Full Container & LCL Deliveries Coordinator
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Salary: £28,000 – £31,500 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00
Office Based
International Freight Forwarding Agents
We get it there because we care.
Buckle Shipping (Ipswich) Ltd is a UK-based freight forwarder and customs clearance specialist, helping customers import and export consignments worldwide, particularly from Europe, Turkey and China.
Established in 1971, we have been trading successfully for over 50 years and have built our reputation on exceptional customer service, industry expertise, and long-standing client relationships. Many of our customers have remained with us for decades, and our continued growth has been driven by recommendations and reputation rather than aggressive marketing.
Based at the Port of Felixstowe, we employ approximately 31 people across our Felixstowe headquarters and Great Blakenham warehouse facility. Our business is primarily focused on imports, accounting for approximately 95% of our operations, with additional export and warehousing services supporting our customers' supply chain requirements.
We hold direct customs badges for more than 50 UK ports, allowing us to provide comprehensive customs clearance services across all major UK ports and inland clearance depots. Our expertise spans a range of sectors including food and drink, manufacturing, automotive, retail, and consumer goods.
Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Customs Clearance Coordinator to join our dedicated customs team in Felixstowe.
The Role
Full Container & LCL Deliveries Coordinator
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Full Container & LCL Deliveries Coordinator to manage the end-to-end coordination of full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) deliveries from port arrival through to final delivery.
The successful candidate will be responsible for arranging delivery bookings, liaising with customers, hauliers, shipping lines and delivery locations, and ensuring all deliveries are completed efficiently, accurately and within applicable shipping line free time to minimise quay rent, demurrage and associated costs.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate FCL and LCL deliveries from port arrival through to final destination.
- Contact delivery locations to arrange suitable delivery dates and times, taking into account vessel arrival schedules and shipping line free time.
- Select the most cost-effective transport provider by comparing rates and service levels from approved hauliers.
- Issue delivery bookings to hauliers, customers and delivery locations using the company's logistics software, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
- Arrange cargo release with shipping lines, including verifying and processing all applicable release charges.
- Accurately record delivery costs and supplier charges against each shipment.
- Maintain and update transport supplier rates while identifying and developing new supplier relationships.
- Monitor vessel arrivals daily and proactively identify any issues that may impact scheduled deliveries.
- Prepare and maintain the daily delivery schedule, monitoring container collection times and highlighting any potential delays.
- Keep customers and delivery locations informed of any changes to delivery dates, times or unforeseen delays.
- Complete final job costings, ensuring delivery charges, shipping line costs and customs clearance fees are accurately recorded.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, shipping lines, transport providers, suppliers and delivery locations.
- Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures and customer service standards.
Skills & Experience
What we’re looking for
· Previous experience in container transport, freight forwarding, logistics or import operations.
- Experience coordinating FCL and LCL import deliveries.
- Good understanding of UK port procedures, shipping line processes and container-related charges, including quay rent and demurrage.
- Knowledge of UK shipping line release procedures and customs clearance processes.
- Experience managing transport suppliers and maintaining freight rate schedules.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, time-sensitive logistics environment
- Professional and confident telephone manner.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple deliveries simultaneously.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to accurately process bookings, releases and costings.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to compare supplier rates and identify cost-effective transport solutions.
- Ability to anticipate potential delivery issues and communicate updates promptly and professionally.
Desirable
- Experience using Destin8 and CNS port operating systems.
- Previous experience of using Multifreight Software.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable, organised and self-motivated.
- Proactive with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Calm and professional when managing changing priorities and delivery disruptions.
- Customer-focused, with a commitment to delivering a high standard of service.
- Able to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Confident in developing and maintaining long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and logistics partners.
What Success Looks Like
- Deliveries are consistently arranged within shipping line free time, minimising quay rent and demurrage costs.
- Customers receive timely, accurate communication and a high standard of service.
- Delivery schedules are managed efficiently with minimal disruption.
- Costs are accurately recorded and transport providers are selected to deliver the best value and service.
- Strong relationships are maintained with customers, hauliers, shipping lines and suppliers, contributing to smooth day-to-day operations.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: £28,000 - £31,500 per annum, depending on experience.
- Monday to Friday working hours: 08:00 – 17:00
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Additional holiday entitlement:
- 26 days after 3 years' service.
- 27 days after 6 years' service (effective from 1 January following the employment anniversary).
- Employer pension contribution of 9%.
- BUPA Cash Plan including reimbursement (subject to limits) for dental treatment, eye care, prescriptions and other healthcare costs.
- PERKBOX employee discount platform with retail and restaurant discounts.
- UNUM wellbeing platform with access to a 24/7 GP service and wellbeing resources.
- Death in Service benefit of 4 times annual salary.
- Free on-site parking.
- Company social events.
- Full support and training within a friendly and experienced team environment.
Additional Information
- The role may require additional working hours during peak operational periods..
- This is a fully office-based position located at our Felixstowe headquarters.
Head Office
Buckle Shipping (Ipswich) Ltd
Buckworth House
Unit 9 Haven Exchange
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 2QX
Pay: £28,000.00-£31,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- This is an office based role. Are you able to reliably commute to Felixstowe?
Experience:
- Full Container & LCL Deliveries Coordinator: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
