A good mixed container is a sales plan packed into steel
Importers often want several sizes in one shipment so they can serve more customers without buying a full container of every SKU. The benefit is assortment. The risks are complexity, lower loading efficiency, small-line minimums and a packing list that becomes harder to control.
Build the assortment from demand, then test it against supplier availability and container geometry. Do not let convenient leftover space choose inventory that will remain unsold.
Reviewed 2026-08-26 · For wholesale planning; final specifications and import requirements must be confirmed for each order.
Design the size mix from customer demand
Divide the proposed lines into three groups. Core sizes have predictable turnover and should carry the deepest stock. Supporting sizes complete the range and protect customer retention. Specialist sizes should be tied to known demand or a deliberate market test.
For truck tyres, split demand by axle position and service. A container full of drive patterns cannot cover steer demand even if the nominal size matches. For passenger tyres, consider rim-size distribution, load and speed requirements, climate and vehicle mix. For agricultural and OTR products, machine-specific lines may consume substantial space and capital.
Core
High-frequency sizes and applications with evidence of repeat sell-through.
Supporting
Products that complete a range or protect important customer accounts.
Specialist
Low-frequency, high-value or project-specific products with controlled quantities.
Resolve supplier and loading constraints
Ask for minimum quantity by SKU, not only minimum order value. Confirm which lines are in stock and which require production. If brands or patterns differ, decide whether mixed brands are commercially acceptable in your market.
Define substitution rules. A supplier may find an alternative with the same nominal size, but the load marking, pattern, application or market positioning can differ. Every material change should be shown on a revised offer and approved before loading.
Then test physical loading. Mixed diameters may create unusable voids; some combinations may improve nesting. The final plan needs unit dimensions and weights, not only catalogue categories.
Calculate landed cost by line
Freight and shared charges must be allocated consistently. A simple allocation by unit can distort margins when one OTR tyre uses the space of many PCR tyres. Consider allocating common logistics cost by cubic volume, weight or an agreed hybrid method, then compare with market selling price.
Include finance cost, inspection, origin charges, ocean freight, insurance where applicable, destination charges, duty, taxes, brokerage, inland delivery and expected losses. Keep estimates labelled until invoices are received.
Approve and reconcile the mixed load
Freeze the order before loading. The approved file should show every SKU, exact product, quantity and acceptable variation. Compare the supplier's final loading sheet against this file. During loading, capture markings and counts by group so a photograph is meaningful, not just decorative.
After shipment, reconcile the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document. At destination, check the seal and unload by line. Record shortages, excesses, substitutions and damage before stock is distributed.
Frequently asked questions
Can TBR and passenger tyres be mixed in one container?
It may be possible, subject to supplier programme, product dimensions, loading method, protection, weight and the final approved loading plan.
Does a mixed container cost more per tyre?
It can reduce loading density or involve line minimums, but it may also reduce inventory risk. Compare total landed margin and sell-through, not unit price alone.
How many sizes should be included?
Use as many lines as your demand evidence, supplier minimums, loading plan and receiving process can control reliably.
Send a quote request that can be priced properly
Include your tyre sizes, quantities, preferred brands or quality tier, destination port and target timing. Thai Tire can then confirm current availability, a practical size mix and the next export step.
