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Shipment refers to the carriage of the goods from the seller to the buyer, and it is realized by transport services. Of the various means of transportation available, ocean freight is by far the most important one. In most movements of goods, usually three parties are involved： the consignor, the consignee and the carrier.

In international trade, it is generally accepted that the contract is broken if the consignor (or exporter) does not dispatch the goods in accordance with the time and mode of delivery as agreed upon between the consignee (or importer) and the consignor (or exporter). Therefore, in negotiating the clause dealing with the transportation of goods in a sales contract, the elements of time, types of shipping service, freight, etc. should be under careful consideration.

Mr. James Black and Mr. Wang Bing are talking about the details of shipment.

James： Now that we’ve settled the terms of payment, is it possible to effect shipment in September? Wang： I don’t think we can.

James： That’s too late. You see, November is the season for this commodity in our market, and our customs formalities are rather complicated.

James： Well, the flow through the marketing channels and the red tape involved takes at least a couple of weeks. So, after shipment it will probably be another four to five weeks before the goods can reach our retailers. So the goods really ought to be shipped before October, or we won’t be ready for the season.

Wang： Our factories are fully committed for the third quarter; in fact, many of our clients are placing orders for delivery in the fourth quarter.

James： Mr. Wang, certainly you realize that time of delivery is a matter of great importance to us. If we place our goods on the market at a time when all other importers have already sold their goods at profitable prices, we shall lose out.

Wang： I see your point. However, we have done more business this year than any of the previous years. I am very sorry to say that we cannot advance the time of delivery.

James： I’m sorry to hear that. I sincerely hope you will give our request your special consideration.

Wang： You may take it from me that the last thing we want to do is to disappoint a customer, particularly an old customer like you. But the fact remains that our manufacturers have a heavy backlog on their hands.

James： But can’t you find some way to get round your producers for an earlier delivery? Make a special effort, would you? A timely delivery means a lot to us.

Wang： All right, Mr. James. We’ll get in touch with our producers and see what they have to say.

Wang： Hello. Mr. James. This is Wang Bing calling from Hangzhou,

James： Oh, Mr. Wang. It has been several months since we talked last time. What can I do for you?

Wang： The total quantity of the shirts we have just shipped to you is messed up. There should have been 1 000 pieces, but owing to a clerical error in the documents, we’ve loaded ten times as much. When we learned of the mistake, the vessel had left and right now it’s on its way. We had no choice but to call you and see whether you could accept the entire lot. I’d appreciate your help very much.

Wang： I know. But if you can take the entire consignment, we can allow you a reduced price.

James： I’m afraid that won’t work. No matter how much is off, we simply cannot find the market for such a huge amount of shirts.

James： I don’t mean that. I just mean that we are unable to dispose of those shirts if we buy them all, whatever price it is, because it may take us quite a long time to sell them out, and this will definitely tie up our money.

Wang： Mr. James, we are old business partners. Can’t you find some way out for us?

James：　I really want to help but I’m afraid we can’t. The best I can do is, if you trust me, to keep the surplus shirts here until there is a market for them. Maybe they can be sold out soon or maybe you will have to wait, for how long I don’t know. But I suggest thatafter they’re sold, I’ll pay you 85% of their present value, because a storage fee must be deducted. This is one choice. Another choice is that we ship the surplus shirts back to you, with everything at your expense. Which one suits you better?

Wang： They seem to be the only choices. OK, I’ll take the first one. I’d rather not have the shirts shipped back, because shirts are low value goods, and it will cost more than they are worth for us to take them back.

Wang： Hi, Mr Edward, I am just calling to inquire about the shipment of the products we order from you as our customer is in urgent need of the delivery for new season sale.

Edward： Mr. Wang, I am sorry that we were just informed that lately there has been much congestion in shipping. There are very few direct steamers sailing for your port. So is there any chance if transshipment is allowed?

Wang： Well, transshipment will prolong the delivery and is likely to cause damage. So, we still hope a direct shipment could be arranged.

Edward： Now the trouble is that it is very difficult to book shipping space. I’m afraid we can do little about this.

Wang： You surely know that transshipment adds to the expenses and sometimes may delay the arrival. If the goods can not be put on the market on time, then good quality and competitive price would mean nothing.

Edward： Yes, we really understand your position. Anyhow, we’ll try. We’ll see whether we can get the cooperation of the China National Chartering Corporation. It has a good reputation for

Wang： Thank you very much indeed! Can you let me know the result as soon as possible?

Edward： Mr. Wang, I was just informed by the China National Chartering that liner space for China is fully booked up and soods have to be transshipped if you insist on October shipment.

Wang： We prefer direct shipment, of course, but if you can’t get hold of a direct vessel, we may agree to have the goods transshipped at Hong Kong around mid-October. If you could manage to catch this vessel, everything would be all right.

Edward： It’s very difficult for us to accept a designated on-carrier. There are so many factors that might make the goods miss the intended departure. Besides, are you sure the vessel will call at Guangzhou? And is she already carrying a full load?

Wang： Let’s hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. If the worst comes to the worst, please ship the goods to Zhuhai. How about Zhuhai as an optional port of destination?

Edward： Good. Then, what would you say if we put it like this：“Shipment by first available steamer in October. Port of destination in Guangzhou or Zhuhai. Transshipment at Hong Kong allowed.”

Wang： Fine. It seems I have no alternative. Thank you, Mr. Edward. I’m sorry if the arrangements cause you any inconvenience.

Edward： Oh no, we’re only too glad to help you in any way we can. http://jwc.lmu.cn/jingpin/llist.asp?f_id=556&b_id=584

profitable prices有利的价格　 get round说服，劝说（某人）（同意某事）

designated on-carrier指定的二程船 intended departure预计的离开（时间）

1. Now that we’ve settled the terms of payment, is it possible to effect shipment in September? 我们已经确定了付款方式，那么九月份可以执行装船吗？terms of payment 意为“付款方式”。外贸出口主要的付款分为三种，信用证L/C (Letter of Credit)，电汇T/T(Telegraphic Transfer)，付款交单D/P (Document against Payment).其中L/C用的最多，T/T其次，D/P较少。effect shipment 意为“装船，装货”，是贸易中常用的短语。例如，We will like to ask you to effect shipment promptly. 希望你们能立即装货启运。

2. You see, November is the season for this commodity in our market, and our customs formalities are rather complicated. 您知道，11月是这个产品的销售季，我们的报关手续非常复杂。customs formalities意为“海关报关手续”，是关于对进出口货物的通关手续，主要包括接受申报，审核单证，查验货物，征税，结关放行等五道手续。

3. Well, the flow through the marketing channels and the red tape involved take at least a couple of weeks. 通过销售渠道以及繁琐地公文程序，起码要花上两周。marketing channels 意为“营销渠道”。传统营销渠道包括：批发商、代理商、零售商。新型分销渠道则有：连锁经营、特许经营、生产企业自营销售组织、网上直销。red tape 意为“形式主义，繁文缛节”。在很多国家的官方机构里，都不同程度地存在着一些繁文缛节、复杂并浪费时间的“官僚作风”。例如：We have to cut through all of the red tape to quickly attain a goal. 我们必须跳过所有的繁文缛节，以便迅速实现目标。

4. Our factories are fully committed for the third quarter. 我们所有工厂第三季度的货全都订满了。commit意为“致力于，承诺”。

5. If we place our goods on the market at a time when all other importers have already sold their goods at profitable prices, we shall lose out.如果其他进口商早已卖出他们商品，盈利而归，我们才投放市场，那我们就要亏本了。lose out 意为“损失，亏本”。例如：He didn’t want to lose out to the other salesmen. 他不想输给其他推销员。

6. But the fact remains that our manufacturers have a heavy backlog on their hands. 但是我们的厂家眼前的交货压得很重，这是事实。backlog 意为“积压未办之事，未交付的订货”。

7. But can’t you find some way to get round your producers for an earlier delivery? 那您没有办法说服你的生产商早点发货吗？get round sb. 意为“用奉承等说服某人”。例如：That child can always get round you and get what it wants. 那个孩子总是会哄人, 要的东西都能得到。

8. but owing to a clerical error in the documents, we’ve loaded ten times as much. 但是由于文件中的笔误，我们发出了10倍的货物。clerical error 意为“文书上的错误”。

9. When we learned of the mistake, the vessel had left and right now it’s on its way. 我们意识到错误的时候货物已经正在路上了。vessel为名词，意为“轮船，货轮”。例如：cargo vessel 在货船；carrying vessel 装货船只；combination vessel 货客船；ccommercial vessel商船；composite vessel 综合货船；container-carrying vessel 集装箱船，货柜船；home trade vessel 国内商船；passenger vessel 客轮，等等。

10. We had no choice but to call you and see whether you could acceptthe entire lot. 我们除了打电话问你们能否接受全部的货物别无其他选择了。lot 为名词，意为“（货物的）一批。例如：The 5 000 bicycles you ordered are to be shipped in two equal lots in March and April 2011. 你方订购的五千辆自行车将2011年3月和4月分两批均等装运。

11. But if you can take the entire consignment, we can allow you a reduced price. 但如果您能接受全部的货物，我们可以降低价格。consignment 意为“托付货物，托买货物”。

12. I just mean that we are unable to dispose of these shirts if we buy them all, whatever price it is, because it may take us quite a long time to sell them out, and this will definitely tie up our money. 我的意思是如果我们把这些衬衫全买下，不管什么价格，把它们全部处理都很难。因为我们可能要花很长时间才能全部卖掉，这样就会占有我们的资金。tie up 意为“把（资金等）冻结于某项用途之中”。例如：Her money is tied up in securities and is not available to her at present. 她的钱用来买了股票, 目前她还不能支用。

13. But I suggest that after they’re sold, I’ll pay you 85% of their present value, because a storage fee must be deducted. 我建议在它们全部卖掉之后，我付给您衬衫现在价格的85%，因为我们还要减掉库存费用。present value 意为“现值”，指资金折算至基准年的数值，也称折现值、也称在用价值，是指对未来现金流量以恰当的折现率进行折现后的价值。

14. Another choice is that we ship the surplus shirts back to you, with everything at your expense. 另外一种选择就是我们把额外的衬衫返回去，一切费用由你方承担。at one’s expense 是固定搭配，意为“由……出钱”。例如：The audit will be completed at your expense. 审计费用将由你支付。

15. There are very few direct steamers sailing for your port. 到达您那个港口的直轮稀少。direct steamers 意为“直达船”。steamer意为“汽船；轮船”。tramp steamer 不定期货船。

transshipment 是名词，意为“转船”，指在远洋运输中,货物装船后允许在中途港换装其他船舶转运至目的港。相应的动词为transship.

17. Now the trouble is that it is very difficult to book shipping space. 现在的问题就是舱位不好定。shipping space 是国际贸易中很常见的说法，意为“仓位”。

18. We’ll see whether we can get the cooperation of the China National Chartering Corporation. 我们看看能不能得到中国租船公司的合作。China National Chartering Corporation：中国租船公司，（简称中租）成立于1955年，隶属于国资委领导下的中国外运（集团）总公司。

19. I was just informed by the China National Chartering that liner space for China is fully booked up and soods have to be transshipped if you insist on an October shipment. 我刚接到中国租船公司的消息说，开往中国定期班的舱位已经定满，如果您坚持要10月份装运的话，就需要转运。liner 意为“班轮”。班轮运输有时也称提单运输，指在固定的航线上，以既定的港口顺序，按照事先公布的船期表航行的水上运输方式。

20. We prefer direct shipment, of course, but if you can’t get hold of a direct vessel, we may agree to have the goods transshipped at Hong Kong around mid-October. 我们当然还是希望直达的，但如果您找不着直达船，我们同意您将货物在10月中旬左右转运到香港。get hold of 意为“抓住，获得”。例如：Do you know where I can get hold of a secondhand carpet cleaner? 你知道我在哪里可以弄到旧的地毯吸尘器吗？

21. It’s very difficult for us to accept a designated on-carrier. 让我们接受指定的二程船很困难。on-carrier 意为“二程船”。直达船不存在一程与二程的问题。中转船有，一程船是指从起运港到中转港的船，二程船是指中转港到目的港的船。但是一般提单上只反映一程船名与航次。

22. Besides, are you sure the vessel will call at Guangzhou? 另外，您确定这个船能到底广州吗？它是不是已经满载了？call at意为“停留，达到”。例如：Does the ship call at Hong Kong? 这艘船在香港停靠吗？

23. And is she already carrying a full load? 在这个句子中，注意，“she”指的是船，这是英文的习惯。指船时不用it而常用she.

1) To ensure faster delivery, you are asked to forward the order by air freight.

2) If the customer requests a carrier other than truck, he must bear the additional charge.

3) To make it easier for us to get the goods ready for shipment, we hope that partial shipment is allowed.

2) We will be able to complete the delivery by the end of June and would appreciate it if you could wait till then.

3) The following consignment will arrive on the SS America which is due in Liverpool on 26 April.

1) We regret to inform you that there will be a hold-up in getting your consignment to you.

3) The delay in delivery is due to short supplies from Yunnan Province where an earthquake took place last week.

1) 铁路运输是一种主要货运方式，其运载量仅次于海洋运输。

Find a partner and act the following roles according to the situation described：

You are Mr./Ms Li, International Marketing Manager of ABC Company.

1) Because of the fully committed orders of your producers, you can not effect shipment in time.

2) Tell this circumstance to your customer, Mr./Ms White.

3) Discuss with him/her and find the most feasible solution.

You are Mr. /Ms White, customer of ABC Company.

1) Talk with Mr. /Ms Li about their delay of delivery.

2) Get round them to make effort to ship at the planned time.

3) If they can not manage timely delivery, find out a best way to make the loss as little as possible.

A bill of lading is document issued by a carrier to a shipper, signed by the captain, agent, or owner of a vessel, and stating the conditions in which the goods were delivered to (and received by) the ship; and an engagement to deliver goods at the prescribed port of destination to the lawful holder of the bill of lading. A bill of lading is, therefore, both a receipt for merchandise and a contract to deliver it as freight. It is a title to the goods, enabling the shipper or owner of the goods to endorse title to other parties, sell goods in transit, and present to banks with other documents. It is the most important document for sea transport. There are a number of different types of bills of lading.