Forwarding Controller at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• An opportunity has arisen for a Forwarding Controller to respond to clients calls and queries. Contact shipping line agents for rates. Receive shipping documentation and dispatches according to clients’ requirements.
• Monitors and records receipt of documents. Receive indents and sends to overseas agents. Provide estimates on forwarding services. May assign the work of forwarding assistants/general clerks. Responsible for daily forwarding operations on specified route(s).

Minimum Requirements    

• Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Matric / NQF level 4
• Experience in a similar role: Up to 3 years’ experience

Duties & Responsibilities    

Indent Monitoring

• Receive order from client and/or shipper
• Allocate order to the correct overseas agent
• Check required delivery with client
• Check the readiness dates and cargo details
• Obtain suitable vessel schedules
• Check schedules against carrier rates / transit times and routings
• Allocate carrier and advise agent to place the booking with the carrier or book directly
• Advise agent on how to book i.e. POD Durban/Final destination JHB etc.
• Ensure instructions are in place for seaway B/L on MBL • Monitor space availability / liaise with carriers’ offices in relevant origin office in order to obtain space needed
• Monitor approvals from clients in order to load where needed (some cannot ship without sample approvals)
• Arrange release to the same shipper in order for them to collect containers at origin and arrange loading once container released and uplifted 
• Monitor via agents at origin and obtain container number in order to monitor loading and transhipment if it is applicable
• If transhipment cargo, once container number has been received, monitor that container loads and tranships as planned • Receive copy of MBL/HBL and debit note once the container is loaded onto the vessel and has sailed 
• File all the relevant documentation and Forwarding department will then rate and sign off order for the clearing department to invoice 
• Double check invoices if sent back by clearing department for incorrect rates applied 
• Receive copy telex release if needed to release HBL in order to release without the original 
• Update clients weekly/daily on their orders

Groupage/Handover

• Receiving pre-advises of handover shipments from the agents register on shipshape 
• locate clearing agent and advise them of shipment 
• Monitor arrival and trans-shipment of containers 
• Overseeing the requesting ANF’s / charges from shipping lines 
• Check if the ANF’s prior to being sent to the local clearing agents 
• Do invoices prior to being finalized and send to local clearing agents 
• Assist local and foreign agents with follow up’s on telex releases with carriers on master bills of landing 
• Doing shipping line delivery instructions 
• Monitoring the unpack with local agents 
• Check that rates are invoice by carriers and NVOCC’s according to the agreed tariff 
• Arrange payment to carriers and local service providers 
• Checking that original HBL is received before release 
• Arrange signing off of the release letters in order for goods to be released to local clearing agent 

Closing Date    

• 2026/10/01