Has anyone here shipped tires via UPS or Fedex?

[RickM]

Just curious. Can I just use tape to bundle two tires together like Tire Rack does?

[Lothar]

Yes, I had a private seller ship me two used tires taped together with packaging tape. Put a UPS label on it and you are good to go.

[cstreit]

Yep. Fed-Ex was easier to deal with, depending on the place, UPS may not let you always tape them together.

You CAN'T use duct tape with either one.

I used plastic plumbers tape riveted last time, worked well.

[RickM]

Excellent. I was thinking of using nylon ties but figure they may eat into the tire. I'll use the higher quality 3M clear packing tape.

[makaio]

When I bought my second set of Fuch's, the seller shipped them wrapped individually in bubble rap and clear packaging tape, via Fed-Ex.

[Jack Olsen]

I have had UPS tell me that they will not ship used tires unless they are enclosed in a box.

New was fine, but not used.

Your mileage may vary.

[RickM]

OK, Jack got me thinking.

So I checked Fedex and here's their policy for tires: "Tires - Wrap pressure-sensitive tape around the tire to create a flat, smooth surface for the bar code/address label. Attach them securely, and do not cover the bar code with tape or film."

No mention of New or Used tires. So I called and they said as long as they're well secured I can ship either. That mirrors Chris's experience.


Here's UPS's guidelines:

"Tires - Packing - Please apply a wide band of pressure-sensitive tape through the center of the tire and then completely around the body of the tire, so the tape is attached to itself."

"Labeling - Please attach your completed address label to the strip of tape where it covers the tread
Cover your label with clear tape"

Again, No mention of New or Used. So I called. If the tires (new or used) are not in a box then a $5 handling fee is charged. The rep also mentioned that it's preferable (not required) to have the secured tires (taped or tied) in a clear plastic bag.

[Elfer]

Just tape 4 sides of a pair of tires with shipping/packing tape (clear), then slap on the shipping printouts on the tires and tape it too. If youre shipping used ones, maybe you can get away by covering each tire with some plastic sheeting and taping them really well. If the driver picks it up at your location, they might not care if its used as long as theyre properly wrapped. Just a thought.

[RickM]

Thanks for the feedback guys. To me it seems more convenient and less expensive to use Fedex.

[Harlan Chinn]

I had a fellow Pelicanite ship a set of tires via Greyhound express from AZ to WA. All he had to do was to tie the tires together into a tower with rope and drop them at the bus station. They arrived just as they were shipped. Rates were much better than Brown or FEDEX Ground.

[RickM]

Greyhound is a great way to ship oversized items or to get it there the same day at the lowest cost. However, not if you need door-to-door or ("service center-to-door") delivery. Besides I just found out there's a Fedex center right across the street from my office. I can't believe how many service centers they have around here.

[chibone_914]

I shipped a couple of tires via UPS. I had used nylon tie-straps to bind them together. Then I wrapped them in brown paper, saran wrap and finally, 3M tape. Looked like a giant donut.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally posted by RickM
Here's UPS's guidelines:

"Tires - Packing - Please apply a wide band of pressure-sensitive tape through the center of the tire and then completely around the body of the tire, so the tape is attached to itself."

"Labeling - Please attach your completed address label to the strip of tape where it covers the tread
Cover your label with clear tape"

Again, No mention of New or Used. So I called. If the tires (new or used) are not in a box then a $5 handling fee is charged. The rep also mentioned that it's preferable (not required) to have the secured tires (taped or tied) in a clear plastic bag.

That's good to hear. I've had two incidents with them. In one case, a driver wouldn't pick up the used tires after I left them labeled and wrapped at a track. Another time, I tried to drop a pair off at a UPS facility, and they told me they couldn't take them.

I've also successfully shipped used tires through UPS without anyone saying anything -- so it might not be official policy. But I offer it as a data point to people shipping them.

[RickM]

Jack,

Perhaps a discussion with the manager at your local UPS facility will help in the future. After the UPS rep recited the information that is described on the UPS site I mentioned your comment. He checked with two other departments, including their "Hazmat" unit. He reiterated that used tires are no problem.

[zanick2]

UPS shipped several sets of mine with only clear packaging tape , taping the two tires together and the label on one position. used and new are shipped with no issues with UPS
mk

[911boost]

I shipped 4 snow tires on rims to my sister and her husband in Michigan (his family lives near Buffalo, so I figured they needed them worse than me). I used and old computer box and let all the air out of the tires and put 2 per box. THese were on steel wheels, and it was heavy, but worked just fine.

Oh I used UPS too.

[caliber60]

Tire Rack shipped my 4 new tires Federal Express ground for around $32 last year.

[Damomma]

I ship them with rims as well by taking the commercial roll of restaurant food wrap (like saranwrap) and put 30-40 wraps around the treads and then a couple wraps of clear packing tape to hold it in place. Fedex and UPS no problem.

[JeremyD]

I've shipped many pairs / sets of rims and tires - in my quest for nice 951 8's and 9's - I purchased a few extra sets.

Go to U-haul and get their kling shipping wrap. Looks like a giant roll of green saran wrap with a handle at the end. It actually works well to completely seal boxes that have such things as Christmas decorations!

Wrap the tires together with this through the opening for just tires - then across the top - Attach your shipping label to the top using clear shipping tape. It's incredibly strong and completely covers your tires.

As far as shippers - UPS can get picky - depends on who is working. I've actually gotten some of the best rates on Airborne/DHL.

[rattlsnak]

I have shipped several sets of tires, w or w/o wheels on UPS. I take a cardboard circle and cover the centers on both sides, then wrap clear packing tape around the tires to hold the cardboard on, and have never had a problem. Thats the same way TireRack sends them.