Shipping tires internationally – costs, providers & tips for affordable shipping
Whether you need summer tires, winter tires, or complete wheel sets with rims, we compare the best rates from DHL, FedEx, UPS, and DPD for your international tire shipping.
Do you want to ship summer tires, winter tires, or complete wheel sets internationally? Whether it's a single spare tire to Austria or a complete set of rims to the USA – paket-international.com We are your expert for worldwide tire shipping. We compare rates from leading shipping providers such as DHL, GLS, UPS, and DPD to ensure your tires arrive safely and affordably.
How much does it cost to ship tires internationally?
The cost of shipping tires depends primarily on the destination, weight, and number of tires. Many users are wondering: "How much does it cost to ship 4 tires?" While domestic shipping is often standardized, international prices are frequently calculated according to the Volumetric weight.
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Shipping within the EU: Affordable rates starting from approximately €15–20 per tire.
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Worldwide shipping (e.g., USA, China): Prices vary greatly depending on the delivery time (Express vs. Economy).
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Complete wheels: Due to the higher weight of the rims, the costs are higher than those of pure rubber tires.
Tip: Use our shipping calculator to get up-to-date prices for your specific destination.
Shipping tires with DHL, GLS, DPD & Co. – Who is the best?
Depending on the requirements, each service provider offers specific advantages for tire shipping:
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GLS sends tires: GLS is often the price-performance winner for tire shipping within Europe, as tires are frequently accepted as a standard package (up to certain dimensions) without any problems.
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Send tires via DHL: Ideal for worldwide shipping. DHL offers an excellent network and high reliability, but often requires very boxy packaging to avoid oversized item surcharges.
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UPS & DPD: These providers are particularly strong in the business sector and offer fast transit times for international express shipping of rims and wheels.
Instructions: How to pack tires for international shipping
The right packaging determines whether your package is classified as standard or expensive bulky goods.
Send tires without a box
Many parcel services allow the shipping of tires without a complete outer box, provided they are securely packed in Foil or cardboard are wrapped up.
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Cover the side walls with round cardboard discs.
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Wrap the tire several times with sturdy stretch film.
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Attach the shipping label flat on the running surface (not on the curve!) so that it remains scannable.
Shipping rims with tires (complete wheels)
When shipping complete wheels, special protection for the rims is necessary:
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Use thick bubble wrap or polystyrene sheets for the visible side of the rim.
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Ideally, use square cardboard boxes to make the wheels stackable. This often saves on international shipping costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest way to ship tires?
What's the cheapest way to ship tires?
The cheapest way is almost always to compare different suppliers. Make sure you adhere to the maximum dimensions. It's often cheaper to pack two parcels, each containing two tires, than to send one huge, heavy parcel.
What do I need to be aware of at customs?
What do I need to be aware of at customs?
For shipments to countries outside the EU (e.g., Switzerland, Great Britain, USA), you must include a pro forma invoice or commercial invoice. We will support you in the booking process with the preparation of the necessary customs documents.
Is there a special shipping box for tires?
Is there a special shipping box for tires?
Yes, square tire boxes are available in specialist shops. These are the safest method for shipping complete wheels internationally, as they minimize the risk of transport damage to the rims and are not considered bulky goods by service providers like DHL.
What's the best way to ship tires with rims?
What's the best way to ship tires with rims?
When shipping complete wheels, the rim is the most delicate part. Place precisely fitting cardboard discs on the outer sides of the rims and secure them with plenty of tape or stretch film. For international shipping, we also recommend a layer of bubble wrap under the cardboard.
How much does it cost to ship tires to Austria or the EU?
How much does it cost to ship tires to Austria or the EU?
Within the EU, customs formalities are waived, which speeds up and reduces the cost of the process. Prices often start at under €20 per tire. Our price calculator determines the exact price for your destination country in real time.
Do I need to deflate the tires before shipping?
Do I need to deflate the tires before shipping?
This is usually not necessary for road transport. However, for international air freight (e.g., express to the USA), we recommend slightly reducing the tire pressure to be prepared for pressure differences in the cargo hold.
How do you ship tires if they are very heavy?
How do you ship tires if they are very heavy?
Many parcel services reach their limits when shipping items weigh approximately 31,5 kg each (often the case with large SUV wheel sets). In this case, shipping via UPS or pallet shipping is recommended, which you can also request through our portal.
