Import Clerk

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.

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 organisational skills and attention to detail.

Confident communication and customer-service skills.

Ability to prioritise 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.