We are looking for an experienced Freight Operator who can hit the ground running.
This is a hands-on operational role within our busy freight forwarding department. You will be responsible for managing international shipments from booking through to delivery, coordinating with customers, carriers, hauliers, overseas agents, customs and other service providers.
This role requires someone who already understands how freight forwarding works in practice.
You should be able to take responsibility for your own shipments, understand the documentation and processes involved, communicate confidently with customers and suppliers, and deal with problems when they arise.
This is not a trainee or entry-level freight forwarding position.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate previous hands-on experience in a freight forwarding environment and the ability to manage routine import and/or export shipments with a good degree of independence.
About PSP Worldwide Logistics
PSP Worldwide Logistics is an established freight forwarding and logistics business based in Fareham, Hampshire.
We provide:
- International sea, air and road freight forwarding
- Import and export services
- Customs clearance
- Export packing and bespoke case making
- Project logistics
- Specialist and high-value cargo transportation
- Courier and express services
- Marine, defence, aerospace and industrial logistics
Our in-house packing operation manufactures bespoke timber and plywood cases, pallets and specialist export packaging. We also supply Peli cases and foam inserts.
We work with customers across the UK and internationally, including businesses operating in marine, defence, aerospace, manufacturing and other specialist sectors.
Key Responsibilities
As Freight Operator, you will be responsible for the efficient and accurate handling of customer shipments, including:
- Managing import and export shipments from initial booking through to final delivery.
- Arranging sea, air and road freight movements.
- Obtaining and checking freight quotations.
- Booking shipments with shipping lines, airlines, hauliers and other transport providers.
- Liaising with overseas agents and international partners.
- Preparing, checking and processing freight and shipping documentation.
- Checking commercial invoices, packing lists and other shipment documentation.
- Coordinating customs clearance requirements.
- Monitoring shipments and providing customers with accurate updates.
- Proactively identifying and resolving delays, discrepancies and operational issues.
- Ensuring shipment deadlines are met.
- Checking freight costs, charges and supplier invoices.
- Ensuring all relevant costs are captured and correctly passed on to customers.
- Raising invoices where required.
- Maintaining accurate shipment records within our freight management system.
- Liaising with the warehouse, packing department and drivers where necessary.
- Responding promptly to customer queries.
- Escalating issues appropriately where required.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with customers, suppliers and overseas agents.
- Supporting the wider freight team during busy periods.
Essential Experience
You must have previous hands-on experience in freight forwarding.
You should be able to demonstrate practical experience of:
- Managing international import and/or export shipments.
- Sea, air and/or road freight.
- Booking freight with carriers and transport providers.
- Preparing and checking shipping documentation.
- Working with overseas agents.
- Understanding and applying Incoterms.
- Understanding the basic requirements of international freight movements.
- Managing shipment deadlines.
- Communicating with customers and suppliers.
- Dealing with freight rates, quotations and additional charges.
- Monitoring shipments through to delivery.
- Resolving operational problems without needing constant supervision.
- Managing multiple shipments at different stages simultaneously.
You will need to be able to explain your previous freight forwarding experience clearly during the recruitment process.
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Customs clearance and CDS experience.
- Experience with import as well as export freight.
- Experience using freight management software.
- Experience with project cargo or specialist freight.
- Experience with dangerous goods.
- Experience handling high-value or time-critical shipments.
- Knowledge of letters of credit.
- Experience within the marine, defence, aerospace or manufacturing sectors.
- Relevant freight forwarding or logistics qualifications.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is experienced, capable and commercially aware.
You should be someone who:
- Knows what needs to happen next rather than waiting to be told.
- Takes ownership of their shipments.
- Pays attention to detail.
- Understands that mistakes in freight forwarding can be expensive.
- Can prioritise competing deadlines.
- Communicates clearly and professionally.
- Is comfortable speaking to customers and suppliers.
- Can remain calm when shipments don't go to plan.
- Takes responsibility for resolving problems.
- Works well as part of a team.
- Is willing to get involved and support colleagues when the department is busy.
- Understands the importance of accurate documentation and cost control.
This role will suit someone who can say:“Give me the shipment and I'll take it from here.”
We don't expect you to know everything about every type of freight from day one, but we do expect you to understand the fundamentals of freight forwarding and be capable of managing shipments independently.
We are looking for practical freight forwarding experience, not simply an interest in moving into the industry.
Application Requirement
To help us identify candidates with the relevant experience, please make sure your CV clearly sets out:
- How long you have worked in freight forwarding.
- The types of freight you have handled – sea, air and/or road.
- Whether your experience is import, export or both.
- Your experience with customs and shipping documentation.
- The freight management systems you have used.
- The types of customers, industries or cargo you have dealt with.
Applications that do not demonstrate relevant hands-on freight forwarding experience may not be progressed to interview.
What PSP Offers
We offer the opportunity to join an established and growing logistics business where you will be part of a practical, experienced team.
You will have the opportunity to work across a varied range of freight movements and specialist logistics projects rather than dealing with the same type of shipment every day.
If you have genuine freight forwarding experience, understand how international shipments work and can take ownership of your workload, we'd like to hear from you.
If you're looking for your first opportunity in freight forwarding, this isn't the role for you.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- How many years hands-on freight forwarding experience have you got?
- Have you personally managed international import/export shipments from booking through to delivery?
- Please give an example of a freight problem or delay you have dealt with and how you resolved it.
Work Location: In person
