Job Overview
We are looking for a Freight Specialist to manage customs clearance, import and export shipments, freight coordination, and shipping documentation. The role involves working closely with purchase teams, shippers, freight forwarders, and relevant authorities to ensure shipments are processed efficiently and delivered on time.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing shipping requests, coordinating shipment planning, monitoring freight movements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting insurance claim processes when required.
Key Responsibilities
Shipping Request Review
- Receive and review shipping requests (IBD) from the purchase team for accuracy and completeness.
- Identify discrepancies in purchase orders and coordinate with the concerned purchase officer to resolve them.
- Verify shipment information and ensure all required details are available for processing.
Customs and Duty Exemption Compliance
- Review cargo descriptions to ensure they meet applicable legal duty exemption requirements.
- Verify that materials and cargo descriptions match the approved exemption criteria.
- Initiate duty exemption requests for items that are not included in the existing exemption list.
- Ensure import and export activities comply with applicable customs and regulatory requirements.
IBD Processing and System Updates
- Process IBD transactions accurately in the relevant system.
- Ensure shipment and freight-related information is updated correctly and within the required timelines.
- Maintain accurate records of shipping activities and transactions.
Freight Planning and Coordination
- Collect shipment details, including packing information, quantity, weight, volume, and shipment readiness.
- Coordinate with shippers to confirm cargo availability and readiness.
- Determine the appropriate shipment method, including FCL, LCL, or consolidation.
- Obtain freight rates or review existing rate contracts with approved freight forwarders.
- Compare available freight options based on cost, service, and efficiency.
- Obtain the required supervisor approval before selecting the appropriate freight solution.
- Release the Freight Order or routing request to the selected freight forwarder.
Shipment Execution and Monitoring
- Coordinate with shippers and freight forwarders to arrange timely cargo pickup and shipment movement.
- Monitor shipments from origin to destination and track agreed lead times.
- Identify shipment delays or deviations and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
- Maintain regular communication with freight forwarders and shippers throughout the shipment process.
Shipping Documentation and Compliance
- Ensure all shipping documents are prepared and issued according to applicable local regulations and Freight Order requirements.
- Verify that required documentation is complete and available before shipments arrive at the destination port.
- Maintain accurate freight and customs documentation for operational and compliance purposes.
Insurance Claims Support
- Assist with initiating and processing insurance claims related to shipments.
- Collect and provide the required supporting documents to the insurance specialist.
- Follow up on claim documentation and provide information within the required timelines.
Role Responsibilities
Delivery and Operational Performance
- Complete planned freight and logistics activities according to established schedules and operational targets.
- Use available resources effectively while maintaining appropriate cost and time efficiency.
- Prepare periodic reports highlighting planned activities, execution status, and operational deviations.
Problem Solving
- Identify and resolve routine freight, shipping, and customs-related issues.
- Escalate complex operational or compliance issues to the appropriate supervisor or department.
Quality
- Follow established quality requirements, processes, specifications, and controls related to freight and logistics activities.
- Support continuous improvement of shipping and logistics processes.
Process Improvement
- Follow established systems, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
- Identify opportunities to improve freight processes and support automation initiatives where applicable.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, work instructions, customs requirements, and applicable regulations.
Health, Safety and Environment
- Follow relevant health, safety, quality, and environmental procedures and controls.
- Support safe and compliant execution of freight and logistics activities.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Knowledge of freight forwarding, shipping operations, customs clearance, and supply chain processes is preferred.
Work Experience
- 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in freight, logistics, shipping, supply chain, or customs-related operations.
Technical and Functional Skills
- Shipping and Freight Management
- Customs Clearance and Import/Export Processes
- Supply Chain Management
- Freight Forwarder Coordination
- Shipment Planning and Monitoring
- Shipping Documentation
- Supply Chain Best Practices
- Supply Chain Standards and Procedures
- Problem Solving and Operational Coordination
- Knowledge of Logistics Compliance and Regulations
Job Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)