A rush or express project is any job with a turnaround requirement shorter than our standard production timeline for that file type and language combination. Standard turnaround for DTP projects is typically 24 to 48 hours per language variant after translated text is received, depending on file complexity and page count. Any deadline that compresses this window qualifies for rush handling.
We classify rush projects into three tiers based on urgency. Priority projects have a deadline 25 to 50 percent shorter than standard — for example, a 20-page InDesign brochure in four languages needed within 24 hours instead of the standard 48. These are accommodated by reprioritizing the production queue and assigning dedicated operators. Express projects require delivery within the same business day, typically 4 to 8 hours from receipt of translated files. These require immediate resource allocation and parallel processing across multiple operators when file structure allows it. Emergency projects need delivery within 1 to 3 hours — these are rare but we handle them for established clients when the scope is manageable (typically under 10 pages, single language).
The key factors that determine whether we can accept a rush request are: file format and complexity, number of target languages, current production queue load, and time zone alignment. A 5-page PowerPoint in two languages is almost always achievable same-day. A 200-page FrameMaker book in 15 languages on an 8-hour deadline is not realistic regardless of rush fees. During preflight or quoting, we will always be transparent about what is achievable and what is not — we would rather decline a deadline we cannot meet than deliver substandard work.
Rush requests are most common from our LSP partners during end-of-quarter pushes, product launch windows, and regulatory filing deadlines. We recommend flagging potential rush needs as early as possible, even before translated files are ready, so we can pre-allocate capacity.
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