Ocean Import Clearing and Forwarding Controller

A leading logistics organisation is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Clearing & Forwarding Controller to join their high-volume operations team in Mobeni, Durban.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced Clearing & Forwarding professional who can independently manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 shipments , covering both Clearing and Forwarding activities from A-Z .

The successful candidate must have strong practical knowledge of the Ocean Import process and be confident dealing with shipping lines, customs/brokerage teams, transporters, overseas agents and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 Ocean Import shipments , including both Clearing and Forwarding activities.
• Manage shipments end-to-end from pre-alert/forwarding through to customs clearance, release, delivery and invoicing .
• Coordinate FCL and LCL Ocean Import shipments.
• Manage forwarding activities including bookings, pre-alerts, shipping documentation and shipment coordination.
• Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, co-loaders, transporters, customs brokers and clients.
• Review and verify commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading, arrival notices and other shipping documentation.
• Ensure documentation is complete and accurate before submission to Customs/Brokerage.
• Work closely with the Customs team throughout the clearance process.
• Follow up on customs releases, stops, examinations and other regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate Port Health, Plant Inspection, SAPHRA/BMA and other regulatory inspections where applicable.
• Process and follow up on Cargo Dues and shipping line/NAVIS releases .
• Coordinate transport, collections, deliveries and empty container returns.
• Monitor vessel ETAs, cargo availability, delays and shipment milestones.
• Proactively identify and resolve operational issues to prevent delays and additional costs.
• Communicate proactively with clients and provide regular shipment status updates.
• Manage shipping line charges, transport costs and other shipment-related expenses.
• Complete job costing, accruals/WIP and customer invoicing where applicable.
• Ensure accurate and timeous updating of shipment information on the forwarding system.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all shipments are processed within required KPIs.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and internal departments.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Relevant Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance qualification advantageous.
• 3-5+ years' hands-on experience in Ocean Import Clearing & Forwarding.
• Proven experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio .
• Strong understanding of the full Ocean Import process from A-Z .
• Must have practical Forwarding AND Clearing experience - candidates who only coordinate with the Forwarding or Customs departments will not be suitable.
• Strong understanding of Bills of Lading , including House and Master Bills, Original and Telex/Express Release.
• Experience with Customs clearance processes, Customs stops and examinations .
• Experience with Cargo Dues and NAVIS/shipping line releases .
• Experience with job costing, billing, WIP/accruals advantageous.
• Experience working with CargoWise, ShipShape, NAVIS, OTC or similar forwarding systems .
• Strong knowledge of FCL and LCL shipments.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment .
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Ensure comprehensive handovers prior to leave and maintain accurate client records

Salary between R30,000 - R35,000 CTC per month , depending on experience (negotiable).

If you have solid Ocean Imports experience, strong CargoWise knowledge and enjoy working in a customer-focused freight forwarding environment, we'd love to hear from you.