A shipment gets stuck at customs because a document is missing. A warehouse manager can't communicate the inventory status in time. A freight forwarder misunderstands the shipping terms.
These small language gaps cost companies real money. If you work in logistics or supply chain management, knowing the right English terms isn't just helpful — it's essential.
Here are the key terms and phrases you'll actually use in global trade, explained simply.
你需要掌握的核心术语
先从最基础开始。每天在邮件、会议和运输文件里都会碰到这些词汇。
供应链与物流基础
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Supply chain – 从原材料到最终客户，涉及的人、公司和流程组成的完整网络。
Example: "We need to improve our supply chain efficiency to reduce delivery times."
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Logistics – 移动货物的实际操作，包括规划、运输、仓储与交付。
Example: "She works in logistics, coordinating shipments from Asia to Europe."
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Freight – 正在运输中的货物，通常通过船舶、飞机、火车或卡车。
Example: "The freight arrived at the port two days late."
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Lead time – 从下单到收到货物的时间间隔。
Example: "Our lead time is currently six weeks due to high demand."
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Inventory – 公司持有的商品库存。
Example: "We need to check inventory levels before accepting new orders."
船运与文件
船运文件决定成败。搞错文件，货物就会在边境滞留。
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Bill of Lading (B/L) – 最重要的运输单据，是托运人与承运人之间的合同，证明货物所有权。
Example: "Please send the original Bill of Lading so we can clear customs."
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Customs clearance – 获得政府部门批准进出口货物的过程。
Example: "The delay was caused by slow customs clearance in Singapore."
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Incoterms – 国际贸易术语，定义谁负责运费、保险和关税等费用。常见代码有 FOB、CIF 和 EXW。
Example: "We agreed on FOB Shanghai, so the buyer handles shipping from the port."
下面把最常用的 Incoterms 一一拆解，让你能自信使用。
| Term | Meaning | Who Pays for Main Transport? |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Buyer picks up goods at seller's location | Buyer |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Seller delivers goods onto the ship | Buyer after loading |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Seller pays for shipping and insurance to destination port | Seller |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Seller handles everything, including customs | Seller (all risks and costs) |
选错 Incoterm，可能会让你多付意想不到的费用。务必核对无误。
日常沟通中的实用短语
单靠词汇不足以应对真实场景，你需要贴合实际谈话的表达方式。
- "Can you confirm the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)?" – 询问货物到达时间。
- "The container is stuffed." – 容器已装满。
- "We have a backorder." – 商品缺货，客户在等待。
- "The shipment was short-shipped." – 并非全部商品都发出。
- "Please expedite the order." – 请加快处理速度。
- "We'll consolidate the two shipments." – 将两批合并为一批。
一句小而强大的表达："Could you please advise on the status?" 这句礼貌、专业，几乎适用于任何物流邮件。
关于行话的快速提醒
物流英语充斥着缩写。人们随口说 ETA、ETD、PO（Purchase Order）和 SKU（Stock Keeping Unit），仿佛大家都懂。
如果你不确定，别装作懂了。直接问。
"Sorry, could you explain what SKU stands for?"
这并不可耻，而是聪明的表现。
记住的一条小贴士
学习物流英语最好的方式就是阅读真实文件。翻阅提单、查看发货确认，甚至听关务对话录音。
如果你想快速了解自己的水平，可以在 English Measure 上做一次免费的英文水平测试。我们覆盖阅读、听力、写作和口语——全部针对实际商务场景。
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