Feature, Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics, Road


Publishing logistics – doing it by the book

[ June 23, 2025   //   ]

As the UK publishing sector navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, logistics has become a make-or-break factor. With over 60% of UK publishing revenue generated through exports, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery is no longer just a back-office task – it’s a strategic imperative, says Marion Simpson, managing director at Rhenus Road Freight UK.

Getting logistics right in publishing is critical. For the publishing industry, cost competitiveness, timeliness, and products arriving in pristine condition are not just nice-to-haves – they are essential, non-negotiable. 

In the UK alone, the publishing sector ships more books than any other country (followed by the US and Germany). The sector thrives on exports and imports, with an estimated 60% of its revenue derived from overseas. According to the Publishers Association, in 2024 publishing exports alone contributed an estimated £6.5 billion to the UK economy. Even as digital formats grow, physical book shipments are hard currency. Educational publishers, academic institutions, and retailers still rely heavily on print.

But as trade dynamics evolve, particularly post-Brexit, publishers are increasingly grappling with logistical and regulatory challenges. Customs clearance, delivery delays, and new tax and compliance obligations are prompting a reassessment of traditional supply chain strategies.

Publishers are under continual pressure to keep books moving across borders with fewer delays and fewer surprises to meet strict publishing and sales deadlines. But the global publishing supply chain is under increasing pressure. Increasing transportation costs, shifting consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, and strict publishing deadlines require meticulous coordination.

The transition from EU membership has added significant complexity for publishers too, especially when it comes to Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterms, which apply under rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

DDP places the onus on the seller for transportation, insurance, export and import formalities and customs duties and taxes and place full responsibility for customs duties, taxes, tariffs, and cross-border delivery on the seller. This shift requires publishers and their logistics partners to develop enhanced expertise in cross-border compliance and to manage the added complexity and costs effectively.

There is increased focus on sustainability too, with higher fuel prices exacerbating fines and taxes based on emissions. And on top of all that comes the continued impact of a paper shortage that began in 2020, still impacting production – in 2023 alone costs for paper increased by 65% according to Deployteq. Clarity, compliance and fairness across the supply chain are increasingly becoming non-negotiable for players in this market.

Peak seasons and geopolitical uncertainty

As global publishers prepare for the year’s prime retail periods, such as back-to-school, Black Friday, Christmas, and the new academic year, they do so in the shadow of mounting geopolitical uncertainty. Shifting international alliances and trade policies are forcing UK publishers to think more strategically about how to protect supply chains and preserve market access.

Securing shipping capacity early and reinforcing DDP compliance are essential to avoid delays and cost shocks, especially in high-volume markets like the US. Diversifying fulfillment through regional hubs or print-on-demand can help publishers reduce reliance on single trade routes and adapt quickly to disruptions.

At the same time, staying agile with forecasting tools, maintaining clear customer communication, and working with logistics partners that offer real-time tracking, customs expertise, and sustainability reporting will help publishers navigate volatility, while meeting growing expectations. Sustainability remains a priority, and transparent logistics operations can help publishers strengthen retailer relationships and brand trust – even in uncertain times.

The future of publishing logistics

In the shifting story of global trade, at Rhenus, we believe the future of publishing logistics will be shaped by a growing focus on sustainability and by building long-term resilience into business operations. Building thoughtful, adaptable supply chains that serve business needs and wider social goals will be key to sustained success. The Rhenus Group’s comprehensive publishing supply chain support, which includes pick and pack and bespoke services, helps items reach their destinations efficiently in major publishing markets around the world, including Europe, the US, India, South Africa, and Australia.

Despite changing trade deals with the likes of Europe and the US, the Rhenus Group offers flexible solutions, able to rapidly respond to changing requirements. Tackling customs challenges and providing an integrated experience for customers is what we pride ourselves on, operating efficiently in more than 70 countries. With the right logistics partner on board, publishers can ensure every book shipped finds its way to the right shelf.

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