Tires are one of the highest ongoing expenses in commercial trucking, making tire selection a key factor in managing fleet profitability, safety, and performance. As carriers weigh their options, they must consider a wide range of variables, including purchase price, fuel efficiency, tread life, durability, retreadability, and operational needs.
Experts across the industry agree that premium tires, while more expensive upfront, generally provide superior performance, longer life, better fuel efficiency, and greater retread potential. For example, Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) emphasizes that choosing the right tire should start with a clear tire management strategy. Premium tires not only deliver safety advantages such as quicker braking and better weather handling but also reduce long-term costs through extended mileage and fewer breakdowns.
Michelin’s Joe Hughes pointed out that casing quality is the biggest difference between budget and premium tires. High-quality casings enable effective retreading, a widespread practice in long-haul trucking that can yield significant savings. Conversely, budget tires often rely on older technologies and may deliver lower mileage and higher roadside incident rates. As a result, these are typically used in high-damage environments where premium tires might not realize their full value.
Sailun Tire’s Rob Ulias noted a shift among fleet operators toward evaluating total cost of ownership, looking beyond upfront cost to include fuel economy, downtime, and maintenance. Ulias also emphasized that tire casing construction, more than tread design, plays a critical role in long-term fuel savings due to its influence on rolling resistance.
Fleet size and operational model also matter. Larger fleets may benefit more from national pricing programs and maintenance systems, while smaller or cash-strapped fleets may initially choose budget tires as a stopgap. Fleets operating in high-mileage or longhaul sectors tend to see the best return on investment from premium tires due to their longer wear, fuel savings, and retread value.
Halvor Lines’ Jeremy St. Pierre shared that while his fleet uses mid-grade tires on some flatbeds to reduce costs in high-damage zones, premium tires consistently exceed performance benchmarks and reduce overall costs in most operations.
Relationships with trusted tire suppliers also play a key role. PGT Trucking’s Laurence Cox stressed the importance of working with tire dealers and service networks that can provide reliable roadside support and retread services.
Ultimately, while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in tire selection, fleets must weigh cost versus performance carefully. As Estes Express Lines’ Mike Palmer put it, even a top-tier tire’s value can be compromised by factors like road damage, making the real-world application just as important as the specs on paper.
For most fleets, investing in premium tires pays off over time, especially when combined with strong supplier support and a sound maintenance strategy. As trucking companies strive to navigate rising costs and tighter margins, strategic tire decisions can significantly affect their bottom line and overall fleet safety.
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