How to Ship Tires and Auto Parts

Shipping tires, rims, and auto parts isn’t as straightforward as sending smaller ecommerce packages. Between oversized dimensions, irregular shapes, and heavy weights, these products can quickly rack up surcharges and increase the risk of damage if not handled properly. The good news is, with the right packaging, carrier choice, and logistics partner, you can keep costs manageable and deliveries safe.

This guide explains how to ship tires and auto parts efficiently—covering packaging best practices, carrier options, cost-saving strategies, and how 3PL Center helps reduce oversized shipping headaches.

Common Challenges in Shipping Tires & Auto Parts

Unlike standard consumer products, auto parts present unique shipping challenges:

Size & Weight – Tires, brake rotors, and transmissions can be heavy, while bumpers or exhaust systems may exceed parcel size limits.

Irregular Shapes – Fenders, rims, and body panels don’t always fit neatly into standard boxes.

Damage Risks – Scratches, dents, and bending are common when fragile parts aren’t packaged securely.

Surcharges & DIM Weight – Carriers often apply additional handling fees and dimensional weight pricing for oversized or bulky shipments.

Packaging Best Practices

The right packaging is essential to avoid costly damage and unnecessary returns:

Tires – Ship individually with a label or use stretch wrap for added protection. For sets, stack and band together securely.

Rims – Place in custom-fit boxes with foam padding, edge guards, or protective sleeves to prevent scratches.

Glass & Fragile Parts – Double-box with plenty of cushioning, foam inserts, or air-filled packaging. Clearly mark boxes as fragile.

Heavy Parts (Engines, Transmissions, Rotors) – Crate or palletize these items. Use straps or shrink wrap to secure them in place.

Choosing the Right Carrier & Service

Not all auto parts shipments make sense with standard parcel carriers. The right option depends on the size, weight, and urgency:

UPS & FedEx – Work well for single tires, rims, or small-to-medium auto parts but may add oversized handling surcharges.

LTL Freight Carriers – A cost-effective solution for bulk orders, pallets of tires, or oversized body parts.

Regional Carriers – Can provide competitive rates for shipments traveling shorter distances.

Whenever possible, compare multiple carriers before booking. Rate shopping ensures you’re paying the lowest possible cost for the best service level.

Cost-Saving Tips for Shipping Auto Parts

To cut costs when shipping auto parts, focus on:

Less is More: Package Consolidation for your Ecommerce BusinessBundle Shipments – Consolidate multiple tires or parts into one shipment to lower per-unit costs.

Negotiate Carrier Rates – Tap into discounted shipping programs offered by logistics providers.

Measure Accurately – Avoid surprises with dimensional weight charges by using correct measurements.

Leverage Fulfillment Centers Near Customers – Reduce zone-based shipping fees by storing inventory closer to end buyers.

How 3PL Center Can Help

At 3PL Center, we specialize in handling oversized and heavy products, including auto parts and tires. Our services go beyond standard fulfillment to give you peace of mind when shipping bulky items:

Expert Oversized Handling – With equipment like forklift clamps, slip sheet machines, and boom lifts, we can manage large, heavy, and awkwardly shaped auto parts safely.

Discounted Oversized Rates – Thanks to our high shipping volumes and carrier partnerships, our clients benefit from reduced surcharges and exclusive oversized shipping discounts.

Nationwide Warehouses – Multiple strategic locations allow us to shorten transit times and reduce costs, helping you reach customers in as little as two days without paying for express shipping.

Technology-Driven Fulfillment – Our WMS includes rate shopping, box optimization, inventory visibility, and real-time shipment tracking.

With decades of experience, we make shipping auto parts faster, safer, and more cost-effective.

Ready to Ship Tires and Auto Parts More Efficiently?

If your business sells tires, rims, or other auto parts, partnering with an experienced 3PL can eliminate shipping headaches and reduce costs. Book a call with 3PL Center today for a free quote and discover how our oversized shipping expertise can save your business money.