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Tips for shipping wheels and tires

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I also have heard the Greyhound shipping point-to-point is an alternative. I have not used them but would certainly investigate.

Greyhound did open up a more "Fedex/UPS like" service a couple years ago to where you have the option of dropping off/picking up at a station, home pickup/dropoff, or a combo of that. If you live near a station it's much cheaper to take them directly there and pickup. Also there's not really a tracking system and they tried their hardest to lose a set of slicks I bought through KohR but after numerous calls with the local depot we were able to find them. I, of course, had to go pickup despite paying for home delivery :/ Overall though it's a nice budget option.
 
89
111
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
20+ Years
MN
If you package the wheels as shown in the picture, you'll have no issues. Package tape can also be used in place of strapping or in addition. The secret is multiple layers of tape .... don't assume one single layer around the wheel in 2 directions will suffice.

Tips:
1. 4 wheels = 4 "boxes" .... cost will be determined individually, so its cheaper to ship 2 taped together at twice the weight than it is for 4, total weight being equal. **However, large heavy packages are more likely to receive damage because they are more difficult to load, move and maneuver.** AND, the tape can & will break ... be smart. If you ship all the wheels together(same destination address of course), I.E. 4 packages @ 50lb ea. for a total of 200 lb, the price will be cheaper than doing 4 separate shipments of 50lb. Its called hundredweight pricing.
2. There are surcharges ... usually fuel depending on the price index and as of now, a covid fee which is designated at "peak season surcharge". There are no way around these surcharges.
3. You don't get points for being pretty .... the cardboard can overlap the tire tread, etc It can look like your 5 year old wrapped a Christmas present. In the end, its all about weight.
4. Be sure to use a declared value ... its not shipping insurance, but works somewhat in the same manor in the case you need to file a damage claim.
5. Shipping to a business costs less than a residential address. There is a small surcharge for resi address deliveries for FedEx ... not sure about UPS. Often times it is easier to have them brought to your home, rather than load them into a vehicle at work .. the choice is yours. I'll pay the extra $5 or so.
6. There are weight and size restrictions that should not be a issue with wheels and tires ... but the oversize fees are redonkulous, so be sure you are within the limits.
7. There are 3 signature options. Be sure to use the one that best suits your needs. And if you want them left in specific places, leave notes for the drivers. They usually try to accommodate as best they can.
>No signature required: easy peasy ... driver leaves the wheels at your door or nearest place he/she can place them.
>Indirect signature required: someone needs to leave a signed note so the packages can be left. If no note and a neighbor can't sign for you, they will be reattempted the next day ... for 3 days total.
>Direct signature required: Recipient must be present to sign for the packages. No exceptions.

I know FedEx sees shipments like this regularly. If you don't have an account, you can go online and sign up with a valid CC and address. Yes, Homeland Security requires an address last I checked. Not sure if a PO Box will work. Everything is tracked for possible terrorist threats.
Occasionally they offer a % off to start a new account. And yes, if your company has a discount thru a shipping company, ask if you can use them and reimburse them. It will save you some cash.

wheel-tire-packaging.jpg
 

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