Junior Freight Forwarding Estimator (Onsite, Cape Town)
Datafin IT Recruitment · Cape Town, Western Cape
Overview
A freight forwarding and customs clearing company in Cape Town is looking for a Junior Estimator to join their team. No estimating experience needed as full training is provided. You will prepare cost estimates, work with CargoWise, and support the growth of the department. This is a great entry point into logistics and supply chain for a detail-oriented young professional with strong maths skills.
About the role
Our client, a freight forwarding, customs clearing and supply chain company, is seeking a Junior Freight Forwarding Estimator to support the growth of its freight forwarding and customs clearing department. This is an individual contributor role with no managerial responsibilities, perfect for someone starting their career in logistics.
You will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates in accordance with the company's international pricing and sourcing guidelines. The role requires strong mathematical and analytical skills, computer literacy, an understanding of global shipping regulations and Incoterms, and excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with internal teams, customers and service providers.
Full training will be provided, so no previous estimating experience is required. Experience in freight forwarding, customs clearing, logistics, imports and exports, or internal sales will be advantageous.
Application notes: No specific application instructions were provided. Please apply online via the job board where this listing appears. A valid driver's licence and own transport will be advantageous.
Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent, with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; Mathematics is preferred.
- No previous estimating experience is required as full training will be provided.
- Exposure to freight forwarding, customs clearing, logistics, imports and exports, or internal sales will be advantageous.
- A post-school qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Maritime Studies or a related commercial field will be beneficial.
- Computer literacy, with a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
- Strong mathematical and data analysis capabilities, which will be assessed during the selection process.
- Full proficiency in written and spoken English.
- A valid driver's licence and own transport will be advantageous and will become a requirement when progressing into the sales role.
Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and comprehensive freight forwarding cost estimates using CargoWise, incorporating rates, operational costs, service provider quotations and relevant shipping details in accordance with company pricing guidelines and procedures.
- Verify that all information received is complete and accurate, ensuring client requirements are fully understood before requesting rates or preparing estimates.
- Submit rate requests to preferred service providers on the same day that complete estimate requests are received.
- Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, pricing logic, commercial risks and alignment with client requirements.
- Identify and communicate assumptions, exclusions and potential risks to clients, ensuring estimates are as accurate as the available information allows.
- Submit all estimates to management for approval before issuing them to clients.
- Maintain and update the Estimate Register daily, capturing shipment details, pricing, revenue, profit margins, quotation status and client feedback.
- Monitor follow-up dates, contact clients promptly after quotations are submitted, record feedback and escalate overdue responses or repeated non-responsiveness.
- Maintain regular communication with clients, provide updates on estimate requests and build strong client relationships.
- Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling by understanding client needs and proactively offering additional services.
- Apply quality control procedures to every estimate before submission for approval and proactively investigate and resolve discrepancies.
- Use company resources responsibly, minimise unnecessary expenditure and recommend practical cost-saving improvements.
- Keep up to date with customs regulations, trade laws and industry developments.
- Conduct all dealings with clients, service providers and agents ethically and in accordance with relevant legislation and company policies.
- Escalate customs, tariff and regulatory queries to the General Manager.
- Participate in structured training and mentoring to develop proficiency in CargoWise, estimating procedures and company rate structures.
Job details
- Organisation
- Datafin IT Recruitment
- Location
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Entry
- Education
- Matric
- Category
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
If you are starting out and looking for a way into logistics, this role could be a great fit. You do not need estimating experience, but you do need to show strong maths ability and attention to detail. In your CV, highlight any exposure to freight, customs or supply chain, even if it was a short course or part-time work. Also make sure your Matric certificate shows Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you work with numbers and how you handle pressure. The company uses CargoWise, so showing willingness to learn new software will help. A driver's licence is not required now but will be useful later, so mention it if you have one. Good luck with your application.
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