Import Officer
Responsibilities:
Freight Pricing & Quotations Prepare accurate and competitive quotations for airfreight, seafreight, courier, and special cargo. Review shipment details including origin, destination, commodity, weight/volume, and Incoterms to determine appropriate pricing. Obtain and compare rates from carriers, agents, and overseas partners. Maintain updated freight rates, surcharges, and carrier tariffs. Ensure quotations comply with company pricing policies and applicable carrier rates. Negotiate with carriers and agents where necessary to secure competitive rates.
Customer Service & Communication:
Respond promptly to customer quotation requests via email, telephone, CRM, or other communication channels. Provide customers with clear information on rates, service options, transit times, and shipment requirements. Follow up on quotations and support the conversion of opportunities into bookings. Maintain professional and responsive communication throughout the customer journey. Handle customer concerns relating to pricing, service options, and shipment requirements.
Coordination & Shipment Support:
Liaise with the operations team to confirm the feasibility of quoted services. Coordinate with carriers, agents, and overseas partners regarding rates, schedules, and service availability. Support customers through the booking process following quotation acceptance. Provide customers with proactive updates on rate changes, seasonal surcharges, delays, or service disruptions. Work closely with internal teams to ensure a seamless transition from quotation to shipment execution.
Documentation & Data Management:
Record quotations and customer information accurately in the company's system. Maintain organised and up-to-date rate sheets, tariffs, and pricing information. Ensure relevant import and shipment documentation is properly captured and maintained. Prepare quotation and customer service reports as required.
Performance & Compliance:
Meet internal KPIs relating to quotation turnaround time, pricing accuracy, customer response, and conversion. Ensure compliance with applicable import, customs, and company requirements. Identify opportunities to improve quotation processes and customer experience. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
Requirements:
3–5 years of relevant professional experience in freight forwarding, logistics, import operations, freight pricing, or logistics customer service. Practical knowledge of airfreight and seafreight. Strong understanding of Incoterms and import processes. Demonstrated experience preparing and managing freight quotations. Familiarity with carrier and agent rates, surcharges, tariffs, and freight pricing structures. Good understanding of import documentation and customs processes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy. Ability to manage multiple quotation requests and priorities under pressure. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook. Experience using logistics software, ERP systems, or CRM platforms is an advantage. Strong customer service, negotiation, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Attributes:
Commercially aware with the ability to convert quotations into confirmed bookings. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective relationships with carriers, agents, and customers. Proactive and responsive in dealing with customers and service providers. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with operations and commercial teams. Strong understanding of the freight forwarding and international logistics environment. High level of professionalism, accountability, accuracy, and attention to detail.