Logistics Import & Export Controller

About the role

Wilhelmsen Port Services South Africa is seeking an experienced Logistics Import & Export Controller to join its Maritime Logistics team in Durban. The role involves overseeing end‑to‑end freight forwarding, customs clearance and sea‑freight operations for a variety of cargo types.

Key responsibilities

• Manage import and export shipments from instruction receipt through to final delivery.
• Coordinate containerised, bulk, break‑bulk and liquid‑bulk shipments and register them in Cargo Wise.
• Prepare and process customs entries, including Home Consumption, XDP, WH, WE, XRW and related documentation.
• Handle VOCs, DA70s, CR1 refunds, customs amendments and liquid‑bulk paperwork such as DPs and price adjustments.
• Arrange shipping line releases, landing orders, cargo dues and liaise with SARS Customs, Transnet, shipping lines, transporters and government agencies.
• Organise inspections, permits and vessel clearance services, monitor vessel arrivals and berth schedules.
• Control free‑day usage to minimise demurrage, detention and storage costs, and manage bonded and cross‑border shipments.
• Prepare freight estimates, obtain competitive rates and process supplier invoices and payments.
• Balance shipping line and bond account statements and produce operational reports.

Required profile

• Customs compliance, freight forwarding or logistics qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in freight forwarding, customs clearing and international logistics.
• Strong working knowledge of Cargo Wise and SARS customs legislation.
• Proven experience handling containerised, bulk, break‑bulk and liquid‑bulk cargo.
• Practical experience with customs procedures such as DPs, VOCs, XDPs and ship‑spares clearance.

Required skills

• Cargo Wise
• Customs entry processing
• Freight forwarding
• Customs clearing