How dispatch leaves Westmead
Orders are prepared at our Westmead, Pinetown base and handed over for local or national delivery once the stock, core size and winding direction have been checked. We work with a practical dispatch flow so reels and cartons are packed to suit transport, handling and the usual knocks that happen on courier routes.
If your order includes label face stock, we confirm the adhesive type, liner and roll width before packing. For thermal rolls, we check whether the roll is direct thermal or thermal transfer, plus the core size and outer diameter so it will fit the printer without unnecessary waste.
- Pack separation by item type where an order has mixed products
- Carton marking for easier receiving at depots and warehouse gates
- Protection against moisture, dust and edge damage during transit
Lead times by route and order type
Lead times depend on the stock line, the amount ordered and whether slitting or rewinding is needed. A standard item already on hand usually moves faster than a custom cut roll, especially when the order needs a particular core, width or winding direction.
For Durban, Pinetown and nearby KZN addresses, delivery is often quicker than out of province routing. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg generally need a longer transit window because carrier schedules and line-haul cut offs differ.
- Standard stock: usually the quickest to leave the warehouse
- Custom slit reels: allow extra time for conversion and checking
- Mixed orders: allow more time for packing and consolidation
What we need from you before packing
To send the right material the first time, we need the product width, roll length, core size and your printer or application type. If you are ordering labels for retail pricing, sealing or coding, the print method matters because direct thermal and thermal transfer behave differently in heat, shelf life and resistance to scuffing.
Please also confirm the destination suburb, contact person at receiving and any site rules for access. Many industrial parks in Pinetown, Hammarsdale and parts of Durban have delivery bays, security checks or fixed receiving times, and that can save a missed drop.
- Printer model or the roll size it accepts
- Whether you need one-up, multiple-up or slit rolls
- Any moisture, grease or abrasion exposure after application
Thermal rolls packed for real printer use
Direct thermal rolls are used where the print is created by heat on the face stock itself. Thermal transfer rolls need ribbon and are better where the print must last longer or stand up to handling, UV or surface rubbing. We match the roll build to the printer fit rather than sending a generic reel that may jam or waste labels.
Core sizes are important too. Smaller benchtop printers often take a different core to warehouse printers, and the wrong fit can cause feed problems or extra setup time. When needed, we can help with printer fit checks before dispatch so the reels arrive ready to load.
- Direct thermal for shorter life labels and fast turnover use
- Thermal transfer for harder wearing applications
- Core and outer diameter matched to the receiving printer
How we handle distant towns and coastal air
We supply across South Africa, including Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg, with packing adjusted for the route. Coastal humidity can affect some label materials and adhesive performance, so we take that into account when the goods are bound for Durban or Cape Town. Inland routes may need different handling where dry heat and warehouse storage conditions play a part.
For long-distance loads, reels are wrapped and boxed to reduce shifting inside transit. If your order is for a food, logistics or manufacturing line, we can also note the application so the packing team understands whether the stock will be stored, used quickly or held for repeat use.
Receiving your parcel without a hitch
Once the parcel is dispatched, the receiver should check the outer carton, the roll count and the item labels as soon as it arrives. If anything looks short, damaged or incorrectly packed, let us know through the enquiry form on our contact page straight away so it can be reviewed against the dispatch note.
Keep the reels flat and dry on arrival, away from direct sun and damp floors. In warm stores and smaller back rooms, stacking too high can deform the roll edge and cause feeding issues later on, especially with narrower slits.
- Check quantity before the goods are signed off
- Store cartons off the floor and out of standing water
- Use the oldest rolls first if you hold more than one batch
