Chapter Eight

Packing

Section 1 Introduction

• Containers used in single piece transportation packing: outer packing ， including Case, Crate, Carton, Bag, Sack , Drum , Bale , Carboy; and inner packing, inclusive of box, paper packet, can/tin and bottle

Unitization: Flexible bag container, Palletization, Containerization of transport

Shipping marks (see Figure 8-1, p.96)

Indicative marks (see Table 8-1,p.96)

Section 2 Specimen Documents• Specimen 1: Explaining the mode of packing• 事由 Re: … 200 Items of Chinaware under S/C No. 8907• Thank you for … concerning the packing of …. We quite unde

rstand your concern over packing, and our policy is to take all possible precautions so that our products reach our customers in perfect condition.

• Here are our packing particulars for export chinaware: 1) each item of chinaware is wrapped in tissue paper before being placed in its individual decorative cardboard box; 2) the boxes are then packed in strong cardboard cartons, four to a carton, separated from each other by corrugated paper dividers; 3) the cartons are then packed in strong wooden crates Since the crates are specially made to hold 24 cartons, there is no danger of movement inside them. The crates are further lined with waterproof, airtight materials. Then their top covers are nailed. Lastly, the crates are strapped with metal bands. We have practiced this mode of packing for years, and it has proved to be satisfactory to our customers.

• We trust you will find our mode of packing reliable and safe.

Specimen 2: Amending the packing clause• We have received your letter of 10 September, 2012, together

with your S/C No. 23456 in duplicate. After a thorough review of the contract, we want to point out that the packing clause “Packing: Seaworthy export packing, suitable for long distance ocean transportation” is rather vague. To avoid disputes, we propose that packing be described in detail in the contract.

• We suggest that the following details be listed in the packing clause. Tea will be packed in boxes of 10 kilos, 24 boxes on a pallet, 10 pallets to an FCL container. Outside each package we will mark the initials of the buyer, under which are the destination port and S/C number. In addition, handling marks such as “keep dry”, “use no hook”, etc., should also be stenciled on.

• We have made a footnote in the contract to that effect and are herewith returning one copy of the contract after duly counter-signing it. We hope this is acceptable to you.

• We will fulfill your order in accordance with the above if we do not hear from you to the contrary before the end of this month.

Specimen 3: Buyer’s packing requirements • In reply to your letter of …, we herewith advise you of our packing re

quirements for …. The details are as follows:• The door of the automobile must be locked before shipment. The door

key and the ignition key should be sent in care of the carrier to the importer at the port of destination, together with one duplicate copy of the shipping documents.

• The toolkit and accessories must be packed in a strong toolbox, which should be stored under the driver’s seat. The number of the toolbox should be clearly mentioned in the packing list.

• The cooling system of the engine must be filled with water containing anti-freeze agent, and the new batteries should not be charged or filled with sulphuric acid before shipment. All unvarnished ferrous metal should be well greased to prevent rusting.

• One copy each of the operation, maintenance and repair manuals and a list of spare parts, all in English, should be sent together with the automobile. They should be wrapped up in a package and stored in the driver’s cab.

• We look forward to your confirmation of the above.

Specimen 4: Request for changes in the mode of packing • We have received a shipment of men’s shirts on 25 January. Some

of our clients have expressed their concern over your packing of goods in cartons. The reasons they have given are reported as follows:

Cartons made of cardboard are easy to cut open, making pilferage possible. If and when the goods are to be transshipped at a certain port, the cartons will

stand in the open on the wharf and, in heavy rain, be subjected to damage, as the cartons will become soaked.

The cartons are piled up during loading and unloading. Thus, breakage is unavoidable because the cartons are too thin to withstand heavy pressure.

The insurance company will shift its responsibilities from goods packed in cartons as not suitable for cargo and refuse compensation for losses.

• As far as packing is concerned, our clients prefer wooden cases to cartons for future shipments.

• We sincerely hope you can take this matter into consideration and make all necessary improvements in order to avoid unforeseen troubles arising from faulty packing.

• We await your early reply.

Section 3 Useful expressions• The paint is usually packed in tins of 10 kilos net, 4 tins to a case.• For the sake of precaution, the cartons must be secured with metal

bands and marked “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” on the outer packing.

• We have no objection to packing the goods in cartons provided that you are responsible for the losses our clients might sustain on account of your use of such cartons.

• Taking into consideration the transport conditions at our end, the greatest care must be given to the packing and crating of the goods.

• The rice will be packed in international standard rice sacks, gross weight about 50 kilos a sack, 500 sacks to an FCL container.

• The cases used for packing our T-shirts are light but strong. They save shipping space and facilitate the storage and distribution of the goods.

• Our usual packing for our cotton pieces is in bales lined with damp-resisting paper, each containing 500 yards in single color.

• We pack our T-shirts in plastic-lined, waterproof cartons, reinforced with metal straps.

• Our chemical is customarily packed in iron drums of 20 kilos net each, 24 drums on a pallet, 10 pallets to an FCL container.

• Our fountain pens are packed 10 pieces to a box and 300 boxes to a wooden case.

• Owing to faulty packing, several items of the shipment arrived in such bad condition that we were compelled to dispose of them at greatly reduced prices.

• Our cartons for canned food are not only seaworthy but also strong enough to protect the goods from possible damage.

• Our cotton prints are packed in cases lined with kraft paper and damp-resistant paper, each consisting of 30 pieces in one design with 5 colorways, equally assorted.

• Our cartons are lined with polythene sheet, reinforced by overall strapping with plastic straps to protect the contents from moisture or any possible damage from jolting and collision in transit.

• Each item is wrapped in a polybag and put into a paper box, 50 boxes to a carton, 2 cartons to a wooden case.

• Mung beans can be supplied in bulk or in gunny bags. Either way is at the discretion of the buyer.

• Please see to it that no name of the country of origin or trademark is to appear on the outer packages.

• As to the shipping marks on the outer package of our export commodities, in addition to the consignee’s distinctive marks, the gross, net weights and tare, the wording “MADE IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA” should also be stencilled on the package.

Section 5 Exercises

• I. Self-test

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packaging_and_labeling

例如 :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Germanwings_Container_03.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Teu.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/IBC_on_pallet.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Cold_control_pac

kaging.jpg