Hello All,
Has anyone actually imported tyres from the US?
I am finding that the cost of freight is excessive at over $100.00 per tyre.
Each tyre at 12kg, slow sea-freight.
I have recieved this response from a number of sites and freight companies.
My local tyres shop will fit tyres for $20 + $4 disposal fee = $96.
Tyres bought in the US are about half what we pay, which is nice, but the freight makes the whole project uneconomical.
We all hear about stuff imported, who does it?
never imported from the US, but have and do buy tyres from tempe tyres in Melb. So far has been a fair whack cheaper than what i can get locally, sometimes (depending on what brand/size) over $100 per tyre cheaper. Last time I got some tyres freight was $100 for 4 tyres, and they arrived here in townsville in a little over a week (7 working days). They use TNT last time, and though they 'specialize' in performance tyres and mags, I have ordered and received trailer tyres, light truck, and normal passenger vehicle tyres. They also stock most brands. The trailer tyres were for my boat, and were an odd (old) size, so I had a bit longer of a wait on those, but every time I have dealt with them they have been more than help, me more often than not, shooting them an email, with thyre size and ratings and them getting back to me within a day or 2 with available tyres and prices.
you can find them at www.tempetyres.com.au
I don't have any affiliation with the company, just thought I'd comment becasue they have always given me good service and advice, as well as good prices. You don't have to have a credit card to deal with them either.
The tyre mobs that sell them 90% tread tyres have them imported, have a chat you might be able get something imported in with one of there bulk loads ??
.......Ash
Originally Posted by Crocodile
I wouldn't bother with normal car tyres or common 4WD tyres .
I imported a set of 4 very high priced tyres for my 911 turbo, freightwas only US$220 for the 4 , if I brought in 2 at the time to be under the AU$1000 it was going to cst me US$250 ( yea more than a set of 4 ) . After paying GST, import duty (made in Germany) and would you believe Q/T inspection on new bloody tyres they ended up about $600 cheaper than buying local at trade prices.
I guess it is the same old story, regardless of what you are trying to buy OS, do your homework, look for all the possible pitfalls/added costs, expect Gov redtape, if, after all that, it is still worth it, then give it a go, BUT, do not whinge and whine if you get caught by some Gov agency and are given the run around, it is part and parcel of buying offshore.
Hello Noelm
Still searching for freight costs.
Thus far freight costs are a minimum of $100 per tyre, that is slow sea freight, about 8 weeks.
I have tried to contact Tirerack directly but they are slow to reply, I take that as meaning that they are not interested.
Customs clearly say that there is no duty when under $1000.00, tyres cost about $110 US each so I am well under.
I still have fitting and balancing, tyre disposal and wheel alignment when they get here.
Local guy will fit four tyres and dispose of oldies for about $100.00.
Wheel alignment say $50.
The freight kills off the entire deal.
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