How we move frames from Maitland to your workshop
We prepare every order at our Maitland workshop for collection or dispatch, whether it is going to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha. Small orders can be collected from our Bellville collection point by prior arrangement, while larger batches are routed through our delivery schedule and courier partners.
If you are ordering new screen stretching, restretch work or bulk frames, please let us know your preferred timing early. That helps us group loads sensibly and avoid a frame sitting in a van longer than needed, especially in hot weather or on busy weeknights when traffic can slow everything down.
Collection checklist before your driver arrives
Collections run smoother when the order is ready to hand over. We recommend checking the details below before sending a driver or coming through yourself.
- Confirm the order reference and item count before collection.
- Bring a vehicle with enough flat space for the frame size ordered.
- Use straps or tie-down points so frames do not slide during braking.
- Keep mesh faces clear of loose tools, buckets and sharp edges.
- Check that the driver knows the collection address and contact person.
- For large or urgent orders, give us a call ahead so we can stage the load.
If you are collecting for a print shop in Paarl, Bellville or another nearby area, arrive with a clean vehicle bed or strong packing blankets. A frame that shifts around once can bend a corner or scuff the mesh, and that is a avoidable delay.
Courier dispatch for Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha
For destinations outside Cape Town we pack orders for courier or linehaul transport, depending on size and timing. Smaller frames may travel as boxed goods, while larger stretched screens are protected with corner support and clear labelling so the receiving team knows how to handle them.
When sending frames further afield, transit time depends on route, volume and public holiday cut-offs. We always aim to keep turnaround practical, but it helps to allow a little extra time around month-end, festival periods and school holidays when carriers are busier than usual.
- Share the delivery town and suburb clearly.
- Tell us if the delivery point is a business park, warehouse or home address.
- Let us know about lift access, stairs or after-hours receiving rules.
- Flag any urgent print run so we can plan dispatch accordingly.
Packing rules that protect aluminium frames in transit
Good packing matters because aluminium frames are light but they still need support at the corners and along the edges. We use clean wrapping, spacing and secure bundling so the frame keeps its shape and the mesh stays under proper tension.
If you are reusing packaging on your side, make sure it is dry and free of grit. Coastal humidity can leave boxes soft, and fine dust from workshops can mark fresh mesh. Keep the frame upright where possible and do not stack heavy stock on top of it.
- Use cardboard corner guards or foam at all four corners.
- Do not tape directly onto mesh if it can be avoided.
- Keep frames away from wet cloths, glue tins and solvent spills.
- Store them flat on a level surface once delivered.
- Avoid leaving packed frames in direct sun for long periods.
Receiving your delivery and checking the order
When your delivery arrives, check it before the driver leaves if possible. Look at the outer packing first, then inspect the frame edges, join lines and mesh tension. A quick check at handover saves time later if anything needs attention.
Use this short receiving routine:
- Count all frames against the note or invoice.
- Check for bent corners, loose mesh or glue marks.
- Feel for any rattle inside the packing that may show movement in transit.
- Confirm sizes match the order, especially on custom work.
- Store the frames in a dry place away from welding sparks and standing water.
If there is a concern, send clear photos through the enquiry form on our contact page the same day. That gives our workshop team the best chance to review the issue quickly and sort it out without delay.
Urgent turnarounds and route planning for busy printers
Some garment printers need frames fast because a run has landed late or a customer has moved a deadline. In those cases, tell us the size, quantity and delivery town right away so we can check what can move same day or next day.
We work with route planning in mind for Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, plus nearby collection and supply points. If a job is time-critical, please mention any load-shedding constraints at your side too. That can affect when you can start printing, and we can plan the handover accordingly.
- State the required delivery date, not just
After delivery: storage, care and next steps
Once your frames are in the workshop, store them in a dry, level place and keep them away from sharp stock offcuts. If you are not using them straight away, cover them lightly so dust does not settle on the mesh. This is especially useful in busy print rooms where lint and adhesive spray can build up quickly.
If you ordered restretching, mesh removal, cleaning or adhesive application, plan your next job so the frame can go straight into use after receipt. A frame held too long in a humid storeroom may need a quick inspection before printing, and that is better than finding a problem during a live run.
Need help deciding the right route for your order? Send the details through our enquiry form and our team will guide you on collection, dispatch and timing.
