Export Freight Operator

Silver Arrow require an experienced Export Freight Operator to work for a shipping company based in the Barking, East London area. As Export Freight Operator, you will manage shipments from booking through to final delivery, ensuring that all documentation is correct, customs requirements are met and customers are kept fully updated on their cargo. This is a hands-on role in a busy environment where you will liaise closely with carriers, suppliers, customs brokers, finance and internal operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end export process, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently from booking through to final delivery.
• Coordinate closely with suppliers, carriers, shipping lines and customs brokers to ensure accurate clearance and on-time delivery.
• Prepare, check and maintain all import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/air waybills and certificates of origin.
• Ensure full compliance with UK customs regulations, international trade legislation and internal operating procedures.
• Keep up to date with customs requirements, duty rates and tariff codes, applying them correctly to each shipment.
• Prepare and electronically submit customs declarations and any associated documentation as required.
• Communicate proactively with customers to arrange final delivery, provide shipment updates and resolve any issues or exceptions.
• Track and monitor shipments throughout transit, ensuring delivery deadlines and agreed budgets are met.
• Manage the invoicing process, including preparing and issuing invoices, monitoring payments and handling billing queries.
• Work closely with finance and accounts teams to ensure costings, invoicing and payment processes are accurate and up to date.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including customer service, warehouse and transport functions, to support smooth import and export operations.
• Provide regular progress updates to customers and internal stakeholders on cargo movements, delays and delivery timelines.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in freight forwarding, logistics or import/export operations (ideally 3+ years).
• Must be able to do export documentation including customs.
• Strong working knowledge of export and import documentation, customs procedures and international shipping practices.
• Confident user of shipping/forwarding software systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with customers, carriers and internal teams.
• Highly organised, with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and manage multiple shipments at the same time.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Good understanding of international trade regulations and customs compliance; experience with tariff classification is highly desirable.
• Solid experience of invoicing and customer billing processes within a freight or logistics environment.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic setting where priorities can change quickly.

At Silver Arrow, our priority is you. We strongly believe in getting to know you and understanding your needs in the hope of building a great working relationship.