An Interview
A reporter is conducting an interviewwith a manager of a computer manufacturing enterprise.
Reporter:Isit because of trade negotiations that you can start selling in the U.S.?
Manager:Yes,the recent agreements between the two governments have changed everything.Now our company has the right to sell in the U.S. at a muchlower price. It’s really good. We can compete more directlywith others.
Reporter:Congratulations!
Manager:Ourcomputers are of good quality and our prices will be good. So Ithink they will really be worthwhile.
Reporter:Youseem excited about it.
Manager:Well,you know I studied the major of marketing in the United States.So the work of promoting our brand here is kind ofexciting to me.
Reporter:Well,I wish you good luck.
Manager:Thanks.
Inquiry about International Shipping Terms
A: ashipping agent
B: acustomer
A: Goodmorning, this is Rebeca, what can I do for you?
B: Iwould like to export a consignment of cement about 4 000 metric tons. Thecargoes are to be shipped to San Francisco, U.S.A. recently.
A: OK,so could you please describe your freight package?
B: Sure.The cement is packed in nylon bags and each bag weights about 40 kg.
A: Whatis the expected shipping date for your cargoes?
B: Thedelivery should be made between the 1st and 6th, of August.Can you help us arrange a suitable vessel as soon as possible?
A: Well,the West Flower is available at the end of July. Itis scheduled to load cargoes from the 2nd to the 6th ofAugust.
B: Soundsgood. What about the freight rate?
A: Wecharge $2.5 per metric ton. So, the total freight will be $10 000.
B: Whatabout the insurance?
A: Weaccept the responsibility, so we would advise you to take all-risk plusBreakage of Packing Risk insurance policy and send a copy of the commercial invoiceto us.
B: Allright. Thanks.
Talk about Logistics and Logistics Industry
Allen Smith (B), a logistics professor from the United States, is talking to Li Hui (A), a Chinese student who is keen to know more about logistics.
A: Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. I would like to talk about logistics with you.
B: OK. Are you interested in logistics?
A: Yes, I’m quite interested in it. It sounds like something new, a newborn baby.
B: Not exactly. Actually, it came into being with the advent of civilization.
A: Does modern logistics mean transportation and parcel delivery?
B: It’s not the whole story. Modern logistics is related to the effective and efficient flow of goods and information. They are very important to customers and clients in various sectors of the economic society. It includes packaging, warehousing, material handling, inventory, transportation, etc.
A: Oh, it’s such a complicated system.
B: Yeah, it is the systematic management of the various activities.
A: What about the present situation of logistics in China?
B: Well, China is developing quickly in recent years. The new economic growth needs more logistics experts, and a lot of attemps should be done to improve the logistics efficiency of the whole society.
A: I agree with you.
B: You know, the total cost in China is higher compared to that in industrialized countries. It should be lowered. So you young people can make headway in logistics.
A: Thank you very much. Now, I’m more confident in my future career concerning logistics.
