I. Letter study

1. Read these letters and find out the mode of transportation used. Explain your choice.

A.

Dear Sir,

We would like to send from Heathrow to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, twelve boxes of assorted glassware, to be delivered within the next fortnight.

Each box weighs 40 kilos, and measures 0.51 cubic meters. Could you please quote charges for shipment and insurance?

Yours faithfully,

(signature)

B.

Dear Sir,

Would you please quote for collecting, from the above address, and delivering the following consignment to R. Hughes & Son Ltd., 21 Mead Road, Swansea?

6 divans and mattresses 700cm x 480cm

7 bookcase assembly kits packed in strong cardboard boxes, measuring 14 cubic meters each

3 coffee table assembly kits, packed in cardboard boxes, measuring 10 cubic meters each

4 armchairs, 320 x 190 x 260cm

The divans and armchairs are fully protected against knocks and scratches by polythene and corrugated paper wrapping, and the invoice value of the consignment is ₤1,660.50.

I would appreciate a prompt reply, as delivery must be made before the end of next week.

Yours faithfully,

(signature)

C.

Dear Sir,

We are writing to inform you that we have shipped the first grinding machine against the above Order by the M.V. North this morning.

Acknowledgement of receipt in good order and condition will be appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

(signature)

Your Order No. 1355

What transportation / shipping documents are necessary in every mode?

2. Look through this advice of dispatch and answer the questions.

1. When should the drills arrive in New York?

2. Where have the documents been sent?

3. Which words in this letter correspond to the following: to inform, large boxes,merchandise, arrives in, three copies, subscribed, meet requirements?

Dear Sirs,

Order No. M/621684

We are pleased to advise you that the above order has now been dispatched.

The electric drills are in five separate crates marked SW WOL INC. NEW YORK and numbered 1 to 5.

The consignment is on the M.V. Ionian, which left London on 2 August and is due in New York on 11 August.

We have sent to Barclays Bank at 168 Fenchurch Street, clean, shipped on board Bills of Lading in triplicate endorsed and marked as requested, Insurance Certificates in duplicate, a Certificate of Origin and our invoice in triplicate.

We have also presented our draft for ₤4108 which has now been paid by the bank.

We hope that the drills prove suitable for your customers’ needs and look forward to receiving your next order.

Yours faithfully,

(signature)

3. Study this document and answer the questions.

A Bill of Lading is a receipt given by the shipping company. In this case, there are three original copies any one of which can give ownership of the goods.

1. Who is shipping ( = exporting) the consignment?

2. What is the name of the shipping company?

3. Who is the importer (the person/company to be notified)?

4. Which vessel will the consignment be shipped in?

5. Where will it be loaded?

6. Where will it be discharged ( = unloaded)?

7. How many original copies are there?

8. Has the freight been paid?

9. What goods were sent?

10. How are they marked?

11. What is the total weight?

12. What is the total volume of the consignment?

Note: The Air Waybill consists of 12 copies distributed to the airline, exporter, importer, and customs. Unlike the Bill of Lading, the Air Waybill is only a receipt and cannot be transferred to another person.