Import Air Freight Operator

Detail 2 Limited; Bradford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Training provided

Fixed schedule Mon-Fri 09:00-17:30

Job summary

Detail 2 Limited is seeking an Import Air Freight Operator in Bradford to coordinate international import shipments from quotation and booking through to customs clearance, cargo release, invoicing and completion. The role involves liaising with customers, overseas agents, airlines and suppliers to ensure smooth operations and accurate handling of shipments.

The position is permanent and full-time, Monday to Friday, with a 60-minute lunch break.

Qualifications

• Experience in air freight or import operations.
• Strong knowledge of international air freight procedures and documentation.
• Experience handling shipments from quotation to completion.
• Knowledge of customs clearance procedures and import documentation.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to negotiate freight rates and manage supplier relationships.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workloads.

Responsibilities

• Manage import air freight shipments from quotation to completion.
• Respond to quotation requests from customers and overseas agents.
• Obtain freight rates from tariffs, airlines and agents.
• Negotiate with carriers to obtain competitive rates and service.
• Prepare and issue accurate quotations.
• Follow up quotations and identify opportunities to secure new business.
• Coordinate with overseas agents and carriers to arrange shipments.
• Monitor shipments and update customers throughout the process.
• Input shipment information into the transport management system.
• Prepare customer documentation and invoices.
• Ensure documentation is complete for customs clearance.
• Liaise with customs team regarding clearance queries.
• Check invoices against agreed rates and resolve discrepancies.

Skills

Air freight

Freight forwarding

Import operations

Customs clearance

Customer service

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

Freight management systems

Job description

Import Air Freight Operator - Freight Forwarding - Bradford - Up to £40,000

About the Company

Our client is an established international freight forwarding business providing air freight, customs and logistics solutions to customers importing goods from around the world.

Due to continued business requirements, they are looking to recruit an experienced Import Air Freight Operator to join their busy operations team.

As an Import Air Freight Operator, you will be responsible for coordinating international import shipments from quotation and booking through to customs clearance, cargo release, invoicing and completion.

You will work closely with customers, overseas agents, airlines, suppliers and internal teams to ensure shipments are handled efficiently, accurately and in line with customer and company requirements.

Import Air Freight Operator - The Details

• Permanent, full-time position
• Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:30
• 60-minute lunch break
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Training provided on relevant operational and customs systems
• Opportunity to develop knowledge across international air freight and customs operations
• Varied role covering import operations, customer service, quotations, customs and financial administration
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Occasional flexibility to support other departments and operational requirements

Import Air Freight Operator - Requirements

• Previous experience within air freight, freight forwarding or import operations
• Good understanding of international air freight procedures and documentation
• Experience handling import shipments from booking through to completion
• Knowledge of customs clearance procedures and import documentation
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Good commercial awareness with the ability to obtain and negotiate freight rates
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident liaising with customers, overseas agents, airlines and suppliers
• Proactive approach with the ability to use initiative and common sense when resolving operational issues
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Flexible approach to workload and willingness to support the wider business
• Experience using freight forwarding or transport management systems would be advantageous
• Knowledge of BIFA Terms and Conditions would be advantageous

Import Air Freight Operator - Responsibilities

• Manage import air freight shipments from quotation and booking through to completion
• Respond to quotation requests from customers and overseas agents for international air freight movements
• Obtain freight rates from tariffs, airlines, overseas agents and other suppliers
• Negotiate with carriers and suppliers to obtain competitive rates and appropriate levels of service
• Prepare and issue accurate quotations to customers, ensuring BIFA Terms and Conditions are included where required
• Follow up quotations with customers and identify opportunities to secure new business
• Liaise with overseas agents and carriers to arrange confirmed import shipments
• Monitor shipments and keep customers updated throughout the import process
• Receive and process pre-alert documentation from overseas agents
• Accurately input shipment information into the company's transport management system
• Prepare and issue customer documentation, including Notices of Arrival and invoices
• Prepare information required for customs clearance and ensure documentation is complete and compliant
• Liaise with the customs team or management regarding any clearance queries or documentation requirements
• Liaise with airlines and carriers regarding charges and cargo release requirements
• Ensure cargo is only released against the correct documentation and, where applicable, receipt of cleared funds
• Check supplier and carrier invoices against agreed rates and query discrepancies where necessary
• Process relevant supplier invoices and provide copies to the accounts department
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure all operational systems are kept up to date
• Resolve customer and operational queries promptly and escape issues to management where required
• Maintain strong working relationships with customers, overseas agents, airlines, hauliers and other suppliers
• Identify opportunities to provide additional freight services and generate further business from existing customers
• Support colleagues and assist other departments when required to ensure the smooth running of the business
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with company procedures, industry regulations and agreed service standards