Last Mile Delivery: How Sailun Tires Help Fleets Cross the Finish Line Strong

Last mile delivery (LMD) is one of the most critical—and at the same time, most challenging—parts of the entire logistics chain. The mission is straightforward: transport goods from distribution centers directly to customers’ doorsteps, safely, efficiently and on time. However, executing this final leg of the journey is anything but simple. It’s a demanding stretch filled with unique obstacles that require not only skilled drivers and efficient logistics systems, but also specialized equipment—especially durable, purpose-built tires that can withstand the everyday rigors of LMD routes. 

Urban delivery routes, in particular, are notoriously tough on tires. Delivery drivers must constantly maneuver through tight city streets, deal with frequent stop-and-go traffic and navigate narrow loading zones. In these environments, trucks are regularly forced up against curbs during parking and unloading, leading to sidewall abrasions, cuts and damage. This curbside contact is one of the most common causes of premature tire failure in the LMD space. When tires fail, it results in expensive downtime, lost delivery opportunities and costly replacements—issues no fleet can afford in today’s high-pressure, just-in-time delivery economy. 

In addition to urban wear and tear, the stop-start nature of last mile routes contributes to higher operating temperatures, accelerating tread wear and reducing tire lifespan. Every acceleration, every hard brake and every turn creates friction and heat, which degrade tire integrity over time. Fleets must factor in these conditions when choosing tires, as inadequate performance in this area can directly affect delivery timelines and maintenance budgets. 

Weather is another crucial variable that LMD fleets contend with year-round. Delivery trucks must operate reliably through rain, snow, sleet, mud and ice, often transitioning through multiple weather conditions in a single day. Fleet tires need to deliver consistent traction, braking and handling in all weather scenarios to ensure driver and cargo safety. Poor performance in winter conditions, for example, can cause delivery delays or safety incidents—both of which are detrimental to fleet reputation and customer satisfaction. 

At the same time, fleet managers are under constant pressure to reduce operating costs and improve fuel efficiency. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate or trend upward, selecting tires with low rolling resistance becomes increasingly important. Reduced rolling resistance can lead to measurable fuel savings over the lifespan of the tire, which adds up across a fleet and contributes significantly to profitability and sustainability. 

Sailun Tire understands the specific challenges faced by last mile and regional delivery operators. In response, the company has developed a specialized lineup of commercial tires that meet the intense demands of LMD while delivering performance, durability, and value. The Sailun S737SP, S637SP and S740 models are all engineered with these real-world conditions in mind—designed to not only endure tough routes but to help fleets cross the finish line strong, every day. 

“At Sailun Tire, we realize the highest cost in the supply chain is the last mile delivery portion,” says Al Eagleson, TBR Segment Manager – North America. “These three Sailun models are designed to help minimize the cost of delivering the last mile.” 

The Sailun S737SP is a durable regional drive tire built for heavy-duty pickup and delivery applications. It features two reinforced sidewall ribs that offer enhanced protection against cuts, abrasions and curb damage—issues commonly encountered on urban routes. The S737SP is also certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) symbol, signifying reliable performance in severe snow and icy weather conditions. With its combination of sidewall durability and all-weather reliability, this tire is designed to extend service life and improve retreadability, ultimately driving down operating costs and keeping trucks on the road longer. 

The Sailun S637SP serves as a highly versatile regional all-position tire. It shares the same curb-resistant sidewall protection as the S737SP but offers additional features that boost performance across all wheel positions. The tire incorporates multiple sipes that enhance traction in wet conditions and assist in dissipating heat—helping to prolong overall tread life. Its shallower tread design contributes to lower rolling resistance, improving fuel economy without compromising grip. Additionally, specialized tread wall grooves help reduce irregular wear and promote consistent traction, making the S637SP a smart choice for fleets looking to optimize both performance and efficiency. 

For fleets operating in the most severe winter environments, the Sailun S740 is a premium regional drive tire designed to thrive in cold, icy and snowy conditions. Its aggressive tread blocks and wide siping pattern offer excellent grip on snow, slush and mud, while the open tread design facilitates self-cleaning to maintain traction. Like the S737SP, the S740 carries the 3PMS designation, proving its capability in extreme winter weather. It’s ideal for regional trucks, delivery vans and tow trucks operating in Canada and northern U.S. climates, where winter traction is non-negotiable. 

Each of these Sailun tires is backed by an industry-leading eight-year warranty on workmanship and materials and includes coverage for up to three retreads. This warranty provides fleets with peace of mind and long-term value, reinforcing Sailun’s commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction. 

Ultimately, choosing the right tires for last mile delivery is more than just a matter of tread and rubber—it’s a strategic business decision. Durable, application-specific tires help reduce unexpected breakdowns, extend service intervals and keep trucks rolling without interruption. Fuel-efficient designs contribute to a healthier bottom line. And trusted performance across all weather conditions ensures driver safety and customer satisfaction. 

The last mile demands more than just a fast start—it demands an even stronger finish. Sailun tires are built to help your fleet finish every job strong, mile after mile. 

Distributed exclusively by TBC Corporation. 

To learn more about how Sailun tires can give your fleet the edge it needs, visit GoSailun.com.