Tyre transport — loose, on pallets or in mesh boxes
Tyres are shipped loose (stacked in a pattern), on pallets or in mesh box pallets (Gitterboxes). A car tyre weighs about 7 to 12 kg, so volume and loading metres decide, not weight; for large quantities a MEGA trailer with up to 3 m inside height is suitable. Loose tyres are usually loaded and stacked by hand by the shipper’s staff, which takes longer than loading pallets. Tyres must be protected from oil, fuel, sharp edges and direct sunlight. An enquiry should state the number of pieces, the size (e.g. 205/55 R16), the packaging and who loads.
Key facts
Shipping method
loose, on pallets, in mesh boxes
What decides
volume and LDM, not weight
Large quantities
MEGA trailer up to 3 m high
Manual loading
takes longer – mention it
In the enquiry
pieces, size, packaging
Tyres are light but bulky — a truck fills up with volume long before it reaches its weight limit. Depending on quantity and type, they travel loose, on pallets or in mesh box pallets. How to prepare a tyre shipment and what to include in your enquiry.
Loose, on pallets or in mesh boxes
Loose tyres are stacked in a pattern or on top of each other and use the space best, but loading is manual and takes longer. On pallets — stacks wrapped in film — they are loaded quickly by forklift. Mesh box pallets (Gitterboxes) suit smaller quantities and tyres of different sizes.
Volume, not weight
A car tyre weighs about 7 to 12 kg, so a truck fills up with volume before it reaches its payload. The price is therefore based on loading metres — how to calculate them is explained in What is LDM, and the LDM calculator helps too. For large volumes a MEGA trailer with up to 3 m inside height is the right choice.
Loading and unloading
Loose tyres are usually loaded and stacked by the shipper’s staff — allow for a longer loading time.
Pallets and mesh boxes are loaded by forklift at a dock or from the side of the vehicle.
Where there is no dock, a vehicle with a tail lift helps.
Protecting the tyres
Tyres must not come into contact with oil or fuel.
Protect them from sharp edges and long exposure to direct sunlight.
Stacks must not be so high that the bottom tyres deform.
Seasonal peaks
In spring and autumn, when drivers change tyres, demand for tyre transport is highest. Send your enquiry in good time.
What to include in your enquiry
Number of pieces and size (e.g. 205/55 R16), or the total weight.
Packaging — loose, on pallets or in mesh boxes.
Who loads and how (by hand, by forklift) and whether there is a dock.
Date and places of loading and unloading.
The online calculator gives an indicative price and we send a binding quote within 30 minutes.
