Sea Freight Customer Service Executive

Yamato Transport (S) Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 4,000 - 7,000; Full time

Job summary

Yamato Transport (S) Pte Ltd in Singapore seeks a Sea Freight Customer Executive to serve as the primary liaison between clients, shipping lines, overseas agents, and internal operations. You will ensure seamless import and export ocean freight shipments, delivering high-quality customer service and precise documentation management.

Responsibilities include end-to-end handling, pre-alerts, customs liaison, booking management, and billing support, with a strong focus on accuracy, proactive issue

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of operational experience in sea freight forwarding (import and export).
• Strong understanding of Incoterms, sea freight documentation (HBL, MBL, Sea Waybill), and shipping line processes.
• Familiarity with Customs clearance procedures and port operations.
• Proficiency in Freight Management Systems (e.g., CargoWise) and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End handling of import processes (FCL/LCL) from order confirmation to final delivery.
• Monitor pre-alerts, B/L releases, and arrival notices from carriers and overseas offices.
• Coordinate customs clearance with brokers and partners; manage D/O and documentation.
• Process export bookings with carriers; prepare SI, B/L, and packing lists.
• Coordinate haulage, loading schedules, and vessel loading with shippers and warehouses.
• Ensure timely submission of VGM and shipping declarations.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Customer-first mindset

Education

Diploma or Bachelor’s in Supply Chain/Logistics/Business Admin

Tools

Freight Management Systems

MS Office Suite

Job description

1. Job Purpose

The Sea Freight Customer Executive serves as the primary liaison between clients, shipping lines, overseas agents, and internal operations teams. This role ensures the seamless execution of both import and export ocean freight shipments, delivering high-quality customer service, precise documentation management, and proactive issue resolution.

2. Key Responsibilities

Import Operations & Customer Service

• End-to-End Handling: Manage import shipping processes (FCL/LCL) from order confirmation through final cargo delivery.

• Pre-Alerts & Documentation: Monitor pre-alerts, bill of lading (B/L) releases, and arrival notices from carriers and overseas offices.

• Customs & Clearance: Liaise with customs brokers and transport partners to coordinate customs clearance, port clearance, and final mile delivery.

• Delivery Orders: Issue delivery orders (D/O) and handle import-related documentation accurately and within mandatory timeframes.

• Container Tracking: Track container movements and alert clients proactively regarding potential demurrage, detention, or port congestion risks.

Export Operations & Customer Service

• Booking Management: Process export booking requests with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and co-loaders to secure space and equipment.

• Export Documentation: Prepare and verify export documentation, including Shipping Instructions (SI), Bills of Lading (Draft & Master/House B/L), Certificates of Origin, and Packing Lists.

• Haulage & Loading: Coordinate cargo pickup, origin haulage, and container stuffing/vessel loading schedules with shippers and warehouses.

• Compliance & VGM: Ensure timely submission of VGM (Verified Gross Mass) and shipping declarations to meet carrier cut-off deadlines.

General Account Management & Communication

• Client Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for assigned client accounts, addressing inquiries regarding shipment status, rates, and transit schedules.

• Vendor & Partner Coordination: Maintain clear and continuous communication with overseas agents, ocean carriers, hauliers, and terminal operators.

• System Updates: Provide accurate milestone tracking updates and maintain operational data in the Freight Management System (FMS).

• Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve shipment discrepancies, damages, delays, or service complaints promptly.

Billing & Compliance

• Invoicing & Job Costing: Prepare operational invoices, review vendor invoices (ocean freight, port charges, haulage), and pass files for job costing.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with international maritime regulations, trade compliance rules, customs requirements, and local port regulations.

• Revenue Protection: Support revenue leakage prevention by verifying billed charges against agreed customer tariffs and carrier rate agreements.

3. Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience: 2-4 years of operational experience in sea freight forwarding (handling both import and export operations).

• Incoterms & Documentation: Strong understanding of Incoterms, sea freight documentation (HBL, MBL, Sea Waybill), and shipping line processes.

• Customs & Port Knowledge: Familiarity with Customs clearance procedures and port operations.

• Technical Systems: Proficiency in Freight Management Systems (e.g., CargoWise, Enterprise Logistics software) and MS Office (Excel/Word/Outlook).

Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong problem-solving ability, high attention to detail, and a customer-first mindset