Freight Forwarder - Sea Freight

Spedman Global Logistics; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay terms

Professional development

International exposure

Dynamic team

Job summary

Spedman Global Logistics Oy is expanding its customer service and shipment planning team in Helsinki. The role involves handling transport enquiries, quoting, and securing space with carriers to deliver reliable logistics solutions for our Nordic, Baltic, and Central Eastern Europe network.

The candidate should have 3-5 years in freight forwarding with Seafreight export experience, strong communication skills in Finnish and English, and a customer- and results-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years within freight forwarding with proven experience on Seafreight export.
• Ability to handle multiple transport directions beyond Seafreight export is a plus.
• Customer- & solution-oriented with strong written and verbal communication in Finnish and English.

Responsibilities

• Receive and quote on transport enquiries and booking requests.
• Analyse customer requirements, Incoterms, cargo specifications, and transit time expectations.
• Negotiate pricing and service terms; secure vessel space and issue bookings.
• Coordinate inland transport including container haulage, trucking, rail, barge and warehousing.
• Prepare and verify shipping documents and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Track cargo movement and update customers on delays or changes.
• Monitor carrier performance and identify business opportunities.

Skills

Freight forwarding experience

Seafreight export

Customer-focused

Communication skills

Problem solving

Job description

The SPEDMAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS name originated in Sweden, where Spedman was established in 1986 as a local freight forwarding company.

Following its acquisition by the Pan-European transportation holding USS United Shipping Services in 2005, SPEDMAN has entered a path of gradual organic growth, paired with acquisition and integration of independent air & sea forwarding companies.

TODAY

Today, the SPEDMAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS GROUP operates a network of seaport and airport offices, covering all major logistics hubs of the Nordics, the Baltics and Central Eastern Europe.

Our team today consists of more than 90 experienced colleagues located in 12 countries.

We seek long-term, stable and mutually profitable association with our customers, suppliers and all business partners.

WE CARE

The SPEDMAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS GROUP recognises that the basis of environmental concern is a healthy respect for others. By applying the good use of technology, systems routines and awareness amongst our employees, we strive to minimise any disturbances to both the local- and the global environment as well as to the quality of life of the local communities in which we operate.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Customer Service & Shipment Planning

• Receive and quote on transport enquiries and booking requests.
• Analyse customer requirements, Incoterms, cargo specifications, and transit time expectations.
• Recommend the most suitable shipping solution
• Obtain freight rates from shipping lines.
• Negotiate pricing and service terms.
• Secure vessel space and issue booking confirmations.

Coordination of Inland Transport

• Arrange container haulage to and from ports.
• Coordinate trucking, rail, barge, and warehousing services.
• Monitor container pickup and delivery schedules.

Shipping Documentation

• Prepare and verify Bill of Lading (B/L), Shipping Instructions, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificates of Origin, Dangerous Goods Documentation, Customs documents.
• Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance.

Customs & Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate export and import customs clearance.
• Ensure compliance with trade regulations and sanctions.
• Handle customs declarations and inspections.

Shipment Monitoring & Exception Management

• Track cargo movement from origin to destination.
• Update customers proactively regarding delays, rolled cargo, port congestion, and schedule changes.
• Resolve operational issues with carriers, terminals, customs authorities, and trucking providers.

Cost Control & Profitability

• Calculate freight quotations and margins.
• Verify supplier invoices.
• Control operational costs and optimise routing.

Cargo Insurance & Risk Management

• Arrange cargo insurance when required.
• Manage claims related to cargo damage, loss, or delay.
• Advise customers on transport risks and liabilities.

Communication with Global Partners

• Liaise with Customers, Shipping lines, Overseas agents, Customs brokers, Terminals, Truckers, and Warehouses
• Maintain smooth information flow throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Performance & Relationship Management

• Build relationships with shipping lines and agents.
• Monitor carrier performance and transit times.
• Identify business opportunities and support sales teams.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Minimum 3-5 years within freight forwarding with proven experience on Seafreight export.
• Advantage: If you can handle more modes of transport and more transport directions than just Seafreight export.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with a desire to deliver results.
• Fast learner and quick thinker.
• Ability to adapt and grow in a competitive environment.
• Customer- & solution-oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Finnish and English.
• Strong commercial mindset and a natural ability to identify business opportunities, build customer relationships, and turn market insights into profitable results.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Spedman Global Logistics, we believe that great service starts with great people.

As part of the USS United Shipping Services Group, you will join an international logistics organisation with a strong presence across the Nordics, Baltics, Central Eastern Europe, and the Western Balkans.

We offer:

• The opportunity to become part of a financially stable and growing international logistics group.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment where your ideas and initiative are valued.
• An informal culture characterised by teamwork, trust, and a strong customer focus.
• Collaboration with experienced freight forwarding professionals across multiple European markets.
• Exposure to international customers, carriers, and logistics partners worldwide.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the wider USS Group.
• Modern IT tools and operational support that allow you to focus on delivering value to customers.
• Competitive employment terms and conditions.
• The chance to be part of a company guided by the philosophy "Great People, Great Service".
• For the right profile, this position may offer the opportunity to grow into a role as General Manager, subject performance and results.

Why Join Spedman Global Logistics Oy?

At Spedman Global Logistics oy, we combine the agility and customer focus of a local freight forwarder with the strength, network, and resources of an international logistics group.

If you are looking for a role where you can make an impact, develop professionally, and contribute to the success of both customers and colleagues, we would be pleased to hear from you.

More information on the position: