TECHNICAL 19 · PROCESS
From enquiry to container: what happens, in what order, and who does what.
A frame order has six stages. Most delays come from two of them: a drawing that changes after the material is cut, and a payment that lands after the vessel is booked.
Enquiry
You send the eleven inputs. We reply with questions if any of the four price drivers is missing.
Quotation
Price, weight per m², loading plan, lead time, terms. Assumptions listed separately.
Drawing approval
We issue a member schedule and a punching drawing. Nothing is cut before you approve in writing.
Deposit and production
Deposit per the agreed terms; material is allocated and production scheduled.
Inspection
In-house check, plus third-party if you appoint one. Photos and documents issued.
Loading and documents
Loading plan executed, container sealed, documents couriered and emailed.
Where the time goes
| Stage | Duration | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Quotation | 3–5 working days | Completeness of inputs |
| Drawing | 2–4 days after quotation | Your approval speed |
| Production | 20–28 days | Quantity, coating process, season |
| Inspection | 1–2 days | Inspector availability |
| Loading | 1–2 days | Vessel schedule |
Hot-dip adds days to production; it is a separate process, not a step in the line.
What can move a date
- A drawing change after material is cut — the most expensive delay.
- A payment that arrives after the vessel booking — the container is rolled.
- A coating change from pre-galvanised to hot-dip — re-sequencing, not just re-pricing.
- A quantity change under 5 t — the mill may not schedule a small heat.
Our commitment
We state a date range in the quotation, not a single date, and we tell you when a stage slips rather than at the end. If a vessel is missed we will say so and propose the next one.
Read next
Pages that answer the question this page raises.
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