16:00 Sep 22, 2009 

:: no apologies needed, it's a discussion not a penalty decision in the cup-final (anyway I didn't even submit an answer!)
:: people get too hung up on the link between the translation they send to their client and the answer they choose. don't. there doesn't have to be one.

15:49 Sep 22, 2009 

I have come to the conclusion that I will use Tony M's suggestion because:

1. His answer has got five positive peer comments (and one person may have strong inside knowledge of this term, having previously worked in the freight / shipping industry).

2. The correct and standard translation of shipment in this context is "expédition". The term "Prêt à l'expédition" means "Ready for shipment".

Martin - I am not denying that "sub-shipment" exists, because i have done my research and it clearly does exist. I will be awarding the points to Tony M in this case, but please be aware that I fully appreciate your help on this matter.

Thanks again,

Chris.

15:39 Sep 22, 2009 

I think the conceptual ground has been thoroughly débroussaillé now; but it's far better not to make terminology decisions like this from scratch if there's a chance (and I should think there's a high chance) that there already exists a precedent in the client's existing material or in the sector.

15:31 Sep 22, 2009 

Hi Martin and Tony M,

I was torn between using "shipment" and "parcel", but elsewhere I have translated the sentence, which includes the word "colis":

Si les palettes ou colis sont abîmés lors des opérations de stockage, XXX informera CLIENT qui prendra les mesures appropriées.

as:

If the pallets or parcels are damaged during storage operations, XXX will inform the CLIENT who will take the appropriate measures.

So am I right in thinking that I should stick with "per parcel and sub-parcel" because I have used "parcel" for "colis" elsewhere in the contract?

Many thanks again, especially to Martin and Tony M.

22:08 Sep 21, 2009 

are there any other instances of "sous-colis"/"sous colis" ?
"sub-parcel" or "sub-package" spring to mind but I've only heard of them in connection with the mapping of land-use/ownership and software development respectively.