Separate deadline from total quantity
Many customers need some books quickly, but not the entire print run. In that case, sending a smaller portion by air and the rest by ocean may be more practical.
This is why delivery planning should happen after the print quote is clear but before the order is finalized.
Use ocean shipping for larger runs
Ocean shipping can be useful when the order is heavy and the schedule allows more transit time. It is often a better match for inventory, catalogs, or repeat titles that do not need to arrive immediately.
The tradeoff is speed, so production and launch dates should be planned early.
Consider direct mailing for distributed recipients
If books need to reach many recipients, direct mailing can reduce extra handling after arrival. It can also make sense for schools, teams, event groups, and product catalogs.
Ask about the delivery path during custom quote planning when the destination list is part of the project.
FAQ
Is air delivery always better?
No. Air delivery is faster, but ocean shipping may be more cost-effective for larger and less urgent orders.
What is split delivery?
Split delivery sends part of the order by a faster route and the rest by a lower-cost route.
Delivery planning