Chapter 8  Packing

Section 1  Introduction
Section 2  Specimen letters
Section 3  Useful Expressions (Self study after class)
Section 4  Guide to Writing
Section 5  Exercises

Section 1  Introduction

    (1) Containers  (装物器)  are used in single piece

    transportation packing:

    Outer packing （ single piece transportation packing ）, including Case, Crate, Carton, Bag, Sack (麻袋) , Drum（桶）, Bale（布包）, Carboy (大玻璃瓶);

    Inner packing （ sales packing ）, inclusive of box, paper packet, can/tin and bottle

    (2) Unitization: Flexible bag container, Palletization, Containerization of transport

    (集装化运输：柔性袋式集装、托盘化、运输集装箱化)

Shipping marks (运输标志,  

Indicative marks (指示性标志，

Section 2 Specimen Documents

    Specimen 1: Explaining the mode of packing

     Re (事由) : … 200 Items of Chinaware under S/C No. 8907

Thank you for … concerning the packing of …. We quite understand your concern over packing, and our policy is to take all possible precautions (注意事项) so that our products reach our customers in perfect condition.

Here are our packing particulars (包装详情) for export chinaware: 1) each item of chinaware is wrapped in tissue paper (薄棉纸) before being placed in its individual decorative cardboard box (纸盒); 2) the boxes are then packed in strong cardboard cartons (纸箱), four to a carton, separated from each other by corrugated paper dividers (波状纸板分割); 3) the cartons are then packed in strong wooden crates (木箱). Since the crates are specially made to hold 24 cartons, there is no danger of movement inside them. The crates are further lined with (以…内衬) waterproof, airtight materials. Then their top covers are nailed. Lastly, the crates are strapped with (捆绑) metal bands. We have practiced this mode of packing for years, and it has proved to be satisfactory to our customers.

We trust you will find our mode of packing reliable and safe.

   Specimen 2: Amending the packing clause

We have received your letter of 10 September, 2012, together with your S/C No. 23456 in duplicate. After a thorough review of the contract, we want to point out that the packing clause “Packing: Seaworthy export packing, suitable for long distance ocean transportation” is rather vague (模糊). To avoid disputes, we propose that packing be described in details in the contract.

We suggest that the following details be listed in the packing clause. Tea will be packed in boxes of 10 kilos, 24 boxes on a pallet (托盘), 10 pallets to an FCL (full container load) container (整集装箱). Outside each package we will mark the initials of the buyer, under which are the destination port and S/C number. In addition, handling marks such as “keep dry”, “use no hook”, etc., should also be stenciled (模版印刷) on.

We have made a footnote in the contract to that effect and are herewith returning one copy of the contract after duly counter-signing (会签) it. We hope this is acceptable to you.

We will fulfill your order in accordance with the above packing clause if we do not hear from you on the contrary before the end of this month.

Specimen 3: Buyer’s packing requirements

In reply to your letter of …, we herewith advise you of our packing requirements for …. The details are as follows:

The door of the automobile must be locked before shipment. The door key and the ignition key (点火开关) should be sent in care of the carrier (承运人) to the importer at the port of destination, together with one duplicate copy of the shipping documents.

The toolkit (工具包) and accessories (配件) must be packed in a strong toolbox, which should be stored under the driver’s seat. The number of the toolbox should be clearly mentioned in the packing list.

The cooling system of the engine must be filled with water containing anti-freeze agent (抗冻剂), and the new batteries should not be charged or filled with sulphuric acid (硫酸) before shipment. All unvarnished (未涂漆的)  ferrous metal (黑色[铁类]金属) should be well greased to prevent rusting (生锈).

One copy each of the operation, maintenance and repair manuals (手册) and a list of spare parts (备件), all in English, should be sent together with the automobile. They should be wrapped up in a package and stored in the driver’s cab (驾驶室).

We look forward to your confirmation of the above.

Specimen 4: Request for changes in the mode of packing

We have received a shipment of men’s shirts on 25 January. Some of our clients have expressed their concern over your packing of goods in cartons. The reasons they have given are reported as follows:

Cartons are easy to cut open, making pilferage (盗窃)  possible.

If and when the goods are to be transshipped at a certain port, the cartons will stand in the open on the wharf (码头) and, in heavy rain, be subjected to damage, as the cartons will become soaked (浸泡).

The cartons are piled up (堆起) during loading and unloading. Thus, breakage (破损) is unavoidable because the cartons are too thin to withstand (承受)  heavy pressure.

The insurance company will shift its responsibilities from goods packed in cartons as the packing not suitable for cargo and refuse compensation (赔偿) for losses.

As far as packing is concerned (涉及的), our clients prefer wooden cases to cartons for future shipments.

We sincerely hope you can take this matter into consideration and make all necessary improvements in order to avoid foreseen (预见的)  troubles arising from faulty (有缺陷的)  packing. We await your early reply.