Freight Forwarding Specialist

Post / Job Title -Freight Forwarding Specialist

Department- Operations / Logistics

Reporting To- Director / Managing Partner

Employment Type- Full-Time

Location- Mumbai

Experience Required- 5–10 Years in Freight Forwarding / Logistics

About The Role

We are establishing a new vertical in our firm to provide freight forwarding services and seeking an experienced and self-driven Freight Forwarding Specialist to independently manage all aspects of our freight operations. This is a critical founding role — the ideal candidate will be a seasoned logistics professional capable of setting up and running end-to-end freight forwarding operations single-handedly, from customer onboarding through shipment execution to final delivery and post-shipment documentation.

This role demands deep domain knowledge of both air and sea freight, strong vendor and customs relationships, and the ability to thrive in a start-up environment with minimal supervision.

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

1. Business Development & Customer Management

▸    Identify, approach, and onboard new clients seeking freight forwarding services

▸    Prepare and present competitive freight quotations (FCL, LCL, Air Freight, ODC)

▸    Maintain strong relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, and traders

▸    Conduct rate negotiations and finalize service agreements with clients

2. Shipment Planning & Execution

▸    Coordinate end-to-end movement of goods — inland, ocean, and air freight

▸    Arrange bookings with shipping lines, airlines, NVOCCs, and inland transporters

▸    Plan FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments

▸    Manage ODC (Over-Dimensional Cargo) and project cargo requirements

▸    Coordinate with freight agents, port authorities, and terminal operators

3. Customs & Regulatory Compliance

▸    Prepare and verify all import/export documentation including:

–     Bill of Lading (BL) / Airway Bill (AWB)

–     Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin

–     Shipping Bill, Bill of Entry, Letter of Credit documents

–     DGFT Licences, FSSAI, BIS, and other trade compliance documents

▸    Liaise with Customs House Agents (CHAs) and ensure timely customs clearance

▸    Stay updated on EXIM policy, customs notifications, and regulatory changes

▸    Ensure compliance with IATA, ICAO, and IMDG regulations for DG cargo

4. Freight Procurement & Vendor Management

▸    Negotiate freight rates with shipping lines, airlines, CHAs, and transporters

▸    Develop and maintain a robust vendor / partner network

▸    Source competitive freight rates for new trade lanes and spot shipments

▸    Monitor freight market trends and currency fluctuations affecting cost

5. Tracking, Monitoring & Customer Communication

▸    Provide proactive shipment tracking updates to clients at every milestone

▸    Manage exceptions, delays, and disruptions with swift resolution

▸    Handle Pre-Alerts, Arrival Notices, and Delivery Orders

▸    Manage customer complaints and escalate when necessary

6. Documentation & MIS Reporting

▸    Maintain accurate shipment files and documentation archives

▸    Prepare invoice and billing statements; coordinate with finance for receivables

▸    Provide regular MIS reports on shipment volumes, profitability, and pipeline

▸    Ensure proper filing of all regulatory and operational documents

7. Operational Setup (Start-Up Phase)

▸    Help establish SOPs, workflows, and operational processes from the ground up

▸    Identify and onboard technology platforms (TMS, CRM, tracking tools)

▸    Represent the company at industry forums, trade events, and networking meets

REQUIRED DOMAIN KNOWLEGE

Freight & Logistics

Trade & Compliance

▸    Sea Freight (FCL, LCL, RORO, Breakbulk)

▸    Air Freight (Cargo, Charter, Express)

▸    Incoterms 2020 (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.)

▸    NVOCC / Co-loading operations

▸    3PL / 4PL supply chain management

▸    Port operations and terminal procedures

▸    Dangerous Goods (DG / Hazmat) handling

▸    Over-Dimensional / Project Cargo (ODC)

▸    Customs procedures — Import & Export

▸    EXIM Policy, ITC-HS Codes & Tariff Classification

▸    DGFT, SEZ, FTWZ, AEO procedures

▸    Letter of Credit (LC) & Trade Finance docs

▸    IATA / ICAO regulations (Air Freight)

▸    IMDG / ADR (Dangerous Goods by Sea/Road)

▸    GST & Duty structures on imports/exports

▸    FTA / PTA benefits and certificate of origin

Educational Qualification

▸    Graduate in any discipline (Commerce / Business Administration preferred)

▸    Diploma or Certification in Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain (desirable)

▸    IATA Dangerous Goods certification is an advantage

Work Experience

▸    Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in a freight forwarding company

▸    Proven experience handling both Import and Export shipments independently

▸    Experience with multi-modal operations — sea, air, and surface transport

▸    Prior experience in a start-up or lean-team environment is preferred

Professional Skills

▸    Rate negotiation & freight procurement

▸    Shipment documentation & compliance

▸    CHA & vendor management

▸    Export/Import customs clearance

▸    Trade finance documentation (LC, BG)

▸    TMS / freight software proficiency

▸    MS Office, Excel reporting & MIS

Behavioural Competencies

▸    High ownership & entrepreneurial mindset

▸    Strong communication & client servicing

▸    Attention to detail and accuracy

▸    Ability to work independently

▸    Problem-solving under pressure

▸    Adaptability in a fast-paced start-up

▸    Integrity and professional ethics

▸    A founding-team role with significant growth and career advancement opportunity

▸    Opportunity to build and shape the operations of a growing freight company

▸    Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market benchmarks

▸    Performance-linked incentives based on business outcomes

▸    A dynamic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial work environment

HOW TO APPLY

Send your updated CV with subject line: "Application — Freight Forwarding Specialist"

Email: [email protected]  |  Contact: 7354580073