Your Guide to Shipping Books in the UAE

Let’s talk books!

In the UAE, online book sales account for 24.6% of the total books market and are expected to reach 28.5% by 2028. This translates to millions of dollars in revenue for online retailers.

Accordingly, the critical task of shipping books stands front and center for those responsible for delivering fragile paper in pristine conditions. Whether you’re shipping one paperback, a bulk of publications, or any other printed material, the process requires extra care and perfect execution.

This guide is designed to help you do just that!

Book retailers in the UAE can greatly benefit from this overview of best practices for shipping books and printed matter. From selecting the proper packaging to navigating international shipping, your books are sure to arrive safely and on time.

Types of Printed Matter You Can Ship in the UAE

Books, magazines, booklets, newspapers, and other printed matter can all be shipped within the UAE. Each has its own set of shipping considerations and details. This section will help you understand how to effectively prepare these items for shipment.

Books

Books vary widely in size, weight, and fragility, all of which influence shipping methods. Hardcover books, for example, are less prone to damage and may require more robust packaging, while paperbacks are lighter and generally easier to ship. You should pay special attention to rare or valuable books, which may need additional protection.

Notebooks and Stationery

Notebooks, journals, and other stationery items are often shipped alongside books. While these items are generally less fragile, they require careful packaging to prevent bending or damage.

Bulk orders, in particular, should be packed to maximize space while protecting the products.

Specialty Printed Materials

This category includes items such as limited-edition prints, custom calendars, and other specialized printed products.

These items often require custom packaging solutions to protect them during transit and ensure they reach the customer in perfect condition.

⚠️ Important Note:

UAE law prohibits trading and shipping any printed materials that are offensive to Arab and Muslim cultures and beliefs. This includes books, magazines, and other forms of media. As a retailer, it is your responsibility to check whether the content of your items aligns with the regulations of the country you’re shipping to.

Now, you have some books that need to be delivered, but what should you do before shipping them out?

You must prepare them for the shipping journey, of course, and this is all about packaging.

Best Practices for Packing Books

Proper packaging is vital to securing books during transit. The perfect packing method depends on the number of books shipped and their value. In all cases, books must be treated with the kind of respect they deserve. Here are some best practices to follow:

For Bulk Items
- Use sturdy cardboard boxes of sufficient size to accommodate the books without excessive space.
- Place heavier books at the bottom and lighter ones on top, separating layers with packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper or air-filled packaging materials to minimize movement.
For Individual Books
- Wrap each book in protective materials like bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent scratches and creases.
- Consider using book mailers or small cardboard boxes with ample cushioning for added protection.
- Secure the box with packing tape to prevent accidental openings.
For Valuable or Fragile Books
- Consider additional protective measures, such as custom-made packaging, book boxes, or padded envelopes.
- Shipping insurance is also recommended for these shipments to safeguard against potential losses.

guide to shipping books

💡 Pro Tip:

When selecting packaging materials, consider the weight, size, and fragility of the items you are shipping. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important aspect to consumers, so consider using recyclable materials or offering an eco-friendly packaging option to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

Tips for Shipping Books Internationally

Shipping books internationally involves additional complexities compared to local shipments.

How best to avoid this complexity?

Take your time to understand customs regulations, international shipping rates, and expected delivery times.
Research the import and export requirements of the destination country to avoid delays or penalties.
Consider using international shipping carriers with experience in handling book shipments. Properly declare the package’s contents and value to facilitate customs clearance.
Explore shipping insurance options to protect against losses or damages during transit.
Prepare accurate customs documentation, including product descriptions, values, and Harmonized System (HS) codes.
Consider utilizing shipping services specialized in international shipments and offer customs clearance assistance.

Now that your products are nicely packed and prepared for shipment let’s delve deeper into selecting the best shipping carriers for your books in the UAE.

Choosing the Best Carrier: 7 Factors to Consider

Shipping books and printed materials can be tricky, especially when it comes to cost and speed. Choosing the right carrier is key! You want one that’s reliable, efficient, and won’t break the bank. Look for a carrier with a good reputation, a wide network of shipping centers, and clear tracking options. This will help ensure your books get where they need to go on time and without surprises.

Here are the key factors you should keep your eyes on while choosing:

1- Cost

Evaluate the pricing structures, including any discounts for bulk shipments. At OTO, we offer competitive rates and negotiated discounts of up to 90% when choosing a shipping carrier. Factors such as book weight, dimensions, shipping distance, carrier services, and additional fees influence the overall expense.
To estimate shipping costs accurately, utilize online shipping calculators provided by carriers. Consider negotiating shipping rates with carriers for bulk shipments or long-term partnerships.
Implementing cost-saving measures, such as optimizing package dimensions and utilizing discounted shipping services, can help reduce expenditures.

2- Distance

The distance your books will travel significantly impacts carrier selection.

Domestic shipping: For shipments within the UAE, consider carriers specializing in domestic delivery, offering competitive rates and reliable service.
International shipping: When sending books abroad, opt for carriers with a global network and expertise in customs clearance. Factors like transit time, cost, and insurance options become crucial.

3- Speed

Match the carrier’s delivery times with your customers’ expectations. OTO partners with 250+ reliable shipping carriers known for their timely delivery performance.

4- Reliability

Reliability is paramount in the book shipping industry. A damaged or lost book can lead to dissatisfied customers and negative reviews. Look for carriers with a track record of safe and on-time deliveries.

5- Customer Service

Strong customer support is essential for a smooth shipping experience, especially with international shipments. Choose carriers with strong customer support, mainly if you frequently handle international shipments.

6- Tracking

Real-time tracking is vital for monitoring your shipment’s progress and providing updates to customers. OTO lets you track your shipment in detail with the location, status, and estimated delivery time through an easy-to-use interface.

7- Insurance

Protecting your book shipments is crucial. Therefore, look for carriers offering comprehensive insurance options, including loss, damage, and theft coverage.
Also, flexible coverage limits allow you to choose insurance levels based on shipment value.
Choosing a shipping carrier that offers simple procedures for filing and processing claims is important.

⭐ Helpful tool:

OTO’s shipping calculator simplifies shipping by comparing rates from 10+ shipping carriers in the UAE and offering exclusive discounts of up to 90%. There are no contractual hassles. Create a free account on OTO to get started.

Below, we will show you some excellent carriers that can help you ship your books within the UAE at lower costs.

OTO’s Book Shipping Partners in the UAE

1- J&T Express

J&T Express is a leading express delivery company offering efficient and reliable shipping solutions within the UAE and internationally. Their discounted shipping rates via OTO start from 16.00 AED.

J&T Express offers local and international shipping options:

Domestic Express: Their Domestic Express service provides fast and convenient door-to-door delivery for your packages within the UAE. Enjoy:

Swift delivery: Timely pickup and delivery for urgent shipments.
Real-time tracking: Monitor your package’s journey with the online tracking system.
Flexible services: Choose from various options like package collection and return services.

International Express: Experience seamless global shipping with J&T Express. Their international express service offers:

Worldwide reach: Deliver your packages to destinations across the globe.
Customs clearance: Hassle-free handling of customs formalities.
End-to-end solutions: Comprehensive shipping services from pickup to delivery.

💰You can ship books in UAE with J&T Express via OTO starting from 16 AED only. This is a very competitive price exclusive for OTO’s clients. (Please check the shipping calculator for any updates in shipping rates).

2- Aramex

Aramex is a prominent global logistics provider with a strong presence in the UAE, committed to connecting businesses and individuals worldwide. Their discounted shipping rates via OTO start from 17.00 AED.

Aramex offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

Express delivery: Domestic and international shipping solutions for fast and reliable delivery.
E-commerce fulfillment: Comprehensive services to support online businesses.
Freight forwarding: Air, sea, and road transportation options.
Supply chain management: End-to-end supply chain visibility solutions.

💰You can ship books in UAE with Aramex via OTO starting from 17 AED only. This is a very competitive price exclusive for OTO’s clients. (Please check the shipping calculator for any updates in shipping rates).

3- SkyNet Worldwide Express

SkyNet Worldwide Express offers reliable and efficient shipping solutions for individuals and businesses in the UAE and across the globe. Their discounted shipping rates via OTO start from 15.00 AED.

They offer various services such as:

Export: Convenient collection and forwarding of your shipments.
Import: Receive shipments from over 200 countries worldwide.
Domestic: Reliable door-to-door delivery within the UAE.
Logistics & Specials: Full-service fulfillment, online shipment tracking, and warehousing solutions.
Support: Phone and Email Support.

💰You can ship books in UAE with SkyNet via OTO starting from 15 AED only. This is a very competitive price exclusive for OTO’s clients. (Please check the shipping calculator for any updates in shipping rates).

4- Elite Co.

Elite Co. is a leading GCC-based supply chain solutions provider specializing in overland transportation. Their discounted shipping rates via OTO start from 20.00 AED.

With a strong focus on efficiency and optimization, you will benefit from a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your unique business needs, such as:

FTL Freight: Transporting full truckload shipments across the GCC.
LTL Freight: Efficient handling of less-than-truckload shipments.
Last Mile Delivery: Delivering your products directly to customers.
eCommerce Solutions: Integrated fulfillment strategies for online businesses.
Warehousing: Flexible storage options to optimize your supply chain.
Customs Brokerage: Expert handling in customs formalities.
Contract Logistics: Customized logistics solutions to meet your specific requirements.

💰You can ship books in UAE with Elite via OTO starting from 20 AED only. This is a very competitive price exclusive for OTO’s clients. (Please check the shipping calculator for any updates in shipping rates).

5- Quiqup

Quiqup is a leading e-commerce fulfillment and delivery company in the UAE, dedicated to helping businesses grow and thrive. Their discounted shipping rates via OTO start from 20.00 AED.

With a focus on technology and customer satisfaction, Quiqup offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, such as:

Fulfillment: End-to-end fulfillment solutions, including storage, picking, packing, and shipping.
Delivery: Fast, reliable, and efficient delivery services within the UAE.
International Delivery: Expand your reach with global shipping options.
Returns: Hassle-free returns management to enhance customer satisfaction.
Tracking: Real-time visibility into your shipments with advanced tracking technology.

💰You can ship books in UAE with Quiqup via OTO starting from 20 AED only. This is a very competitive price exclusive for OTO’s clients. (Please check the shipping calculator for any updates in shipping rates).

Conclusion

Mastering book shipping is not easy. It requires careful planning, the right packaging, and the perfect carrier.

While the UAE presents a unique and vibrant market for book retailing, shipping books, and printed materials within and outside the UAE requires a combination of careful planning, proper packaging, and strategic carrier selection.

It also involves adherence to specific local regulations. Retailers must be aware of laws related to the import and export of printed materials, including compliance with VAT regulations and customs procedures.

Understanding these requirements will help avoid delays and ensure a smooth shipping process. By following these tips and tricks, your books will arrive safe and sound. And by choosing the right carrier, you’ll keep your customers coming back for more.

With OTO, you can pick from over 250 shipping carriers worldwide and start shipping books locally and internationally!

Remember: Shipping books has its challenges. But with the right strategies, you’ll be a shipping superstar. Keep your customers happy by providing accurate shipping information, fast delivery, and top-notch packaging.