Import Clerk

Tall Grass Recruitment; Basildon; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Tall Grass Recruitment is seeking an experienced Air & Sea Import Clerk for a Basildon-based role in a busy freight-forwarding operation. You will manage import shipments from booking to delivery, ensuring accurate documentation and a high level of customer service.

The ideal candidate has practical air and sea import experience, strong knowledge of customs procedures, and the ability to handle multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in air and sea import role within freight forwarding.
• Solid knowledge of import procedures and required documentation.
• Experience handling FCL, LCL and airfreight shipments.
• Familiarity with Incoterms and international shipping processes.
• Experience with customs declarations is a plus.
• Strong organisation and attention to detail.
• Good communication and customer-service skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage air and sea import shipments from origin through to delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL and airfreight consignments.
• Process new import bookings and shipping instructions.
• Liaise with overseas agents, airlines, shippers and customers.
• Prepare and check import documentation and declarations.
• Monitor shipment progress and provide updates to customers.
• Handle customs clearance instructions and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain shipment records and control costs where possible.

Skills

Air & Sea import

Import documentation

Customs procedures

FCL/LCL/airfreight

Incoterms knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Freight management systems

Teamwork

Tools

MS Office

Freight management systems

Job description

Air & Sea Import Clerk

Location: Basildon, Essex

Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience

Working hours: Monday to Friday

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Air & Sea Import Clerk to join a busy freight-forwarding operation in Basildon. You will manage import shipments from initial booking through to final delivery, ensuring goods move efficiently, documentation is accurate and customers receive a high level of service.

The successful candidate will have practical experience handling air and sea imports, a sound understanding of customs procedures and the ability to manage multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage air and sea import shipments from origin through to final delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL and airfreight consignments.
• Receive and process new import bookings and shipping instructions.
• Liaise with overseas agents, airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, customers and suppliers.
• Monitor shipment progress and provide customers with regular updates.
• Arrange collections, deliveries, haulage and container movements.
• Prepare and check import documentation, including bills of lading, air waybills, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Complete or coordinate customs clearance instructions and ensure declarations are submitted accurately.
• Check commodity codes, customs values, duties, VAT and Incoterms where required.
• Ensure all shipments comply with UK customs regulations and internal procedures.
• Manage port, airline and warehouse releases.
• Arrange deliveries following customs clearance.
• Identify and resolve delays, documentation discrepancies and operational issues.
• Obtain freight rates and prepare customer quotations when required.
• Process supplier invoices, raise customer invoices and ensure costs are allocated correctly.
• Maintain accurate shipment records within the freight-management system.
• Monitor demurrage, detention, storage and other additional charges.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and service providers.
• Handle customer enquiries and resolve problems professionally.
• Support colleagues and assist with general import operational duties as required.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in an air and sea import role within freight forwarding is essential.
• Good understanding of import customs procedures and documentation.
• Experience handling FCL, LCL and airfreight shipments.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping processes.
• Customs declaration experience would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confident communication and customer-service skills.
• Ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to control shipment costs.
• Comfortable using freight-management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

What Is Offered

• Salary of up to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Monday-to-Friday working hours.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• Opportunity to join an established freight-forwarding operation.
• Supportive working environment with opportunities to develop industry knowledge and responsibilities.