Key Responsibilities
• Manage the complete shipping function for cross-trade and road freight movements into Africa.
• Coordinate imports, exports and in-transit/bonded cargo across African trade lanes.
• Prepare and manage customs, border-post, permit and carrier documentation.
• Register and maintain accurate shipment files.
• Arrange cargo bookings and coordinate road freight transporters and subcontractors.
• Coordinate shipments with carriers, clearing agents, border posts and service providers.
• Compile accurate freight, transit and cross-border cost estimates.
• Monitor transit times, border delays and in-transit risks, taking proactive action where required.
• Ensure signed and accurate shipping instructions are received from clients or agents.
• Maintain complete shipment history and tracking information on the relevant logistics system.
• Obtain and distribute pre-advice and Proof of Delivery documentation timeously.
• Manage cross-border permits and transit documentation, including carnets, bonds and other transit documents.
• Ensure shipments comply with the customs requirements of the relevant transit and destination countries.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and overseas offices/agents regarding shipment progress, delays and operational issues.
• Assist with resolving shipment damages, losses and other exceptions.
• Check documentation supplied by clients and agents for accuracy.
• Prepare invoice checklists and ensure invoices are accurately prepared following delivery or in advance where applicable.

Minimum Requirements
• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent NQF qualification.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in international freight forwarding, preferably with exposure to African trade lanes.
• Demonstrated experience in road freight and cross-trade logistics.
• Experience managing cross-border and multi-country transit shipments.
• Strong understanding of customs and border-post procedures.
• Knowledge of customs compliance requirements across African countries.
• Established relationships with road freight transporters, cross-trade agents and border clearing agents will be advantageous.
• Experience negotiating road freight rates and managing transporter/subcontractor relationships.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in freight forwarding systems; ShipShape experience will be advantageous.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of regional trade agreements and customs unions such as SADC, COMESA and EAC will be advantageous.

Key Skills
• Cross-Trade Freight
• Road Freight
• African Trade Lanes
• Cross-Border Logistics
• Customs & Border Procedures
• Transit & Bonded Cargo
• Freight Estimating
• Transporter Management
• Subcontractor Management
• Customs Documentation
• Permit & Transit Documentation
• Client & Agent Communication
• Shipment Coordination
• Freight Rate Negotiation
• Shipment Tracking

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have strong African road freight and cross-trade experience, with the ability to coordinate complex international movements involving multiple countries, transporters, agents and border crossings. Strong attention to detail, communication skills and the ability to proactively manage delays and operational challenges are essential.