Apprentice Ocean Freight Forwarder

As an apprentice, you’ll work for the company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff and great progression opportunities.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

Major Duties and Responsibilities of Ocean Freight Forwarder

• Ensure smooth and timely freight process flow
• Track and Trace Files and reporting
• Use both export and import dashboards timely
• Ensure accurate and timely billing
• Contribute to maintain good relationships and good customer service, with customers and suppliers
• Meet compliance at all times to regulations internal and external in accordance with government regulations
• Understand department process flow, and look for best practices to improve operational efficiency and productivity
• Timely responses to emails and requests (internal and external)
• Escalation of problems to Management when necessary
• Prepare customs entries in Customsware or other customs software
• Understand the elements of the Import & Export customs SOP
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into operating systems
• Ensure timely customs clearance of shipments
• Monitor customs clearances and communicate with Customers

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Course Contents

• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.