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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.
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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 organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Confident communication and customer-service skills.
- Ability to prioritize 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.
To apply
Please submit your CV outlining your experience across air and sea imports.
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