Remote International Freight Forwarder

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive compensation

Medical aid and life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote International Freight Forwarder to manage cross-border shipments, including air, sea, and road transport, from a home office. You will prepare documentation, liaise with clients and carriers, and optimize costs while ensuring customs compliance.

The role requires 4+ years in freight forwarding, strong negotiation and communication skills, and ability to work independently in a remote setting. Fluency in English is essential, with additional languages a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of proven experience as International Freight Forwarder or in a related logistics role.
• In-depth knowledge of international shipping procedures, Incoterms, and customs regulations for major trade lanes.
• Experience with freight forwarding software and international trade documentation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with diverse clients and partners.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage international shipments via air, sea, and land transportation.
• Prepare and process bills of lading, customs declarations, and import/export permits.
• Liaise with clients to understand shipping needs and provide status updates.
• Negotiate freight rates with carriers and vendors for competitive pricing.
• Ensure compliance with international customs regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements.
• Track shipments from origin to destination and resolve delays or issues.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate with stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to optimize routes and modes for efficiency and cost savings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with overseas agents, carriers, and customs brokers.
• Stay informed about changes in international trade policies and shipping industry trends.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in international trade and logistics, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Remote International Freight Forwarder to manage and coordinate shipments across borders. This role is fully remote, allowing you to operate from your home office while facilitating the seamless movement of goods worldwide. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of international freight, including air, sea, and road transportation, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and optimizing shipping costs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in freight forwarding, a strong understanding of international trade laws, and exceptional communication skills to liaise with clients, carriers, and customs authorities. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in a flexible, remote-first environment, contributing to a company renowned for its efficiency and global reach, serving clients connected to regions like Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage international shipments via air, sea, and land transportation.
• Prepare and process all necessary documentation, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and import/export permits.
• Liaise with clients to understand their shipping needs and provide timely updates on shipment status.
• Negotiate freight rates with carriers and vendors to ensure competitive pricing.
• Ensure compliance with all international customs regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements.
• Track shipments from origin to destination, resolving any delays or issues that may arise.
• Maintain accurate records of all transactions and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to optimize shipping routes and modes of transport for efficiency and cost savings.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with overseas agents, carriers, and customs brokers.
• Stay informed about changes in international trade policies and shipping industry trends.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of proven experience as an International Freight Forwarder or in a related logistics role.
• In-depth knowledge of international shipping procedures, Incoterms, and customs regulations for major trade lanes.
• Experience with freight forwarding software and international trade documentation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse clients and partners.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages is an asset.

Benefits

• This position offers a fully remote working arrangement, providing significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and life insurance, and a performance-based bonus structure.
• You will be part of a global team with access to continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• We provide the necessary tools and technology to succeed in a remote environment.

This is an exceptional chance to advance your career in international logistics while connecting with businesses globally, even those originating from the industrious region of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape .