Mr.James is a representative of a British company, and Mr.Liu is a staff member of China National Foodstuffs Import & Export Corporation. They hold a discussion on the seafood.
J: Now, Mr.Liu, Let's have a word about delievery. Can you make prompt shipment?
L: "Prompt shipment", such terms are ambiguous. People can interpret this phrase differently.
J: We must have the seafood for the winter sale. That's all I want.
L: For the winter sale? Why, that would mean the goods must arrive at London in early Novemeber. We're now in late September. Even if we had the goods ready, I don't think we could ship them right away.
J: I know there's a great demand on shipping lately.
L: That is so. I was informed by our shipping department yesterday that liner space for Europe up to the end of next month had been fully booked. I'm afraid we can do very little about it.
J: We understand tramps are still available.
L: Yes, but tramps are scarce. Generally, no refrigeration facilities are provided on them, and I'm not sure whether there would be enough tonnage to make a full cargo, even if a tramp could be obtained.
J: Is there any chance if transhipment is allowed?
L: But transhipment adds to the expenses, risks of damage and sometimes may delay arrival, because there's also a shortage of transhipment space for Europe. Anyhow, we'll try. We have good connections with China Resources Shipping & Storage Co.Ltd. in Hongkong. This company has a great reputation for its competence in the shipping world. And since it has longterm agency agreements with many world famous shipping companies, it can easily meet the clients' varied demands.
J: We prefer direct shipment, of course, but if you can't get hold of a direct vessel, we may agree to have the goods transhipped at Hongkong. You know, good quality, competitive price, all would mean nothing if goods could not be put on the market on time.
L: Yes, fully understood. We'll find out the situation about the connecting steamer right away.
J: As far as I know, Jardine Shipping Agent(HK) Ltd.has a liner sailing from Hongkong for Europe around mid-October. If you could manage to catch that vessel, everything would be all right.
L: It's very hard for us to accept a designated on carrier. There are so many factors that might make the goods miss the intended sailing. Besides, are you sure the vessel will call at London? And is she already carrying a full load?
J: I guess if we start immediately, there's still hope. And if worst comes to worst, please ship the goods to London or Liverpool. How about Liverpool as an optional port of destination?
L: Good. Then what would you say if we put if like this: "Shipment, first available steamer in Octoober. port of destination, London or Liverpool. Transhipment at Hongkong allowed."
J: Fine. It seems I've no alternative. Thank you, Mr. liu. I'am sorry if these arrangments cause you a lot of inconvenience.
l: Oh, no, we're only too glad to help you in any way we can. |