There is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic freight forwarder to join our branch operation in East London. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning and execution of seafreight and airfreight shipments, excellent customer service, management of files from inception to closure, monitoring of vessel movement and the forwarding and clearing of cargo. Engagement with the insurance department as well as all relevant statutory bodies will be expected.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Receiving new orders placed by clients.
Forwarding of orders to the relevant overseas offices and monitoring of the movement of cargo accordingly.
Obtaining shipment readiness details and planned vessel/flight details from origin offices.
Forwarding of all relevant details to client and obtaining authorisation to make shipment booking.
Registering of the relevant notifications when received and updating of relevant systems accordingly.
Managing shipments in a paperless environment and seeking continuous opportunities to enhance the process.
Follow up with the client and/or the relevant overseas office and obtain the following documentation in order to process customs clearance:
Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
Bill of Lading.
House Bill of Lading.
Arrival notification.
Signed clearing instruction.
Any certificates required e.g. certificate of origin, state veterinary; DTI permit etc.
Ensuring all customer requirements are processed prior to customs clearance e.g. redirections/ road haul requests etc.
Following up on customs releases, stops, detains and arrange examinations where necessary.
Preparing of relevant delivery instructions.
Applying for release from the shipping/airlines and agents.
Arranging delivery release order or Container Terminal Order where applicable.
Arrange for delivery of relevant documentation to nominated transporter, monitor vessel discharge.
Arranging delivery of cargo in conjunction with third parties and client.
Obtaining shipping line or agents’ charges.
Finalising cost sheets and obtain authorisation from Manager/ Supervisor.
Completing the invoicing process within 48 hours of final Customs Release.
Ensuring all documents and relevant e-mail correspondence is sent to e-filing.
Splitting of invoices and supporting documentation for client within 24 hours of processing invoice and send to client.
Ensure that accruals are done and correct profits are taken within 24 hours of invoice being processed.
Follow up on POD’s from transporters.
Liaising with clients to ensure that they are continually updated on the progress of clearances and delivery of their cargo as well as prompt resolution of queries.
Liaising and correspondence with Vessel’s Agents, Groupage Agents, SAPO, NPA, Spoornet, unpack depots, container terminals, airlines and other third parties to ensure that there are no delays in processing shipments.
Invoice acknowledgement to be done on a daily basis.
Follow up and resolved queries / disputes timeously.

Your skills and experience
Matric Certificate is essential and any post-matric industry qualification will be a distinct
advantage.
Minimum of 3 to 5 years of practical experience in Seafreight and Airfreight operations with a freight forwarder.
Demonstrated understanding of operational legislation and processes e.g. Incoterms, Bill of Lading, Customs clearing, Duties and VAT, etc.
A good command of the English language (both written and spoken) is essential for this role.
Advanced MS Office proficiency (Excel, Outlook and Compu-clearing a distinct advantage).
Proven ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to build and retain excellent client relationships.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Driven to provide customer service excellence and deal with customer queries effectively.