How to Ship Tires: Everything You Need to Know

Shipping tires can be tricky due to their oversized dimensions, weight, and handling requirements. Whether you need to ship tires domestically or internationally, choosing the best way to ship them can significantly impact your shipping costs, delivery speed, and overall customer satisfaction.

This guide covers how to ship tires, including shipping costs, packing materials, freight shipping options, and tips for using services like FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, and USPS.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Tires?

Here’s a breakdown of the indicative costs to ship a 50-pound package from Rochester, New York to Chicago, Illinois, according to Easyship’s shipping rate calculator:

The cost to ship tires varies depending on weight, distance, and carrier choice. Using a FedEx account or a sales representative can help businesses secure better rates, especially for freight shipping of large car parts.

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs

1. Package Weight and Size – Shipping a tire inside a box increases dimensional weight and shipping costs.
2. Shipping Distance – Sending four tires across the country is more expensive than a local delivery.
3. Carrier Choice – FedEx Express costs more than FedEx Home Delivery or UPS Ground.
4. Packaging Materials – Using shrink wrap, cardboard circles, packing tape, and clear packaging tape adds cost.

Cheapest way to ship tires and wheels: Use freight shipping for bulk shipments, compare carrier rates, and avoid unnecessary packaging to reduce dimensional weight charges.

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

Best Shipping Carriers for Tires

When deciding on the best way to ship tires, consider the following carriers:

UPS

• Best bet for ground shipping with UPS Ground and UPS Store drop-offs.
• Accepts just tires with a UPS label directly on the tread.
• Offers freight shipping for bulk orders.

FedEx

• FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery are cost-effective for domestic shipments.
• FedEx Express is available for faster delivery but at a premium.
• Requires clear packaging tape for securing labels.

LTL Freight Shipping

• Best for large auto parts, multiple wheels and rims, and oversized shipments.
• Requires securing the package with shrink wrap and saran wrap to prevent damage.
• Bus station deliveries may be an option for certain freight carriers.

You can use Easyship to compare features across a variety of couriers using their multi-carrier comparison tool.

How to Ship Tires Without Rims

For those wondering about the cheapest way to ship tires, shipping without rims reduces weight and saves money.

Steps to Ship Tires Without Rims

1. Attach the shipping label – Most carriers allow a FedEx or UPS label directly on the flat side of the tire inside the package. Platforms like Easyship automatically generate shipping labels, saving you the hassle.
2. Use shrink wrap – Adding plastic wrap prevents dirt buildup.
3. Bundle two tires together – Shipping two tires as a set can be cheaper than individual shipments.
4. Drop off at a UPS Store or FedEx location – Confirm drop-off policies to avoid delays.

How to Ship Tires With Wheels or Rims Attached

Shipping wheels and rims requires extra protection to prevent scratches or damage to painted or chrome surfaces.

Steps to Ship Tires With Rims

1. Cut two cardboard circles – These prevent sharp edges from scratching during transport.
2. Wrap with bubble wrap – Protects against impact and pressure.
3. Shrink-wrap the package – Ensures the tire and rims stay together.
4. Secure with packing tape – Use clear packaging tape to reinforce.
5. Attach the shipping label – Place it on a flat side for scanning.

For high-value auto parts, consider insurance coverage when using FedEx Express or UPS Ground to avoid losses from damage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Tires

Shipping car parts can be tricky. For businesses selling on eBay, Tire Rack, or Shopify, proper packing is key.

For Tires Without Rims:

• Clean the tire to remove debris.
• Use saran wrap or plastic wrap to keep it protected.
• Apply the shipping label to the flat side of the tire.

For Tires With Rims:

• Remove loose hardware (e.g., bolts, center caps).
• Place a cardboard circle on each side to protect the rims.
• Secure the package with packing tape and shrink wrap.

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

1. What Is the Best Way to Ship Tires?

The best way to ship tires depends on weight, size, and distance. For single tires, FedEx Ground or UPS Ground is the most affordable. For bulk shipments, freight shipping saves money by reducing per-tire costs. For international orders, using a FedEx account can help secure lower rates and faster delivery.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Ship Tires?

The cost to ship tires varies based on dimensional weight, carrier, and delivery speed. A 50-lb tire costs $22–$65 for domestic shipping, while international shipments can exceed $300. To lower costs, use freight shipping for bulk orders, bundle multiple tires together, and compare UPS vs. FedEx rates.

3. Can I Ship Tires Without a Box?

Yes, UPS and FedEx Ground allow shipping tires without a box by attaching a shipping label directly to the flat side of the tire. Adding shrink wrap or plastic wrap provides extra protection. USPS may require a box, increasing both packaging costs and dimensional weight fees.

4. How Do I Pack Tires for Shipping?

To pack tires properly, attach a UPS or FedEx shipping label to the flat side of the tire. Use shrink wrap or saran wrap to protect against dirt. If shipping wheels and rims, wrap them in bubble wrap and secure them with packing tape to prevent scratches.

5. What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Tires?

The cheapest way to ship tires is through FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, or freight shipping for bulk orders. Shipping four tires together instead of individually reduces costs. Avoid unnecessary boxes that add dimensional weight charges. Using a sales representative or FedEx account can help negotiate better rates.

6. Can I Ship Tires Internationally?

Yes, but international tire shipping is expensive due to customs duties, taxes, and carrier restrictions. A 50-lb tire can cost $300+ to ship to Canada and $750+ to the U.K. Using freight shipping for multiple tires and securing an Easyship discount can reduce expenses.

7. Do I Need to Deflate Tires Before Shipping?

Slightly deflating tires before shipping can prevent pressure-related damage, especially during air transit. Fully inflated tires take up more space, increasing dimensional weight costs. Forum community top contributors recommend reducing air pressure to minimize shipping fees while keeping the tire in good condition during transit.

8. Where Can I Drop Off Shipped Tires?

You can drop off tire shipments at a UPS Store, FedEx drop-off location, or local freight hub. Some carriers allow pickups from your location, but additional fees may apply. Bus station freight services can be an option for oversized items, depending on the destination.