Shipping tires is a fundamentally different challenge than shipping most consumer goods. Each passenger tire weighs between 20 and 35 pounds, and truck or SUV tires can tip the scales at 50 pounds or more. Multiply that by four and you're looking at a shipment that can easily weigh 100 to 200 pounds total. That weight, combined with the bulky circular shape of tires, means they require specialized packaging and handling that most e-commerce products never need. Understanding how this process works will help you set the right expectations and ensure your tires arrive safely and on time.
Packaging is the first critical step. Depending on the retailer and the order size, tires are shipped in one of three ways. Individual tires are typically placed inside heavy-duty corrugated boxes or wrapped in thick poly bags to protect them from scuffing and moisture during transit. Sets of four are often stacked face-to-face, banded together with heavy-duty strapping, and placed on a pallet for freight shipping. Some fulfillment centers use a hybrid approach, boxing pairs of tires and shipping two boxes per order. At Ship.Tires, we select the packaging method that provides the best protection for your specific tire size and order quantity, ensuring they arrive in showroom condition.
Carrier selection depends on the size and weight of the shipment. Standard sets of passenger tires are shipped via parcel carriers like FedEx and UPS, which handle packages up to 150 pounds. For larger or heavier shipments — such as oversized truck tires, wheel-and-tire packages, or commercial orders — freight carriers step in with LTL (less-than-truckload) service that uses palletized shipping on semis. Freight deliveries may require a liftgate if you don't have a loading dock, which is something to keep in mind if you're shipping to a residential address. Ship.Tires automatically selects the most cost-effective carrier for your order and includes all shipping costs at checkout — because we offer free shipping on every order.
Typical transit times for ground shipping range from three to seven business days depending on your location relative to our distribution centers. Orders shipping to major metro areas often arrive in three to four days, while rural or remote locations may take the full seven. Expedited shipping options are available if you need tires faster, with two-day and next-day air options for most passenger sizes. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor the shipment in real time. For freight orders, the carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery window.
Insurance and damage protection are built into every Ship.Tires shipment. All orders are insured against loss and damage during transit at no extra cost to you. If a tire arrives with visible damage — such as sidewall cuts, bead damage, or punctures from mishandling — take photos immediately and contact our support team. We'll arrange a replacement shipment right away, typically within 24 hours. For added peace of mind, we recommend inspecting your tires as soon as they arrive, even before your installation appointment. Delivery signatures are required for orders above a certain value, so make sure someone is available to receive the shipment or arrange for the carrier to hold it at a nearby facility for pickup.