商贸英语实用对话 Unit10:Packing and Shipping

（10）Packing and Shipping
◆ A Taiwan exporter talks to a freight forwarder about shipping his goods.
◆ Exporter ：How do you do, Mr. Blake? Your company has been recommended to me by Mr. Hsiao.
◆ Freight Forwarder ： What did your friend say about our services?
◆ Exporter : He explained how we could have lowered shipping costs by using your company.
◆ Freight Forwarder ： Yes, a freight forwarder can cut down on a reat deal of your shipping expense.
◆ Exporter ： How do you do that?
◆ Freight Forwarder ： We are knowledgeable about shipping and can secure you the best rates. We also cut costs by our efficiency in preparing the documents you need for export.
◆ Exporter : What documents are those?
◆ Freight Forwarder : Generally, exporters need a consular invoice, a bill of ladin, a certificate of insurance, and sometimes a certificate of origin and a carnet.
◆ Exporter : What about packing?
◆ Freight Forwarder : We can crate, box, or rope any items for a small charge.
◆ Exporter ：I'm concerned about damage to my breakable goods. Can you mark this shipment Fragile?
◆ Freight Forwarder ： We can attach all kinds of labels such as Handle with Care and Keep Dry. Shipments can also be given special handling for an additional fee.
◆ Exporter ：How much does special handling cost?
◆ Freight Forwarder ： Well, regular shipping is cheaper, of course. But you have to measure that saving against the advantages of reducing damage. I'm afraid there's some weight limitation on shipments given special handling.
◆ Exporter : It sounds as though you offer some useful services. How much does all this cost?
◆ Freight Forwarder : You can understand that the price depends on many things. We estimate fees on a per-shipment basis. Rates also vary with the costs of the merchandise carried. Our charges are generally reasonable. The seller often pays a commission for our services and passes it on to the buyer. So it works out to be very inexpensive.
◆ Exporter :Becoming an exporter sounds as though it will be easier than I thought, with a freight forwarder to help me.