班轮公会运输的缺点(三点)：
1. Rates are usually high. 费率一般很高
2. Rates do not fluctuate according to supply and demand as in a tramp service.费率不会像不定期船那样随供求关系的变化而变动。(fluctuate:变化，变动;supply and demand:供求)
3. Rules and procedures are inflexible.规则和程序不灵活(rules:规则;procedure:程序，手续;inflexible:不灵活的)
2-3 Non-conference lines 非班轮公会运输
2-3.1 课文：In recent years, along most international routes, non-conference lines have posed a challenge to conference system.
注释：in recent years: 近几年 along: 沿着 pose a challenge to: 对...提出挑战
课文意思：近几年，出现在大多数国际航线上的非班轮公会运输，对班轮公会提出了挑战。
2-3.2 课文：This is attributable to the development of containerization and emergence of many independent carriers.
注释：attributable: 可归于...的(be attributable to: 可归因于) containerization: 集装箱运输，货柜运输 emergence: 出现，发生 independent carriers: 独立承运人
课文意思：这是由于集装箱运输和许多独立承运人的出现。
2-3.3 课文：As a result, along some routes, the conference lines have been forced to come to terms with the non-conference lines in regard to rates, and terms and condition of service.
注释：as a result: 结果 be forced to: 被迫去做... come to terms: 达成协议，妥协，让步 in regard to: 关于(=regarding, with regard to) terms: 价钱，费用 condition: 条件。
