? ? 圖書(shū)在版編目（CIP）數(shù)據(jù)

　　實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ) / 王淑花, 潘愛(ài)琳主編. --2版. -- 北京 :

首都經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易大學(xué)出版社, 2024.3

　　ISBN 978-7-5638-3663-5

　?、? ①實(shí)…?、? ①王… ②潘…?、? ①物流－英語(yǔ)－

教材　Ⅳ. ①F25

　　中國(guó)國(guó)家版本館CIP數(shù)據(jù)核字（2024）第056539號(hào)

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

Shiyong Wuliu Yingyu

主　編 王淑花　潘愛(ài)琳

　　　　曲囡囡　孫靜波　李海英　張雪丹 副主編

田　麗　楊潤(rùn)芬　邱林林　裴姝娟

責(zé)任編輯? 浩　南

封面設(shè)計(jì)

出版發(fā)行? 首都經(jīng)濟(jì)貿(mào)易大學(xué)出版社

地? ? 址? 北京市朝陽(yáng)區(qū)紅廟（郵編 100026）

電? ? 話 （010） 65976483 65065761 65071505 （傳真）

網(wǎng)? ? 址 http://www. sjmcb. com

E-mail publish@cueb. edu. cn

經(jīng)? ? 銷(xiāo) 全國(guó)新華書(shū)店

照? ? 排 北京硯祥志遠(yuǎn)激光照排技術(shù)有限公司

印? ? 刷 北京九州迅馳傳媒文化有限公司

成品尺寸 185毫米×260毫米　1/16

字? ? 數(shù) 280千字

印? ? 張 13.5

版? ? 次 2023年3月第1版 2024年3月第2版

?????2024年3月總第3次印刷

書(shū)? ? 號(hào) ISBN 978-7-5638-3663-5

定? ? 價(jià) 49.00元

圖書(shū)印裝若有質(zhì)量問(wèn)題，本社負(fù)責(zé)調(diào)換

版權(quán)所有? 侵權(quán)必究

1

物流業(yè)作為現(xiàn)代服務(wù)經(jīng)濟(jì)的重要支柱和組成部分，在國(guó)民經(jīng)濟(jì)和社會(huì)發(fā)展中發(fā)揮

著重要作用。隨著我國(guó)經(jīng)濟(jì)體制改革的深入，以及經(jīng)濟(jì)全球化的加速發(fā)展，特別是在

“一帶一路”倡議提出的背景下，企業(yè)對(duì)外向型物流人才的需求旺盛。既懂物流知識(shí)，

又能使用英語(yǔ)順暢表達(dá)見(jiàn)解的國(guó)際化、復(fù)合型物流人才深受企業(yè)歡迎。

本書(shū)是在物流英語(yǔ)慕課基礎(chǔ)上設(shè)計(jì)的教材。慕課呈現(xiàn)主要知識(shí)點(diǎn)，可供學(xué)生課前

預(yù)習(xí)；教師可使用本教材開(kāi)展課堂教學(xué)和課后延伸教學(xué)。內(nèi)容設(shè)計(jì)既考慮物流從業(yè)人

員的真實(shí)工作情境，又兼顧學(xué)生英語(yǔ)能力的提升，體現(xiàn)了實(shí)用性，對(duì)學(xué)生走向未來(lái)的

國(guó)際化物流職場(chǎng)有直接的幫助。本書(shū)可作為高等學(xué)校物流專(zhuān)業(yè)、商務(wù)英語(yǔ)專(zhuān)業(yè)及其他

相關(guān)專(zhuān)業(yè)的教學(xué)用書(shū)，也可作為物流從業(yè)人員提高英語(yǔ)水平的參考書(shū)。

本教材具有兩個(gè)鮮明特色：

第一，緊扣物流從業(yè)人員的職場(chǎng)需求，以英語(yǔ)運(yùn)用能力的提升為核心，模擬工作

過(guò)程設(shè)計(jì)學(xué)習(xí)情境，培養(yǎng)學(xué)生的職場(chǎng)英語(yǔ)溝通能力。本書(shū)以一個(gè)本科畢業(yè)生進(jìn)入物流

職場(chǎng)的經(jīng)歷入手，使學(xué)生由淺入深地熟悉物流發(fā)展史、倉(cāng)儲(chǔ)管理、庫(kù)存管理、運(yùn)輸、

包裝、配送、采購(gòu)、信息系統(tǒng)、客戶(hù)服務(wù)、國(guó)際物流和第三方物流等主題；同時(shí)，從聽(tīng)、

說(shuō)、讀、寫(xiě)、譯等技能的綜合訓(xùn)練入手，圍繞上述主題設(shè)計(jì)語(yǔ)言使用任務(wù)，使學(xué)生能

夠掌握上述領(lǐng)域的核心知識(shí)，同時(shí)使用英語(yǔ)完成各項(xiàng)任務(wù)。這些任務(wù)既包括各種職場(chǎng)

情境下的口頭表達(dá)任務(wù)，如與客戶(hù)的對(duì)話和電話溝通，與同事的討論、會(huì)議和工作匯

報(bào)等，也包括各種書(shū)面表達(dá)任務(wù)，如寫(xiě)郵件，寫(xiě)道歉信，回復(fù)客戶(hù)詢(xún)問(wèn)，填寫(xiě)各種報(bào)表，

撰寫(xiě)報(bào)告、合同等。

第二，教材編寫(xiě)堅(jiān)持以習(xí)近平新時(shí)代中國(guó)特色社會(huì)主義思想為指導(dǎo)，秉承“以學(xué)

習(xí)者為中心”“思政為本、應(yīng)用導(dǎo)向”的理念，以為國(guó)家培養(yǎng)兼?zhèn)鋰?guó)際視野和愛(ài)國(guó)情

懷的物流從業(yè)者為目標(biāo)，充分體現(xiàn)學(xué)生的主體地位，將學(xué)生的品德發(fā)展和能力發(fā)展融

為一體。每個(gè)章節(jié)的任務(wù)設(shè)計(jì)包括課前、課中和課后三個(gè)大部分，使學(xué)生明確課前知

第二版前言

PREFACE

2

識(shí)儲(chǔ)備、課中訓(xùn)練和課后夯實(shí)的重點(diǎn)所在，實(shí)現(xiàn)全過(guò)程教學(xué)和育人。為全面貫徹落實(shí)《關(guān)

于做好黨的二十大精神進(jìn)教材工作的通知》要求，推動(dòng)黨的二十大精神進(jìn)教材，在教

材第一版推出一年后，教材編寫(xiě)組對(duì)教材進(jìn)行了修訂，在教學(xué)內(nèi)容和任務(wù)設(shè)計(jì)中加入

了黨的二十大報(bào)告中與物流發(fā)展規(guī)劃相關(guān)的內(nèi)容，緊密結(jié)合《“十四五”現(xiàn)代物流發(fā)

展規(guī)劃》，充分體現(xiàn)中國(guó)的物流發(fā)展歷史、新理念和新進(jìn)展，使學(xué)習(xí)者能夠基于中國(guó)

的現(xiàn)實(shí)，應(yīng)用所學(xué)知識(shí)分析問(wèn)題和解決問(wèn)題，從而樹(shù)立文化自信。

全書(shū)共 12 章，每章包括課前預(yù)習(xí)（Preview）、課堂教學(xué)（In-class Activities）、

課后深化拓展（After-class Activities）和職場(chǎng)實(shí)用技能（Vocational Skills）四個(gè)部分，

其中課前預(yù)習(xí)部分主要包括視聽(tīng)思考（Listen, Watch and Think）和閱讀思考（Read

and Reflect）兩大任務(wù)，夯實(shí)物流知識(shí)和英語(yǔ)理解能力。課堂教學(xué)部分包括展示

（Presentation）、角色扮演（Role-play）、個(gè)人觀點(diǎn)表達(dá)（Idea-sharing）、寫(xiě)作實(shí)踐（Writing

Practice）等真實(shí)職場(chǎng)語(yǔ)言交際任務(wù)，全面提升學(xué)生的物流職場(chǎng)英語(yǔ)溝通能力。課后深

化拓展部分主要包括討論（Forum）、調(diào)研（Survey）、中英互譯（Translation）等形式，

注重實(shí)踐育人。第四部分主要突出對(duì)職場(chǎng)匯報(bào)專(zhuān)項(xiàng)技能的培養(yǎng)，可作為學(xué)生自學(xué)內(nèi)容。

本書(shū)各章節(jié)的編寫(xiě)分工如下：孫靜波負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第一章和第十一章，李海英負(fù)責(zé)編

寫(xiě)第二章，潘愛(ài)琳負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第三章，邱林林負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第四章，曲囡囡負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第五章

和第十章，張雪丹負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第六章，裴姝娟負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第七章，楊潤(rùn)芬負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第八章，

田麗負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第九章，王淑花負(fù)責(zé)編寫(xiě)第十二章。全書(shū)由王淑花和潘愛(ài)琳設(shè)計(jì)，每個(gè)

章節(jié)的 Part 1，Part 2，Part 3 由王淑花和潘愛(ài)琳統(tǒng)稿，Part 4 由曲囡囡統(tǒng)稿。

由于編者水平有限，書(shū)中難免有不當(dāng)和疏漏之處，敬請(qǐng)廣大讀者提出寶貴意見(jiàn)。

1

Chapter 1　Logistics

Part 1 Preview: The Nature and Historical Development of Logistics………………… 1

Part 2 In-class Activities: Daily Communication and E-mail Writing ……………… 10

Part 3 After-class Activities: Conduct a Case Study ………………………………… 15

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Key Elements of a Presentation…………………………… 17

Chapter 2　Warehouse Management

Part 1 Preview: The History and Practices of Warehousing………………………… 19

Part 2 In-class Activities: Receiving Calls and Apology Letter Writing …………… 26

Part 3 After-class Activities: Share Your Predictions ……………………………… 29

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Context in Presentation …………………………………… 31

Chapter 3　Inventory

Part 1 Preview: The Significance of Inventory Management ……………………… 32

目? 錄

CONTENTS

2

Part 2 In-class Activities: Oral Report and Briefing Writing ……………………… 41

Part 3 After-class Activities: Create Your Briefing ………………………………… 46

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Becoming a Successful Presenter ………………………… 48

Chapter 4　Transportation Management

Part 1 Preview: Transportation Modes and Technologies…………………………… 50

Part 2 In-class Activities: Negotiation on Shipment and Sales Letter Writing……… 58

Part 3 After-class Activities: Share Your Strategies ………………………………… 62

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Keep Your Audience Engaged …………………………… 64

Chapter 5　Packaging

Part 1 Preview: The Definition and Function of Packaging ………………………… 66

Part 2 In-class Activities: Create Your Advertisement ……………………………… 73

目? 錄

CONTENTS

3

Part 3 After-class Activities: Share Your Design …………………………………… 77

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Verbal Message in a Presentation ………………………… 79

Chapter 6　Distribution

Part 1 Preview: Smart Choice of Distribution ……………………………………… 84

Part 2 In-class Activities: Parcel Tracking and Report Writing …………………… 95

Part 3 After-class Activities: Share Your Solution…………………………………… 99

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Non-verbal Message in Presentations …………………… 101

Chapter 7　Procurement

Part 1 Preview: Procurement Process and History ………………………………… 103

Part 2 In-class Activities: Placing Orders and Memo Writing ……………………… 111

Part 3 After-class Activities: Justify Yourself………………………………………… 115

目? 錄

CONTENTS

4

Part 4 Vocational Skills：Dressing in Presentation ………………………………… 117

Chapter 8　Supply Chain Management

Part 1 Preview: Significance of Effective Supply Chain Management……………… 119

Part 2 In-class Activities: Receiving the Supplier and Complaint Letter Writing … 127

Part 3 After-class Activities: Conduct a Research…………………………………… 132

Part 4 Vocational Skill: Methods to Deliver a Presentation ………………………… 134

Chapter 9　Logistics Information System

Part 1 Preview: New Technologies in the Logistics Industry ……………………… 136

Part 2 In-class Activities: Talking about Bills of Lading and

Creation of Commercial Invoice ……………………………………………… 145

Part 3 After-class Activities: Make Interpretations ………………………………… 150

Part 4 Vocational Skill: Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of a Presentation…… 153

目? 錄

CONTENTS

5

Chapter 10　Customer Service

Part 1 Preview: Definition and Strategies …………………………………………… 155

Part 2 In-class Activities: Customer Communication and Follow-up

Letter Writing ………………………………………………………………… 162

Part 3 After-class Activities: Create Your Own Definition ………………………… 166

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Visual Aids in Presentation ……………………………… 168

Chapter 11　International Logistics

Part 1 Preview: Definition, Function and Trends …………………………………… 169

Part 2 In-class Activities: Dealing with International Warehousing and Freight…… 177

Part 3 After-class Activities: Make Comparisons …………………………………… 182

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Interaction with the Audience as an Expert ……………… 184

目? 錄

CONTENTS

6

Chapter 12　Third-Party Logistics & Reverse Logistics

Part 1 Preview: Definitions and Functions ………………………………………… 185

Part 2 In-class Activities: Meeting Discussion and Contract Writing ……………… 195

Part 3 After-class Activities: Find the Preferences…………………………………… 201

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Ways to Make Your Presentation More Interactive ……… 203

目? 錄

CONTENTS

1

Chapter 1　Logistics

Task 1　Listen, Watch and Think

Video 1 Unveil the Mystery of Logistics

Video 1

Watch Video 1 and finish the True or False questions. Write “T” for true and “F” for

false beside the statements.

1. The management of the “move” of the goods has begun only in the modern society. （　　）

2. The word “l(fā)ogistics” was first used in the military service to describe the process of

supplying a war zone with troops, supplies and equipment in World War I. （　?。?/p>

3. According to CLM, logistics is the part of the supply chain process that plans, implements

and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, service

and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption to meet

customers’ requirements. （　　）

4. The 7Rs refers to getting the right product, in the right quantity, and in the right condition,

at the right cost, to the right place, at the right time, and to the right customer. （　?。?/p>

5. The logistics system only contains five functions of customer service, transportation,

warehousing, inventory management, and packaging. （　?。?/p>

Chapter 1　Logistics

Part 1 Preview: The Nature and Historical

Development of Logistics

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

2

Video 2 The Historical Development of Logistics

Video 2

Watch Video 2 and fill in the blanks.

1. In the West Han Dynasty, the territory was more ________ and commercial trades between

different nations became more ________.

2. Emperor Han Wudi ________ official Zhang Qian to the western regions and the famous

ancient trade channel-the Silk Road was gradually ________.

3. Emperor Sui Yangdi contributed to the development of logistics development in China by

starting the ________ system in China.

4. Post stations were ________ along the land route and water route and the delivery speeds

were ________ into different ranks according to the urgent situation.

5. Zheng He led ________ to the western seas and reached more than 30 countries within 28

years, which were the unprecedented feats of ________ logistics in scale, scope and time.

Task 2　Read and Reflect

Passage 1

The Nature of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics and supply chain management (SCM) are far-reaching activities that have a

major impact on a society’s standard of living.

To understand some of the implications for consumers of logistics activities, we must

consider: the difficulty in shopping for food, clothing and other items if logistical and supply

chain systems do not conveniently bring all those items together in one place, such as a

single store or a shopping mall; the challenge in locating the proper size or style of an item if

logistical and supply chain systems do not provide a wide mix of products, colors, sizes and

styles through the assortment process; the frustration of not having an online order fulfilled if

3

Chapter 1　Logistics

logistical and supply chain systems do not satisfactorily meet an agreed delivery time window.

These are only a few of the issues we often take for granted that illustrate how logistics

touches many facets of our daily lives. However, the various activities associated with

logistics and SCM also have an impact on environmental sustainability.

Logistics management activities typically include inbound and outbound transportation

management, warehousing, materials handling, order fulfilment, logistics network design,

inventory management, supply/demand planning, and management of third-party logistics

(3PL) service providers. To varying degrees, the logistics function also includes sourcing and

procurement, production planning and scheduling, packaging and assembly, and customer

service. Until the turn of the Millennium, point of consumption meant point of sale, i.e.,

a retail store or some other form of outlet. Rapid advances in technology offering online

shopping or other services through the Internet of Things (IoT) have now verified and

validated the point of consumption notion. SCM is thus considered an integrating function

with a primary responsibility for linking major business functions and business processes

within and across companies into a cohesive and high-performing business model.

It includes all the logistics management activities noted above, as well as manufacturing

operations, and drives the coordination of processes and activities with and across marketing,

sales, product design, finance, and information technology, and is thus a more holistic view of

a firm.

Logistics and SCM trends affecting sustainability

Environmental issues have been an area of growing concern and attention for businesses

on a global scale. Transportation, production, storage and the disposal of hazardous materials

are frequently regulated and controlled. In Europe, firms are increasingly required to remove

and dispose of packaging materials used for their products. These issues complicate the job of

logistics and SCM, increasing costs and limiting options. Following is a discussion of these

key trends and their impacts.

Globalization has increased tremendously since the 1970s, primarily due to the

development and widespread adoption of the standard shipping container, international

trade liberalization, the expansion of international transport infrastructure such as ports,

roadways and railroads, and production and logistics cost differentials between developed and

developing countries. However, the geographical length of supply chains has increased along

with the attendant environmental issues of fuel use and emissions. The impact on logistics and

SCM of globalization has been significant over the past several decades.

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

4

Relationships and outsourcing

In concert with the logistics and SCM definitions above, there has been a need for

increased collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships among customers, suppliers,

competitors and other stakeholders in an increasingly interconnected and global environment,

which can have positive benefits for sustainability. For example, two competitors could share

transportation and warehousing facilities in an effort to avoid the empty running of trucks and

also provide return or reverse logistics opportunities.

Outsourcing can be very cost-effective for firms, as they can efficiently concentrate on

their core competencies, reduce capital expenditures and fixed assets related to transportation

and storage infrastructure, reduce labor and internal operating costs, and enjoy the expertise

and economies of scale provided by the 3PL service provider. However, firms lose control of

those operations that they outsource, despite service level agreements and contracts, and thus

may not have control over the sustainability efforts of 3PLs or their sub-contractors.

Technology is also an important factor in modern global supply chains as it enables

better, faster and more reliable communication. Logistics and SCM have interfaces with a

wide array of functions and firms, and communication must occur between the focal firm, its

suppliers, customers and various members of the supply chain who may not be directly linked

to the firm, and the major functions within the firm such as logistics, engineering, accounting,

marketing and production. Communication is thus key to the efficient functioning of any

integrated logistical or supply chain system.

Time compression: the lean versus agile debate

Time compression refers to ways of “taking time” out of operations. Longer lead times

and process times create inefficiencies, require higher inventory levels, greater handling,

storage, transportation and monitoring, incur a greater chance for error, and thus decrease the

efficiency of the supply chain as a whole. Advanced logistics and supply chain activities and

technology as discussed above help compress a firm’s time by developing better relationships

with suppliers and customers to share more real-time information and improve its accuracy.

Thus, many firms have initiated time compression strategies to significantly reduce

manufacturing time and inventory.

The rise of e-commerce

Electronic commerce, or e-commerce, in business to business (B2B), business to

consumer (B2C) and consumer to consumer (C2C) exchanges has risen rapidly in importance

for almost 20 years. This increase in e-commerce has significant relevance for the logistic

and SCM sector as it imposes enormous pressure on areas of reliability, punctuality and

5

Chapter 1　Logistics

expedition. Further, the impact of e-commerce on parcel deliveries and returns, the tracking

of freight and vehicles and its management, and Cloud services which allow the sharing of

data to make synchronous supply chains function, are likely to be of increasing importance in

future. All of these issues have an impact on the sustainability of transport.

Another development in the e-commerce phenomenon is omni-channel retailing, where

a consumer’s entire online shopping experience, i.e., both sales and fulfilment, is seamlessly

and consistently integrated across all channels of interaction, including in-store, digital media

including computers, mobiles and tablets, social media, catalogues and call centers. From a

supply chain perspective, omni-channel also means there should be complete visibility across

channels, along with a holistic, unified view of the path to purchase. Thus, omni-channel

increases complexity in e-commerce activities.

The “one-way flow” of logistics and SCM

The logistical or supply chain flow of products is predominantly one way from raw

materials/resources and producers to consumers. Reverse or return networks and systems

are woefully underdeveloped and, for those networks that do have some development, the

vagaries of the economy significantly affect those networks that have some maturity. For

example, the UK was sending a lot of mixed paper and cardboard waste to China in the 2000s

for reprocessing and reuse as new product packaging. However, the price of this waste fell

from over 90 per tonne to 8 per tonne in late 2008 as a result of the economic recession. Thus,

globalization, technology, lean and agile techniques and a “one-way flow” have all contributed

to increased standards of living around the world, including in developing nations who benefit

from better economic activity.

(Source:https://www.pdfdrive.com/sustainable-logistics-and-supply-chain-managementprinciples-and-practices-for-sustainable-operations-and-management-e184138550.html)

Comprehension check: Read Passage 1 and finish the True or False questions. Write “T”

for true and “F” for false beside the statements.

1. Logistics and supply chain management have a major impact on the move of goods but not

on a society’s standard of living. （　?。?/p>

2. SCM is considered an integrating function with a primary responsibility for linking major

business functions and business processes within and across companies into a business

model. （　?。?/p>

3. SCM drives the coordination of processes and activities with and across marketing, sales,

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

6

product design, finance, and information technology, and is thus a more holistic view of a

firm. （　?。?/p>

4. Environmental issues have been an area of growing concern and attention only for

commercial businesses. （　?。?/p>

5. The geographical length of supply chains has increased the fuel use and emissions. （　?。?/p>

Passage 2

How to Improve Logistics Performance with Big Data

From improving healthcare to suggesting what movies to watch, big data is being used

to improve our lives on a daily basis. Accordingly, businesses across the globe-and across

industries-have spent extensive amounts of their marketing budgets on using this data to gain

expert insight into both their businesses and their customers. In doing so, they have been able

to optimize processes and, consequently, customer experience.

However, while most industries got on board years ago, logistics has been a bit slower to

implement and reap the rewards of big data. Granted, the industry already leverages big data

in a multitude of ways, but it is unquestionable that it could be better utilized to advance the

industry even further. Records have indicated that supply chain executives agree. According to

the research on Supply Chain Management World, 64 percent of executives think that big data

and the insights it brings will have a disrupting power that can pivot the industry forever.

In this sense, Youredi and Transmetrics share a vision of helping logistics companies

maximize the value they derive from their data. At Youredi, we often talk about how

it’s necessary to have the right data in the right format at the right time available for all

stakeholders. Transmetrics facilitates this process by providing the vital data cleansing and

predictive optimization that logistics companies need to succeed.

But good software only gets you so far. Before you can maximize the benefits of big data,

and the insights, clarity, and accuracy it brings, there are a few actions your logistics company

should take:

Record data on every aspect of the business

I remember the time when I had to deal with logistics planning and ERP systems

myself-I thought it was a nightmare. And forecasting every aspect of the supply chain surely

wasn’t the easiest task. I quickly realized that more, accurate data, along with a platform that

visualized that data, would be useful for better executing supply chain strategy.

This is partly the reason why I see recording data on every aspect of the business as the

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Chapter 1　Logistics

number one opportunity when we think about big data in terms of supply chain management.

Exploiting every piece of data from every single step of the supply chain can bring immense

value to businesses. It will ensure end-to-end visibility for all parties (of course data-sharing is

a must!), greater efficiency, and optimized processes (preferably digital ones).

Building up an information-driven supply chain is the top priority for supply chain

executives and all the following aspects will closely relate to this. In fact, in one report, 75

percent of respondents said that digital transformation of the supply chain was “important or

very important”. In the same report, supply chain visibility tools like Youredi and big data

analytics solutions like Transmetrics were listed as the two top key technology enablers that

will help make the digital supply chain a reality.

Utilize contextual intelligence

Contextual intelligence is a second factor that cannot be overlooked. According

to Harvard Business Review, it is defined as “the ability to understand the limits of our

knowledge and to adapt that knowledge to an environment different from the one in which it

was developed”. In other words, it is about considering the context of situations when looking

to gain business insights through big data.

One way to acquire contextual intelligence relates directly to the above-mentioned

point. Having data available from all aspects of the supply chain (including manufacturing,

e-commerce and retail data too) will make it easier to improve processes and better plan for

the future. However, the raw data itself is not enough. With companies like Transmetrics,

which does data cleansing and predictive analytics, you can transform the raw data into

actionable insights which can be shared with all relevant stakeholders across the value chain

in a timely manner.

Other tools are useful, too. You need to find a platform or a cloud-based software, such

as Data Essential or Infosys, that helps to make sense of the data-and you might want to be

able to integrate it into your own systems to see all the information in one place. You also

need to ensure that all your on premise systems, cloud applications, and IoT devices are

transferring data to you in your preferred format. This can be implemented through a simple

API management solution.

Improve operational efficiency with data sharing and partnerships

Real-time data sharing with all of your partners is important. The insights that you gather

may not only be useful for you, but also for your partners. At the end of the day, this type of

data sharing in logistics can help to improve operational efficiency by capturing fluctuating

customer demand, external factors, and the operations of your partners.

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

8

Additionally, it will improve transparency and help all stakeholders to streamline their

processes, ultimately improving the quality of your processes, and the overall performance

of your business as well. (Remember to implement KPIs!) As you gain more control over

every aspect of your business, from optimizing resource consumption to improving delivery

routes, the increased efficiency will allow you to speed up your operations, improve customer

retention, and increase revenue.

However, you certainly need to evaluate what data you can and want to share with the

other parties (for security and privacy reasons). Only some data will result in a win-win

situation where the processes and solutions of both parties benefit. Fortunately, tools like

Nallian already exist to foster business collaboration through this type of data sharing.

Improve order-to-cycle

The speed of delivery is important for customers today. Having accurate, timely data

available won’t only help you to pinpoint improvement opportunities for processes and allow

you to collaborate better with your partners, but also to ensure that your customers receive

their orders in the shortest time possible. Meanwhile, you want to provide your customers with

real-time visibility over their orders, so they can always know the status of their deliveries and

when they can expect them.

As such, data can help you to optimize customer service -knowing the exact status of

your customers’ shipments by having all data in a single place will make serving them far

easier. Ultimately, this will improve your order-to-cycle process, but what’s even better is that,

as you continue enhancing the quality of your partnerships and providing excellent customer

experience, you will also increase customer retention and loyalty.

Manage external factors better

Many different factors can affect the performance of your supply chain. In some cases,

you must deal with climate changes and “force majeure”. Crime is still present in some

countries. Changes in the political situation or in the financial market can occur. Socio-cultural

changes can affect your performance. Or simply a shift in customer demand can put you in a

bad position.

With that in mind, having data on everything that can affect your operations will help

you to better predict future events and act before those events would happen. By putting such

data points into predictive models, you are able to improve the accuracy of your forecasts and

remove some of the uncertainty involved in the process.

Optimize deliveries with Geo-analytics

Planning the best possible route for delivery does not only mean that the shipments

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Chapter 1　Logistics

will arrive faster to your customers (though that is an important factor-customers do expect

fast delivery, especially for e-commerce), but also that you will be able to save on fuel

consumption which can save substantial costs to your business.

Access to data on delivery in real-time can help you to monitor and manage your routes

better, communicate with your agents, and if necessary, adjust your delivery plan. Take the

company What3words, for example. In partnership with Aramex, a disruptive leader in the

logistics industry, the company’s software was able to improve last-mile delivery time by over

40 percent using three-word addresses, instead of full street addresses.

Clearly, logistics big data itself is not enough. When you receive raw data in bulk, it’s

not very useful. You must also have data governance processes in place to ensure the adequate

storage of the data, comply with all the regulations and security, and ensure that the quality of

the data is flawless, so you can validate and enrich it.

Once the data is validated and enriched, you can create actionable insights for any

number of purposes: improving partnerships and cooperation, managing external factors and

risks, optimizing routes, schedules, and deliveries, making sure you deliver everything ontime and boost customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, improving operational efficiency and

becoming more profitable.

(Source: www.youredi.com)

Comprehension check: Read Passage 2 and finish the True or False questions. Write “T”

for true and “F” for false beside the statements.

1. Big data has been used to optimize processes and customer experience firstly in logistics

industry. （　　）

2. More than half of executives think that big data and the insights it brings will have a

disrupting power that can pivot the industry forever according to a research. （　?。?/p>

3. Many companies are very successful in managing the right data in the right format at the

right time available for all stakeholders. （　　）

4. A better executing supply chain strategy is to use accurate data, along with a platform that

visualized that data. （　?。?/p>

5. Contextual intelligence refers to the consideration of the context of situations when looking

to gain business insights through big data. （　?。?/p>

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

10

Task 1　Presentation

Work in groups before class. After watching the videos online, you are required to find

the definition of logistics and try to analyze the key elements in the processes of logistics

management. Now comes the presentation time.

Task 2　Role-play

Dialogue 1 Simulated Interview

Ⅰ. Background

Role play the following conversation of job interview in a logistics company. Leo

Williams is the interviewee applying for the position of logistics manager, who is taking an

interview with Ms. MacLaine, the director of the logistics department in a newly founded

logistics company.

Ⅱ. Sample dialogue

Ms. MacLaine: Please have a seat, Mr. Williams. I received your resume last week, and

was very impressed.

Leo Williams: Thank you!

Part 2 In-class Activities: Daily Communication and E-mail Writing

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Chapter 1　Logistics

Ms. MacLaine: We are a small logistics company dealing with mostly goods delivery.

May I ask why you are interested in working for us?

Leo Williams: Your company has an impressive reputation and I always want to work

for a smaller company.

Ms. MacLaine: That’s good to hear. Would you mind telling me a little bit about your

present job?

Leo Williams: I’m currently working in a large international company in charge of a

team of eight logisticians. We mainly manage the distribution and warehousing for major

clients worldwide.

Ms. MacLaine: Why do you think you are the right candidate for this position?

Leo Williams: As a head logistics manager, I have a lot of experiences in the logistics

management, especially concerning transportation, distribution and warehouse and inventory

management. I deal with the clients on the daily bases, and I enjoy working with people.

Ms. MacLaine: Well, you might just be the person we’ve been looking for. Do you have

any questions?

Leo Williams: Uhhum, if I were hired, which sector would I be working in?

Ms. MacLaine: You will be working in the transportation sector, together with two other

logistics managers from distribution and warehousing sectors.

Leo Williams: And who would I report to?

Ms. MacLaine: Directly to me.

Leo Williams: I see. What kind of benefits package do you offer?

Ms. MacLaine: Two weeks of paid vacation in your first-year employment, you are also

entitled to medical and dental insurance, but this is something you should discuss with our

Personnel Department. Do you have any other questions?

Leo Williams: No, not at the moment.

Ms. MacLaine: Well, I have to discuss your application with my colleagues and we’ll

get back to you early next week.

Leo Williams: OK, thanks. It’s been nice meeting you!

Ms. MacLaine: Nice meeting you too! And thanks for coming in today.

Ⅲ. Useful expressions

1. Could you tell me what do you know about our company? Have you sent your

application to any other companies?

可以談?wù)勀銓?duì)本公司的認(rèn)識(shí)嗎 ? 你有沒(méi)有應(yīng)征其他公司呢 ?

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

12

2. Why are you interested in this job?

你為什么會(huì)對(duì)這份工作感興趣 ?

3. What are you going to do if you are ordered to work overtime?

如果你被要求加班，你會(huì)怎么辦 ?

4. Do you think you are an extrovert or an introvert?

你認(rèn)為你是性格外向的人還是性格內(nèi)向的人 ?

5. Do you have any actual work experience?

你有實(shí)際的工作經(jīng)驗(yàn)嗎 ?

Dialogue 2 Introducing the company

Ⅰ. Background

Role play the following conversation happened in the well-known logistics company,

UPS. Jiang Lili is a customer service representative of the logistics department in UPS. She

is introducing her company to Adam Smith, a potential customer about the major business of

UPS.

Ⅱ. Sample dialogue

Jiang Lili: Good morning, sir! It is a pleasure to talk with you!

Adam Smith: Good morning! I’m also glad to share this wonderful time with you!

Jiang Lili: Are you interested in our company?

Adam Smith: Yes, I am. I’d like to know more about your company. UPS is a very

famous company, but I’ve known too little about it. What a pity it is! What does UPS stand

for?

Jiang Lili: United Parcel Service, Inc.

Adam Smith: What kind of company is UPS?

Jiang Lili: It’s a package delivery company, providing transportation, logistics, and

financial services in the United States and internationally.

Adam Smith: When was it founded?

Jiang Lili: In 1907.

Adam Smith: Where is its headquarter?

Jiang Lili: It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Adam Smith: What does your company operate?

Jiang Lili: Our company operates in three segments: U.S. Domestic Package,

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Chapter 1　Logistics

International Package and Supply Chain & Freight.

Adam Smith: What else?

Jiang Lili: In addition, our company offers various technology solutions to various

industries.

Adam Smith: How amazing!

Jiang Lili: As of December 31, 2009, it has operated a fleet of approximately 101,900

package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles, as well as an air fleet of approximately 510

aircrafts.

Adam Smith: Good heavens! No wonder UPS is the world’s largest express delivery

service institution, the world’s largest package delivery company as well as the world’s

leading professional transport and logistics service provider.

Jiang Lili: Our company, through a strategic alliance with AliExpress, offers users the

benefit of managing their shipping and tracking processes online.

Adam Smith: I can’t believe it!

Jiang Lili: If you are interested, I’d like to provide more information to you.

Adam Smith: You’re so kind.

Ⅲ. Useful expressions

1. Now that we have been introduced, may I make a presentation on our company’s

activities?

既然我們已互相介紹過(guò)了，我能針對(duì)本公司的活動(dòng)做一下介紹嗎？

2. The catalogues will give you a good idea of the products we handle.

這些樣本目錄會(huì)使你對(duì)我們經(jīng)營(yíng)的產(chǎn)品有一個(gè)很好的了解。

3. Our company operates in three segments. Our company offers various technology

solutions to various industries.

我們公司的運(yùn)營(yíng)主要分三個(gè)部分。我們公司還為各個(gè)行業(yè)提供技術(shù)解決方案。

4. You see our sales have been growing quite steadily over the past ten years.

你可以看到我們的銷(xiāo)售額在過(guò)去 10 年來(lái)一直穩(wěn)定地增長(zhǎng)。

5. You see, we’re interested in establishing a joint venture with a Chinese partner. It

seems your company is one of our choices. But one more thing I’d like to know is your ...

你知道，我們有興趣與一家中國(guó)伙伴建立合資企業(yè)。你們公司是我們的選擇對(duì)

象之一。但我還想了解一下你們的……情況。

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

14

Task 3　Idea-sharing

Based on your understanding of logistics management and the historical development

of logistics, please work in groups and share your opinions on the differences and similarities

of the ancient and modern logistics management in terms of the key elements of logistics

management. Base your opinion on evidence and details.

Task 4　Writing Practice: E-mail

Lecture

An e-mail about business promotion should aim to establish a good relationship

with potential customers, and provide the knowledge of company’s business including the

company’s mission, business areas, enterprise scale, status in logistics industry etc. Please

write a business promotion e-mail for the logistics company of Panalpina. Try to enclose the

following information of the company and write an effective e-mail by using a proper format,

organized structure, functional expressions and influential contents.

Information of the logistics company of Panalpina:

● Our mission is to exceed customers’ expectations in the transfer of their goods and

documents around the world. We deliver value to our customers by providing the

most reliable and efficient solutions in distribution and logistics.

● Our vision strongly reflects who we are: ambitious, optimistic, result-oriented. It

communicates our confidence that we can always overcome obstacles and achieve

our goals.

● Our standards: Aim to satisfy customers every time; Challenge and improve all we

do; Act as a team; Measure success through sustainable profit.

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Chapter 1　Logistics

Task 1　Case Study

Search online to find some typical cases of sustainability in logistics of SCM in terms

of environmental issue, globalization, outsourcing, time compression, e-commerce, etc. Share

your findings with your classmates.

Task 2　Oral Activity

Interview at least four classmates to get to know their ideas of using big data in logistics.

Put your interview video on the online platform to share with your classmates.

Interview questions include but may not be limited to:

● What should be recorded in logistics big data?

● How to make your data more intelligent?

● What data can be shared with other partners?

● What external factors are very crucial to be combined with big data?

Part 3 After-class Activities: Conduct a Case

Study

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

16

Task 3　Translation

Translate the following paragraph into Chinese.

We will accelerate development of the Internet of Things and build an efficient and

smooth logistics system to help cut distribution costs. We will accelerate the development

of the digital economy, further integrate it with the real economy, and build internationally

competitive digital industry clusters. We will build a modern infrastructure system with a

better layout and structure, more effective functions, and greater system integration.

(Excerpt from President Xi Jinping’s Report to the 20th National Congress of the

Communist Party of China)

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Chapter 1　Logistics

There are three key elements of good presentations: content, organization, and delivery.

Your audience needs interesting and appropriate content in order to pay attention, especially

at the start of a presentation. Logical organization helps retain your audience’s attention-they

need to be able to follow your train of thought and predict where you are going with your

ideas. Delivery also is important, as your own engagement with the information helps your

audience engage.

Content

Content deals with the substance of your presentation. Your ideas and information should

be original and significant. Use accepted and relevant sources in your research, and reference

those sources as needed. Offer a clear analysis that’s comprehensive and concise at the same

time - strive for the right amount of information for your audience’s needs and the allotted

presentation time.

The following points are the characteristics of good content:

Simplicity-reduce information to key points and essential meanings．

Unexpectedness-pose questions, offer interesting statistics, “make the audience aware

that they have a gap in their knowledge and then fill that gap”．

Concreteness-use specific language; provide real-life examples．

Credibility-use sources, facts, and statistics to back up your content; deliver information

confidently; know your information well．

Emotions-engage your audience to feel something about your content．

Stories-use examples and illustrations to create a “story element” to the presentation.

Finally, to make your content effective, repeat key information throughout your

presentation.

Part 4 Vocational Skills: Key Elements of

a Presentation

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

18

Organization

Good organization requires a clear beginning, middle, and end. Link your ideas logically

throughout the presentation to lead to an ending that resolves the problem or summarizes the

situation you presented at the start. It’s up to you to determine your presentation’s organization

based on your audience and purpose. Strive for clear transitions between individual points,

slides, and topics.

Delivery

Delivery involves a range of factors from body language and word choice to vocal

variety. A good presenter has a passion for the subject and an ability to convey and perhaps

elicit that emotion in the audience. Audience engagement through eye contact, facial

expression, gestures, or vocal tone contributes to an effective presentation. Delivery also deals

with the confidence and professionalism with which you deliver the presentation.

19

Chapter 2　Warehouse Management

Video 1 The History of Warehousing in China

Video 1

Watch Video 1 and fill in the blanks.

1. “Grain and fodder should go before troops and horses”, which comes from the Warring

States Period. It means ________ ________ should be made in advance.

2. A warehouse is a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods are ________

until they are exported to other countries or distributed to shops to be sold.

3. The history of warehousing can be ________ ________ long time ago in China although

the concept and definition are new.

4. More than 2,000 years ago, during the Spring and Autumn Period, Guan Zhong said that the

state should “________ grain in an inexhaustible granary, store wealth in an inexhaustible

treasury”.

5. The basic starting point of functions of ancient warehousing was to accumulate grain to

prepare against ________ in peaceful times and to regulate the grain price.

Chapter 2　Warehouse Management

Part 1 Preview: The History and Practices

of Warehousing

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

20

Video 2 Warehouse Management

Video 2

Watch Video 2 and answer the True or False questions. Write “T” for true and “F” for

false beside the statements.

1. Warehouse management is the act of organizing and controlling everything within the

warehouse, and making sure it all runs in the most optimal way. （　　）

2. Warehouse management is a simple system that aims to control the flow and storage of

goods within the warehouse. （　?。?/p>

3. Receiving is one of the most crucial processes. To perform the process properly, the

warehouse should be able to verify or check that it has received the right product, in the

right quantity, in the right condition, and at the right time. （　?。?/p>

4. Products that need to be retrieved the most often should be located far away from the

workers that need to retrieve them. （　?。?/p>

5. Shipping is the start of the journey of goods from the warehouse to the customer. It is

considered successful only if the right order is sorted and loaded, is dispatched to the right

customer, travels through the right transit mode, and is delivered safely and on time. （　　）

Task 2　Read and Reflect

Passage 1

Warehouse Logistics: Challenges, Benefits, and Best Practices

To define warehouse logistics, we must first understand the meaning of logistics itself.

In the simplest possible terms, logistics may be defined as the detailed planning, organization,

management, and implementation of complex operations. In many industries, including

warehousing, logistics also extends to the flow of both physical goods and information.

Warehouse logistics, therefore, encompasses all the varied, complex factors - organization,

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Chapter 2　Warehouse Management

movements, and management - involved in warehousing. This includes the flow (shipping and

receiving) of physical inventory, as well as that of more abstract goods, including information

and time.

Warehouse logistics may also extend to anything from warehouse pest control, to

damaged goods handling, to safety policies, to human resources management, to customer

returns. In other words, warehouse logistics involves all the policies, procedures, and

organizational tools necessary to keep the warehouse operations running smoothly.

Challenges of warehouse logistics

Common warehouse logistics challenges revolve around organization: Simply put, how

can you achieve detailed control over something as large as a warehouse? And yet, you must.

You must be able to pinpoint the exact location of a specific item of inventory, the pallet that

carried a purportedly expired food item, or the truck that shipped an item damaged during

shipment. These controls are paramount to smooth operations and healthy revenues, and yet,

without expert tools, they are nearly impossible to achieve.

Warehouse challenges run even deeper than these immediate concerns, extending into

inventory management, supply chain management, cost controls, human resources, risk

management, and security, among other factors. So, how can you achieve enough flexibility

to stay competitive, while maintaining adequate offerings to please customers, while still

exercising sufficient controls to protect your revenues? These are the questions facing

warehouses today.

How to improve warehouse logistics

It’s indisputable: warehouse managers have a lot on their plates. Luckily, you also have

increasingly helpful, incredibly powerful tools to help you meet the needs of your warehouse,

the requirements of your employees, and the expectations of your customers.

Advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) give you real-time insight into your

warehouse, and equip you - and all your employees - with the necessary tools to effectively,

efficiently and profitably manage your warehouse.

Indeed, a WMS is not only a sure way to improve warehouse logistics but is also a must

in today’s warehousing. More than an inventory control system, warehouse management

systems take control of all warehouse logistics, from inventory control and management, to

order fulfillment. Many WMS today incorporate mobile tools, so your warehouse managers

and employees can consult the system on the go, via smartphone.

Comprehensive WMS also combine traditional management tools with warehouse

control systems (WCS) to create a whole-warehouse synergy to improve your overall logistics,

實(shí)用物流英語(yǔ)（第二版）

22

from inventory receipt to shipping.

Benefits of warehouse logistics

The benefit of controlled warehouse logistics is simple - increased revenue. Think of it

this way: When your warehouse operations run smoothly, inventory is properly accounted

for, the right item is sent at the right time, stock is replenished when needed, fewer picking

errors occur, and all the people, processes, and systems fall into place as they should, your

warehouse operates more efficiently. There are fewer errors and fewer problems, and that

means maximized revenue.

When you implement a solid WMS to control your warehouse logistics, you should:

Ensure accurate, real-time inventory counts: Know how much inventory you have -

and its specific location within your warehouse.

Decrease returns: An accurate look at your inventory means sending the right item, the

first time.

Auto-replenish stock: Don’t wait until you’re out (or nearly out) of stock to order more;

let your WMS auto-replenish inventory when stock levels get low.

Maximize warehouse space: Some WMS automate warehouse routines (ex. stock

rotation and picking), which means you’ll need less floor space for workers, which in turn

means maximizing your warehouse space to store more inventory.

Other WMS benefits extend to better demand planning, improved visibility and

transparency, stock traceability, fewer picking errors, optimized processes, efficient labor

allocation, and improved customer services - factors that boil down to reduced operational

expenses and more revenue.

Warehouse considerations influence warehouse logistics

Without a doubt, a capable WMS can transform your operations and optimize logistics.

But a software tool, no matter how powerful, can only go so far as human error. In real-life

settings, warehouse considerations heavily influence your logistics.

Your warehouse managers and, to a certain extent, all involved employees must be well

trained in using your equipment and WMS. Your transportation, 3PL, and related contractors

and suppliers must coordinate with your logistics efforts. Any changes to your warehousing -

new racking, updated organization, etc. - must be accounted for in the system, or problems

will quickly manifest.

Warehouse logistics are not static. They change with your physical needs, your inventory,

your employees, and any other factors that they govern. In the end, while you can implement

tools and procedures to help govern and control warehouse logistics, smooth operations hinge

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Chapter 2　Warehouse Management

on watchfulness, proper training, and evolving policies.

(Source: https://www.camcode.com/blog/what-is-warehouse-logistics/)

Comprehension check: Read Passage 1 and fill in the blanks.

1. Advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) give you real-time ________ into your

warehouse, and equip you - and all your employees - with the necessary tools to effectively,

efficiently and profitably manage your warehouse.

2. More than an inventory control system, warehouse management systems take control of all

warehouse logistics, from ________ control and management, to order fulfillment.

3. Don’t wait until you’re out (or nearly out) of stock to order more; let your WMS autoreplenish inventory when ________ levels get low.

4. Without a doubt, a capable WMS can transform your operations and ________ logistics.

5. Any changes to your warehousing - new racking, updated organization, etc. - must be

________ ________ in the system, or problems will quickly manifest.

Passage 2

Warehouse Management

As companies grow, they often need to add more locations and warehouses. It

is important to effectively manage the multiple locations and optimize the warehouse

organization.

Warehouse management system

There is a great deal of work and logistical effort that go into properly managing a

warehouse. In fact, managing a single warehouse is quite different from managing multiple

warehouses. Both present unique challenges that must be faced in their own unique ways.

Let’s go through some of the strategies you can employ in managing a single warehouse vs. a

multitude of them.

Manage a single warehouse

Many small businesses that are just starting out or that cater to a local market will have

just one warehouse. This is not a bad thing; it is just the nature of starting and growing a

business. When your space is limited to a single location, it is absolutely essential that you

make the most of every square inch available to you. You don’t want to waste space on

products you don’t absolutely need to have on hand or that will otherwise increase your