How can I pack and ship large items (4 car wheels and tires)?

Question

I need to ship a set of 4 car wheels/tires from Orlando to Atlanta. How can this be done cost effectively, and safely to protect expensive chrome wheels?

Answer 1

Cost may be a problem if you ship them, no matter what route you take. Most shipping companies go by weight, which isn't going to change, much. Package each safely, weigh each package seperately (add the package weights for a total, in case you need it), then call around for price comparisions. UPS, FedEx, etc., even the US Postal service (if they handle packages as large as yours). For the companies that charge by area, you will need the height, width, and depth of each package once you're done packing.

To package safely:

Package each seperately. I don't think you will need to wrap the tires, nor are the breakable, so you won't need cushioning for that purpose. :-) However, when you put them in a box, you will want to add peanuts, bubblewrap, or something like that for stabilization. If the tire shifts inside the box, it can cause the box (and whatever is on top of the box at the time) to shift as well. Obviously, that's not good. But what you use to stabilize it won't matter.

For the rims, start with a box that's big enough for the rim with 2 inches on ALL sides left over. Wrap each rim in old, clean rags, papertowls, newspaper, anything to protect the surface itself from scratches as it is unpacked at the other end. I think old, clean rags are best. Tape the wrapping around the wheel. Layer the bottom of the box with your stabilization material, as you did for the tires. Lay the wrapped rim on the stabilizer, and pack the rest of the box firmly to the top with more stabilizer.

As you finish with each box, make sure that you've taped each seam securly. You'll probably prefer to write "Fragile" on each side of each box. Do not label the contents on the boxes; if your boxes reach an employee who is dishonest, they may decide to steal your rims.

Ah, yes. Insurance is another way to protect yourself. If the contents are damaged, you will get reimbursed.

Answer 2

lots of duct tape!!!!! get yourself enough cardboard to cover the rims and most of the tire. put about two layers of cardboard over the rims. front and back if you wish, but definatly the front.........then duct tape !!!!!lots of it, but be careful not to get a lot of tape on the rims. the residue might anger the recipiant. the tires are not going to get injured during shipping, so protect the rim, and ship them like that. you can take them to any shipping place .....ie.........kinko's or the ups store....... good luck

Answer 3

I have found the best and easiest way to ship large items is through www.Shippi.com. They charge you by the weight of your shipment and I have not found anything cheaper.

Answer 4

The best would be to find a private person driving there anyway - and wanting to earn some extra bucks.

Answer 5

I would drop ship them with a local trucking business.

Answer 6

if you use UPS or FEDEX you will be paying probably like almost a grand so I would take the day and take them there myself just to be safe.

Answer 7

take them to a ups store, they will sell you boxes and ship them all in one place

Answer 8

mullens movers find out when there moving someone from your state to another and then you are inssured

Answer 9

ups, my pal works for them, throw some work his way.