By
Lob
Large-scale direct mail needs more than printers and envelopes. Coordinating mail across regions, timelines, and audiences takes infrastructure, logistics, and data-driven systems.
Below is how enterprise programs scale with print delivery networks, the common models, and what to evaluate when you choose a delivery method.
A print delivery network is a system of geographically distributed print and mail facilities connected by centralized software. It routes work to the best facility based on destination, capacity, and timing.
Unlike a single-facility vendor, a distributed network prints closer to the mailbox. That can shorten transit, smooth delivery, and improve consistency.
Some networks use owned facilities. Others use partner printers that follow shared standards on one orchestration platform.
Print delivery networks support:
Distributed printing produces mail in multiple regions and inducts it into USPS closer to the end recipient.
Key advantages
This is especially helpful for time-sensitive offers where in-home dates matter across markets.
Enterprises managing high-volume direct mail generally choose one of three models.
One print vendor handles all work from one facility. You get direct oversight, but delivery can stretch for far-away recipients.
Best for: Concentrated geographies or modest volumes.
Multiple regional vendors coordinated manually by a broker or internal team. Each prints and mails its assigned territory.
Best for: Wider coverage without building software infrastructure. Requires more vendor management and QC.
A distributed partner network connected by centralized software. The platform routes each piece based on destination, capacity, and service levels, with real-time tracking and analytics.
Best for: Enterprise scale where consistency, visibility, and low operational overhead are priorities.
When you evaluate a network, focus on four signals:
How tightly actual in-home dates cluster around your target window. Lower variance makes cross-channel coordination easier.
How well brand colors match across facilities. Standards like G7 help keep output consistent.
How closely platform-reported events align with USPS data. Accurate tracking supports follow-up timing and attribution.
How CAC changes after moving to a more efficient network. Faster, steadier delivery can lift response and improve unit economics.
Large-scale direct mail costs depend on several levers.
Distributed networks can qualify for favorable entry and presort options by inducting mail near destination. Entry strategy and presort level materially influence postage.
Digital supports personalization and agile runs without plates.
Offset is efficient for large, static volumes.
Standardized stocks across a network can stabilize quality and pricing.
Costs reflect deduping, suppression, address standardization, template application, and dynamic content. Usage-based pricing is common when these steps are integrated with production.
Centralized production means more freight miles. Distributed printing reduces transport distance, which can also lower emissions and support sustainability reporting.
Networks handling sensitive data should meet specific frameworks and controls.
SOC 2 validates controls for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. HIPAA applies when handling PHI. Ask for current reports and audit coverage.
TLS for data in motion. Disk- or file-level encryption for data at rest. Keys are managed so intercepted data remains unreadable.
Role-based access, data minimization, and tokenization limit exposure. These workflows support regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Document timelines, error drivers, and hidden labor or freight. Capture capabilities, limits, and performance in a simple matrix.
List all systems that feed mail: CRM, MAP, billing, CDP. Identify the events that should trigger mail and where manual steps slow things down.
Choose one audience with clear success criteria. Hold creative and targeting steady to isolate the network effect.
Expand volume gradually. A/B test creative, offers, and delivery windows. Use real-time analytics to shift spend toward winning patterns.
Phase out old agreements once SLAs and outcomes are met on the new platform. Align termination timing with campaign cycles.
Modern networks connect to your marketing technology stack through APIs and event streams so mail follows the same logic as digital.
CRMs and MAPs can trigger sends automatically when a contact reaches a stage or takes an action. These integrations eliminate manual file transfers and keep data in sync.
When a piece is processed or delivered, webhooks update your systems. Teams time emails, ads, or SMS around confirmed delivery.
Sequence messages to build momentum:
Lob connects your business to a nationwide print delivery network. Our platform routes each piece to the optimal facility, standardizes production, and reports delivery events in real time.
We process addresses with USPS-certified tools including CASS and NCOA, support advanced personalization, and integrate with your CRM and MAP. Security includes SOC 2 Type II, encryption, and privacy-first workflows. We also support HIPAA for teams that need it.
See how this works in your stack: book a demo.
How long does migration take from a legacy letter shop?
Timelines vary with integration depth and campaign volume. Most teams complete migration in phases to reduce risk.
Can I keep my existing artwork templates?
Yes. Standard formats like PDF are supported, and templates are often streamlined during onboarding.
Is there a minimum volume for automated platforms?
Enterprise platforms are designed for steady, ongoing mail. Your team’s cadence and goals help set the right threshold.
How do routing algorithms choose printers?
They evaluate proximity, capacity, SLAs, and deadlines to select the best facility for each piece.
Does nationwide printing reduce environmental impact?
Producing closer to destination reduces freight miles, which can lower emissions compared to centralized shipping.
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