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Tire Logistics

We keep tire manufacturers moving

Tires are what keep the world moving. And just as the world moves, so does the global tire industry. Rising SKU counts, service expectations, and regulatory demands require simpler, more connected and more efficient logistics models. Achieving productivity gains and operational visibility – while building a scalable, future-proof system that can adapt to premiumization and electric vehicle growth, channel shifts, and tightening cost structures – is what keeps you as a tire manufacturer in the race today. 

With the experience of moving more than 110 million tires of all types annually around the world, we have the network and expertise for handling raw material flows, factory and aftermarket distribution, and international transportation, among others. This is complemented by our decarbonization and e-commerce solutions to help you differentiate your business.

We partner with you to provide support centered on:

Operational Excellence

Agile supply chains and networks, smart tire inventory management, digitalization and automation.

Competitive Edge

Cost-efficiency, improved time-to-market and decarbonization strategies.

Regularity and Market Compliance

Compliance with all regulations (e.g. EUDR, TREAD, INMETRO).

Emerging Needs

Expertise in premiumization, e-commerce and metro logistics.

Integrated and Fully Modular Tire Logistics Solutions

At DHL, we understand that different tires require different approaches, including premium tires. We provide tailored solutions across the board, whether you are looking to utilize warehouse synergies or need a location scout for your own facilities. Our modular approach to the tire supply chain connects raw materials, factories, aftermarket networks, and last-mile distribution into one coordinated ecosystem – with real‑time visibility, data‑driven decision‑making, and scalable solutions. 

By combining operational excellence with innovation and value-added services, we help you to reduce costs and risk today while building the future‑proof supply chains you need for tomorrow.

Tire-Specific Warehousing and Distribution Networks

We provide tire‑specific warehousing and distribution to ensure fast replenishment, high OTIF (On-Time, In-Full), and cost‑efficient, peak‑resilient operations for OEM and aftermarket customers.

  • Tire‑specific warehouse design with optimized storage (stillages, velocity slotting, smart zoning)
  • FEFO/DOT (First Expired, First Out/Designated Order Turnaround) age control with full traceability through tire‑specific scanning or innovative Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanning
  • Cross‑docking and late‑stage customization (labeling, order configuration)
  • Dealer‑friendly operations supporting very small orders and flexible multimodal delivery (Less-than/partial/ full-truckload (LTL/PTL/FTL), courier, milk runs)
  • Flexible and agile processes to handle high volume volatility, especially at peak times
  • Data‑driven execution with inventory dashboards, optional IoT/drone cycle counting, and standardized warehouse management systems (WMS) 

Value-Added Services for Warehousing

Our additional services include site selection, facility design, and operations to drive efficiency, safety, and sustained performance improvements.

  • Consulting on the best solution for tire warehousing, considering renting, buying, or building
  • Real estate expertise to find the right site at the right location, leveraging center of gravity analysis, balancing price, location, logistics, and cost of workforce
  • Multi-user facilities in relevant areas for cost-savings and economies of scale
  • Leveraging 3D heatmaps and AI to ensure continuous improvement in processes
  • Progress plans focused on efficiency, safety, and cost

Raw Materials Logistics

We manage end‑to‑end flows of natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, and liquid latex, while stabilizing production through controlled inbound lead times and improving efficiency.

  • Geolocation‑linked batch tracking support as needed and document‑audit workflows enabling EUDR‑compliant rubber traceability 
  • Tailored carbon black handling (bagged, bulk liner, local rebulking) with chemical‑safety compliance 
  • Expertise in handling dangerous goods in line with country-specific regulations
  • Integrated customs and special procedures with door‑to‑plant visibility 
  • Optimized material formats and transportation modes to maximize payload and cost efficiency
  • Shipping via Shipper-Owned Containers (SOCs) to benefit from significantly extended demurrage and detention (D&D) periods

Digital Tire Visibility

We provide a visibility and analytics layer, enabling predictive insights and smarter slotting to accelerate cross‑functional decision‑making and reduce stockouts.

  • End‑to‑end milestone tracking with predictive ETAs, LTL dashboards, and dealer/PO visibility 
  • Inventory‑health analytics and standardized KPI packs (OTIF/UPH/CO₂) 
  • Proactive exception management for factory, aftermarket, and proximity networks 
  • Optional integration with e‑ordering, providing tailored delivery for specific tire types
  • Digitalization for the dealer-to-consumer journey via electronic proof of delivery (ePOD)
  • Single source of truth supporting faster operations, sales, and planning decisions

Sustainability for Tire Logistics

By leveraging sustainable fuels and alternative technologies, we can help you to reduce logistics-related carbon emissions without compromising service.

  • Intermodal and optimized routing/loading with guaranteed capacity and competitive transit times 
  • Access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) programs with standardized CO₂ reporting (GoGreen Plus) 
  • Electric PUD (pick-up and delivery) pilots and modal‑shift options where feasible 
  • Certification frameworks and continuous‑improvement playbooks
  • Diversified multimodal strategies (air, land, rail, water) 

Targeted Automation 

We apply targeted, ROI‑led automation to key tire bottlenecks to boost throughput, reduce injuries, maintain consistency despite labor variability, and scale efficiently during peaks.

  • Robotic and assisted trailer/container unloading plus conveyorized flows to increase dock UPH 
  • Automated guided vehicle (AGV)/cobot cells for repetitive put‑away and palletizing; voice/vision‑enabled picking where suitable 
  • Digital yard and remote gate solutions to reduce dwell and improve on‑site flow 
  • Ergonomic enhancements (e.g. passive exoskeletons) to lower fatigue and injury risk while ensuring safety and productivity
  • Automation targeted to deliver clear payback in high‑impact process steps

Premium Tire Support

We deliver time‑critical logistics for premium tire segments to ensure immediate availability of high‑value ≥18" tires, prevent revenue‑loss stockouts, and support OEM launches.

  • Ultra‑fast dealer delivery, including same-day service where feasible 
  • Priority air uplift and dedicated handling for urgent, high‑value premium stock-keeping units (SKUs) 
  • Integrated FEFO/DOT compliance with premium‑SKU‑level visibility 
  • Optional metropolitan logistics hubs for rapid urban fulfillment 
  • High‑reliability replenishment designed for volatile, high‑expectation segments

With our own fleet of over 100,000 vehicles, we have first-hand knowledge of the tire industry’s challenges. We are set up to deliver the reliability, speed, and compliance that tire manufacturers need, as attested by our longstanding partnership with Formula 1. Meanwhile, our commitment to innovation – particularly within the scope of warehouse automation and visibility tools – keeps our customers competitive for the future.

Thierry Le Floch, Vice President of Tires and Component Manufacturers at DHL

Support for Your E-commerce Platform

Leverage our expertise in integrating automotive e-commerce logistics systems, managing stock, and providing order fulfillment. Find out how we can support you below.

Discover how DHL can support Auto-Mobility e-commerce here

Explore Our Case Studies

We understand that tire logistics needs specialized solutions that are reliable and dependable. Take a look at our customer case studies below. 

OEM Tire Logistics

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(350.3 KB)

Replacement Tire Logistics

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(229.4 KB)

Specialty Tire Logistics

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(288.6 KB)

Contact our Tire Logistic Experts

Rely on our supply chain expertise and global network to keep your tire operations moving smoothly – for today and wherever the road leads in the future. 

Talk to our tire experts