Packing

containers fire -proof open this end

country of origin fragile padding

dimensions inflammable stencil

discharge lining water-proof

forwarding on board weight

Packing is very important in modern shipping. The use of pre-packed (1) …… has reduced the risk of damage which can be caused by rough loading and unloading, but there are still many risks which packing and (2) …… agents must be careful about.

In addition to the damage caused by loading and unloading, there are the risks from water and fire, as well as other accidents (3) …… ship. Therefore the containers used today are often strong, (4) …… and (5) …… to protect them against rough handling, fire and water respectively.

Although there is less risk today, forwarding agents often have to (6) …… special signs on the containers, cartons, crates or boxes. For example, they write (7) …… if the goods can be broken easily, (8) …… if the goods catch fire easily, and (9) …… if it is important to open a container so that the goods are standing the correct way when the container is opened.

In addition, the (10) …… in kilos and the (11) …… in centimetres are sometimes necessary. Importers also give instructions to suppliers to stencil the (12) …… , e.g. PRODUCE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, and the port of (13) …… , e.g. MOMBASA, on the containers.

The materials used are important. Wooden and metal crates and containers are necessary for fragile goods, and waterproof and fireproof (14) …… is sometimes necessary. To prevent damage from rough handling of glass bottles, for example, extra (15) …… is necessary.

If goods are packed carefully, there is less damage and less inconvenience for suppliers, buyers and insurance companies.

Exercise 73. Use the words below to complete these sentences about goods and transport.

Goods and transport

Air Waybill clearing agent dock receipt perishable

Bill of Lading consignee durables shipper

Certificate of Origin container fragile white goods

1. Goods which are easily broken are described as ……………

2. A steel box used for transporting goods is a ……………

3. The person who will receive the goods is the ……………

4. A document which tells you where the goods are from is a ……………

5. A person who clears the goods through customs is a ……………

6. A document used as a consignment note for air transport is an ……………

7. The party responsible for sending the goods is the ……………

8. A document which states the goods are on board ship is a ……………

9. Foodstuffs, and other goods which have a short shelf-life, are ……………

10. A document which states what is in a consignment is a ……………

11. Goods, such as fridges and washing machines, which are used for domestic purposes are sometimes called ……………

12. Long-lasting manufactured goods are referred to as ……………

Exercise 74. Here are some abbreviations found on trade finance documents:

1	CAD	Cash Against Documents
2	E/L	Export Licence
3	ICC	International Chamber of Commerce
4	AWB	Air Way Bill
5	FCR	Forwarder’s Certificate of Receipt
6	L/C	Letter of Credit
7	SAD	Single Administrative Document
8	B/L	Bill of Lading
9	CTN	Container
10	COD	Cash On Delivery
11	CTD	Combined Transport Document
12	UCP	Uniform Customs and Practice

Now find the correct explanation of the terms above.

1. Payment is made upon receipt of documents, providing that they are in order.

2. This document is used for the free movement of goods in EU countries.

3. A set of rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce which lays down the procedures for completing documentary credit forms.

4. A receipt for goods issued by a forwarding agent to an exporter.

5. A reinforced box used for the transportation of goods.

6. This document states that the goods have been received on board a plane and serves as a consignment note with full details of destination, type of goods, weight, etc.

7. A licence required by an exporter to permit him/her to carry out export activities.

8. A Bill of Lading which includes sea and other forms of transport.

9. A non-governmental organisation which promotes world trade and investment, and formulates guidelines and terminology for importers and exporters.

10. This document serves as a consignment note for the transportation of goods by sea.

11. This is a document which serves as a means of payment for import-export transactions.

12. This means that payment will be made at the time of delivery of the goods.

Exercise 75. Use the words in below to name the documents explained here.