For those of you who had shipped wheels/tires before, what is the best (most economical) way to go? I've checked UPS and FedEx sites and calculated out the cost to be around $50 per wheel/tire !!! Is there a cheaper way to ship wheels. Desperately need all your help...

 

FedEx ground.
Drop them at a center (not a kinkos or other shipping outlets) if avaialble. UPS will charge oversize for any package over 40#. To ship two tires, sans wheels, would have been $30 w/UPS~ FedEx Center $13.
Your estimate is 50% too high, I just shipped two wheels for $50 Ca to Florida.
Chris

 

If it is wheels and tires mounted make sure the wheel is protected well. We use a protective sleeve over the face of the wheel and two layers of cardboard. Then strap it or tape them on.