Senior Estimator

Access Freight International; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Access World, a global commodity warehousing and logistics provider, Durban, seeks a Senior Estimator in Clearing & Forwarding. You will produce accurate, commercially competitive freight quotations across air, ocean, road, and project cargo, handling high-value RFQs and tenders.

The role requires 15+ years’ experience in freight forwarding-estimating, Incoterms expertise, and mentoring others, with a focus on margin protection and process improvement.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience as an Estimator in Clearing & Forwarding or Freight Forwarding.
• Proven ability to produce accurate, commercially competitive quotations.
• Experience coaching and mentoring junior estimators.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, customs, and import/export processes.
• Ability to drive estimating standards in a shared-load model.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate freight estimates across air, ocean, road, break-bulk, RORO, cross-trade, OOG, and project cargo for import/export.
• Manage complex, high-value RFQs and tenders with timely turnaround.
• Source and apply carrier rates while protecting margins.
• Maintain estimating data and reporting on enquiry volumes and win rates.
• Support business development by converting quotations into trading accounts.
• Contribute to process improvements and team development.

Skills

Incoterms & customs

Freight documentation

Estimating systems

Rate management platforms

CRM / enquiry management

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Freight Forwarding / Logistics / SCM qualification

Tools

Estimating systems

EDI systems

CRM/enquiry management systems

Rate management platforms

Job description

Access World is a global commodity warehousing and logistics business. We specialize in the handling, storage, and processing of commodities including non-ferrous and ferrous metals, ferroalloys, project cargo, oil & gas, and various agricultural products. We are an approved warehouse keeper of the London Metal Exchange (LME) and provide LME warehousing and associated services to traders, producers, financiers, and consumers of base metals. In addition, we provide physical warehousing and related logistics services for commodities such as cocoa beans, rubber, cotton, and other agricultural products. Access World also acts as collateral manager of ferroalloys, minor metals, as well as oil and gas. Our regions operate through semi-autonomous offices supported by corporate functions including Commercial, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Operations.

Department: Commercial – Clearing & Forwarding
Reports to: Commercial Head – Clearing & Forwarding
Location: Gosforth/Durban

Purposes of the position:

To produce accurate, timely, and commercially competitive freight estimates across all transport modes and business units, converting enquiries into profitable business while protecting company margins. The Senior Estimator is responsible for managing complex and high-value quotations, supporting the development of the estimating function, and driving consistent estimating standards through a structured, shared-load operating model.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and Commercial Support

• Prepare accurate freight estimates across air, ocean (LCL & FCL), road, break-bulk, RORO, cross-trade, out-of-gauge (OOG), and project cargo for both import and export shipments.
• Manage complex, high-value, and multi-leg enquiries, including Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and tenders.
• Deliver quotations within agreed turnaround times while maintaining competitiveness and profitability.

Pricing and Cost Management

• Source and apply accurate carrier, transporter, and third-party rates.
• Exercise sound commercial judgement when determining buy rates, sell rates, and profit margins.
• Ensure all quotations remain commercially competitive while protecting business profitability.

Estimate Management and Reporting

• Capture and maintain all enquiries, quotations, and outcomes within the estimating platform.
• Maintain accurate records to support reporting on enquiry volumes, turnaround times, and win rates.
• Ensure estimating data remains complete, accurate, and measurable.

Business Development Support

• Collaborate with Commercial and Operations teams to convert quotations into successful trading accounts.
• Follow up on submitted quotations to maximise conversion opportunities.
• Utilise industry relationships and market knowledge to identify and generate new business opportunities.

Process Improvement and Team Development

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, pricing references, and operating standards.
• Support and mentor less experienced estimators within the shared-load estimating model.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Commercial team.
• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience as an Estimator within a Clearing & Forwarding or Freight Forwarding environment.
• Significant experience operating at Senior Estimator level.
• Proven experience estimating across multiple transport modes, including air, ocean, road, break-bulk, RORO, OOG, cross-trade, and project cargo.

Preferred Qualification:

Relevant qualification in Freight Forwarding, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience Required:

• Extensive knowledge of Incoterms, customs and clearing requirements, freight documentation, and import/export processes.
• Proficiency in estimating systems, rate management platforms, EDI systems, and CRM/enquiry management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate, commercially competitive quotations within demanding turnaround times.
• Established network of carrier, transporter, and logistics industry contacts.

Advantageous Experience:

• Experience preparing and managing RFQs and large commercial tenders.
• Proven track record of improving estimating processes and operational standards.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting junior estimators.
• Ability to contribute to business development through industry relationships and customer engagement.