1、Unit 11Shipment,Text A,There are many means of transportation, and each has its advantages and drawbacks. Goods can be transported by a train, a truck, a plane, a ship or through a pipeline. The method used depends on time and cost. Trains are usually used to transport bulk products that are low in

2、value and must travel great distances.,Trucks can stop within a city and deliver goods direct to the market. A truck can start as soon as it is loaded. It is mostly used to transport high-value goods which travel short distances. Air freight is quick although it is expensive. When speed is taken int

3、o consideration, this method will be more effective. Food and some urgently needed goods are usually delivered by air freight.,Ships have long been used for transportation. They are still the most important means of transportation in international trade now. Commodities such as coal, grain, chemical

4、s and iron ore are often shipped by this means. Although it is a little slower, it is much less expensive. So far, most of our export goods have been transported by ship.,Since China began its reform, we have had many busy ports with great handling capacity. Almost 80% of our import and export goods

5、 are handled through these ports. Pipelines are a special form of transportation. This form is being used for transporting gasoline, crude oil, and natural gas. Even some solids can be moved by pipelines.,With the expansion of international trade, the container service has become popular. The use of

6、 containers provides a highly efficient form of transport by road, rail and air, which has been regarded as a mode of more efficient shipment.,Text B,(A) Dear Sirs, We have received your letter of October 1, asking us to modify the previous arrangements for the shipment of the captioned goods.,We un

7、derstand that instead of two equal shipments in January and February next year, you now wish to have 80% of the goods shipped in November and the balance in December this year.,In reply, we wish to inform you that although we are in a position to supply you with the goods against the above order fro

8、m stock we are advised by the shipping company that because direct vessels, whether liner or tramp, sailing for your port are few and far between, the shipping space has been fully booked up to the end of November. In the circumstances, we regret being unable to meet your request.,However, if you wo

9、uld allow transshipment at Hong Kong we would do our best to make further contacts with the shipping company for the shipment of the first lot of the goods in November. In this case, you must bear the additional charges. In spite of this, we wonder if the goods in question will reach you earlier tha

10、n the originally scheduled time.,Please take the above into consideration and let us know your decision as early as possible. Yours faithfully,(B) Dear Sirs, Re: S/C No. 999 dated March 4, 2002 We wish to inform you that the goods under the captioned S/C were delivered by train on May 15, 2002, to H

11、ong Kong for transshipment to your port. The name of the second carrier is S.S. “Peace”, as shown in the enclosed Combined Transport B/L No 155.,You will please note that the goods are of high quality, while the prices are quite moderate. In particular, there have been significant improvements in pa

12、cking and presentation. This will add further value to the products, which can provide for a wide range of tastes and requirements.,It would be appreciated if you could outline your next promotion program along this line as well as your valuable proposals. We shall be glad to study them carefully and make efforts to suit your requirements. Yours faithfully,Skill drilling,As an exporter of tape recorders, you are asked to send an email to a forwarding agent (運輸代理