough to where you’re shipping from!

Learn more about UPS Ground, and how it compares to the Postal Service’s ground service.

Mark Your Tire as an “Irregular Package”

One thing to note about shipping a tire: UPS considers them as “irregular packages,” which isn’t that big of a deal. Since this is the case, you’ll just need to designate it as an irregular package when you buy your label, or else they’ll hit you with an unexpected surcharge after you ship it. This really only matters when you’re entering your package information yourself with any online shipping software…which we’re about to get to in the next section.

Save Money on UPS Labels with Shipping Software

As is the case for shipping any other kind of package, you shouldn’t go to your local UPS Store to buy postage. You’ll end up spending an arm and a leg if you do! Instead, save money on your UPS label by buying it with online shipping software.

When you use online shipping software, you get access to the same level of discounts that shipping carriers like UPS reserve for huge commercial shippers. In some cases, these discounts can save you up to 50% off of what you’d pay to ship the same package with UPS Ground at the UPS Store. When it comes to sending a relatively large item like a tire, all those extra savings make a huge difference.

Another great benefit is that shipping software doesn’t just help you save money; it also gives you the gift of time and convenience by allowing you to print your postage right from the comfort of your own home. The best shipping software companies also allow you to schedule pickups with UPS for your packages right from your front door…so you never even have to leave your house, if you don’t want to!

Delivery of wheels, tires and disks by transport company Vozovoz

Calculate

From address

From the terminal

To address

To the terminal

Delivery:

*

height - 0. 2 m and weight - 2.5 kg

Place an order

Transport company Vozovoz transports groupage cargo in Russia. You can find our branch in Altai and Far East, beyond the Arctic Circle and in Karelia. What we offer

  • Automobile cargo transportation;
  • Large selection of additional services;
  • Possibility of online ordering;
  • 24/7 contact center;
  • Terminals throughout the country.

We transport winter and summer car tires , rims and wheels in compliance with all rules for the transportation of goods of this type: reliable fixation, dense packing, correct laying.

Place an order

The client himself decides where to buy wheels and tires - in an online store or from an authorized dealer. Vozovoz will transport them to almost anywhere in Russia or Belarus. Delivery of wheels and tires with us is equally convenient for both individuals and legal entities. Vozovoz sends as large lots, as well as small parcels, including goods from online stores. Transportation of wheels by the transport company Vozovoz is easy. The order can be placed remotely, by phone, on the site, or directly in the warehouse. All documents required for placing an order are available in the section "Information". No documents are required for issuance. To make the delivery of tires or wheels faster, we have developed a system for receiving goods by code from SMS. When a customer places an order, he indicates phone number. After the order appears on the terminal, the client receives an SMS message with a set of numbers. This is the receive code. His presentation is enough for you to be given the goods. Powers of attorney, seals and any other Identity verification is not required. Send tires by transport company Vozovoz from Moscow easily. How to order

  1. Register on our website;
  2. Log in to your personal account;
  3. Create an order.

Up to 10% discount when ordering through your personal account

After that, you can change its details, change the time or place of delivery, and also understand what is the cost of transportation. The price for each service is displayed at all stages of the application process. Whatever the client chooses: special vehicles, specific type of packaging, loading and unloading operations or return of accompanying documents - he will find out the exact amount even before ordering. Vozovoz transports wheels, tires and rims by road. Russia is our main shipping destination, but not the only one. In 2019year we started delivering orders to the Republic of Belarus.

See other goods we transport

Refrigerator transportation
Personal belongings transportation
Small cargo transportation
Armchair transportation

Addresses of terminals for shipment of car wheels from Moscow

How are tires transported?

Transport › Send to another city › How to send the wheels by transport company to another city?

As a rule, tires are transported vertically on pallets of 4-8 pieces, depending on the diameter of the wheels. To accommodate large tires, it is more economical and safer to use a loading crane-manipulator, which greatly simplifies rigging.

  1. How are tires transported?
  2. What is the best way to send tires by transport company?
  3. How are tires loaded?
  4. How many tires fit in one container?
  5. Is it possible to throw tires in the trash?
  6. How are car tires recycled?
  7. How much do 4 tires weigh?
  8. How much does one tire weigh?
  9. How much does delivery of tires cost by Nova Poshta?
  10. How much does a truck tire weigh?
  11. How to pack tires for shipping?
  12. Where do tires go?
  13. How much does a tire with a rim weigh?
  14. How much weight can the container hold?
  15. How much does 1 container weigh?
  16. Why can't you throw away tires?
  17. How are oversized tires transported?
  18. How to throw away tires?
  19. How much do R15 tires weigh?
  20. What cannot be sent to the transport company?
  21. Is it possible to send wheels by Russian Post?
  22. How to fold tires correctly?
  23. How should the tires fit correctly?
  24. What writes on rubber?
  25. How are cars transported?
  26. Where to put old car tires?

How are tires transported?

As a rule, tires are transported vertically on pallets of 4-8 pieces, depending on the diameter of the wheels. To accommodate large tires, it is more economical and safer to use a loading crane-manipulator, which greatly simplifies rigging.

What is the best way to ship tires with a transport company?

How to ship the wheels with a transport company?:

  • Car tires are correctly placed and stowed in the cargo compartment.
  • For long-term transportation (more than 5 days), such products require protection from atmospheric factors, so we recommend using packaging.

How are tires loaded?

Tires are most often stored on pallets of 4-8 pieces, depending on the radius of the wheel. Transportation of such cargo occurs at any distance. For loading/unloading larger tires, a manipulator can be used. This will be the most economical and safest way to transport.

How many tires fit in one container?

How many tires and carcasses fit in a container or truck? Approximately 1,500 used tires are placed in a 40-foot container. If we triple them (three to one), then 2700 pieces.

Can tires be thrown into the trash?

According to Federal Law No. 89, which regulates legislation in the field of production and consumption waste, worn tires cannot be classified as municipal solid waste. That is, old tires cannot simply be thrown into the trash. This entails administrative responsibility.

How are car tires recycled?

Tires are usually recycled by mechanical crushing, according to Cordiant. The main advantages of this method are the preservation of the physical and chemical properties of rubber in the resulting crumb, higher profitability and environmental friendliness of production.

How much do 4 tires weigh?

Volume and weight of tires

Size

Volume m3

Weight 4 tires kg

155/80 R13

0.05

24.0

155 R12

0.05

24. 8

155 R13

0.04

30.4

155 R13c

0.05

21.2

LIVE ON

Weight and volume of tires R14

Size

Volume 1 pc. (m3)

Weight 1 pc. (кг)

175R14C

0.06

7.5

185/50R14

0.05

7.3

185/55R14

0.06

7.4

185/60R14

0.06

7

How does the delivery of tires cost new mail?

The cost of delivery of 1 wheel is from 35 UAH and depends on the diameter. In the case of cash on delivery, Nova Poshta will charge you 2% of the order amount for the return money transfer and insurance. Delivery time 1-4 days depending on the remoteness of the city and payment terms.

How much does a truck tire weigh?

74.4

385/65r22.5

0.373

75.4
9000

Glue the cardboard to the tires, then take the plastic wrap and completely cover the entire wheel/tire. Slightly deflate the tire so the rubber is a little softer and the sidewalls are a little thicker, then stick on the packing label and you're done.

Where do tires go?

Where and where to donate old tires today

Today, tires are accepted both by profile plants and rubber processing enterprises, and by specialized car services. Recycling plants accept tires free of charge or with a small surcharge for rubber.

How much does a tire and rim weigh?

Disc weight

9023

Disc diameter

Max weight (kg) 1 pc.

Max weight (kg) 4 pcs.

13

6.0

24

14

6.5

26

15

8.0

32

16

10.0

40

2598

Other characteristics

Maximum capacity, kg

to 22000
















Estimated average empty container weight: 20' container (6 meters long) - 2200 kg 40' container (12 meters long) - 3700 kg

Why can't we throw away tires?

Waste tires are hazard class 4 waste. The complex chemical composition does not allow the used tire to decompose in natural conditions for up to 150 years, while it releases toxic substances.

How are oversized tires transported?

It is necessary to transport oversized tires with the appropriate equipment: forklift, loader, manipulator or textile belts; lift the tire from the tread side.

How do I dispose of tires?

The authorities remind you that tires are not household waste, so it is forbidden to throw them into the container yard. And you can't bury it in landfills either. They must be handed over to special collection points. By the way, you can do this for free.

How much do R15 tires weigh?

Tire weight and volume

Size

Volume m3

Tire weight kg

R12-R13

R15

145/65R15

0.04

5.6

155/60R15

0.07

8.3

What can not be sent to the transport company?

Not accepted for transportation and storage by Transport Company TAT:

  • Alcohol and other excisable products.
  • Live plants (seedlings, flowers).
  • Animals.
  • Narcotic, psychotropic, and caustic, poisonous and explosive substances.

Is it possible to send wheels by Russian Post?

It is possible, in the morning it was well packed in a thick plastic bag, wrapped with tape and sent to the post office. The post office is always full of people.

How to fold tires correctly?

Storage on discs.

The best way to store tires on rims is when the wheel is hung on a separate hook by the rim. Folding the wheels horizontally on top of each other is also acceptable. However, in this case, in order to avoid deformations of the rubber, the tires should be turned over about once a month.

How should tires fit correctly?

Install tires on the vehicle according to the tread pattern or arrow. If symmetrical - navigate along a symmetrical pattern, its direction must coincide with the direction of movement of the wheel.


Learn more