KEY ACTIVITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES
Responsibilities will largely depend on the employees capacities but include (or may include) :
- Single point of contact: Serve as the first point of contact for all customer questions regarding freight rates, routes, and port procedures.
- Managing booking requests: Receive export shipping instructions from clients and translate them into carrier booking requests.
- Advising on schedules: Guide clients on the best routing options, vessel transit times, and closing deadlines to meet their delivery targets.
- Proactive transit alerts: Inform clients immediately about vessel delays, port omissions, or missed cut-offs, offering immediate solutions.
- Handling specialized cargo: Assist clients with the specific data and paperwork needed for Dangerous Goods (DG) or temperature-controlled (Reefer) bookings.
- Securing vessel space: Place cargo bookings with ocean liners for Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments.
- Managing equipment release: Coordinate with carriers to secure empty, clean shipping containers from local container depots.
- Monitoring cut-off times: Track strict port closing dates and document submission deadlines to ensure cargo is not rolled over
- Providing tracking visibility: Update clients on container milestones, including warehouse pickup, port gate-in, and actual vessel departure (ATD).
- Milestone data entry: Update shipment milestones in system to ensure client-facing tracking portals are accurate.
- Export customs coordination: Act as the intermediary between the client and the customs team to ensure export clearances are approved on time.
- Drafting Bill of Lading (BL): Send Draft House or Master Bills of Lading to clients for approval, ensuring zero errors before final printing.
- Managing document releases: Coordinate the release of Original Bills of Lading or execute Telex/Express releases based on client payment status.
- Origin certificate support: Guide clients through obtaining mandatory origin documents, such as Certificates of Origin or fumigation certificates.
- Spot quoting: Provide quick freight, haulage, and local handling quotes for ad-hoc export shipments from existing customers.
- Dispute and claim management: Log and investigate customer complaints regarding cargo damage, short-shipments, or roll-overs.
- Billing clarification: Walk clients through their final export invoices, resolving any queries regarding local origin fees or waiting time charges
- Credit control liaison: Follow up with clients on overdue invoices to ensure accounts remain active and freight can be released.
ESSENTIAL EDUCATIONAL AND / OR TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATES
- GCE O level qualification and above required
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
- At least 1 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
- Understanding of the local freight market (carriers and subcontractors) preferred.
NECESSARY TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
- Competent in basic computer skills and applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Knowledge in CargoWise, EDI & Tradenet Skill preferred
- Good Customer Service Skills
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
- Able to work in stressful environment & require immediate response to any urgent inquiries from internal or external.
- Independent and able to work in a fast-paced environment
