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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Transport Executive

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Transport Executive, you are the operational cornerstone of our supply chain, ensuring the seamless, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods across our global network. You will be instrumental in coordinating all aspects of freight and transportation, from strategic planning and carrier negotiation to real-time shipment tracking and customs compliance. This role demands a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, dedicated to optimizing logistics processes, mitigating risks, and ultimately ensuring our products reach their destinations on time and in perfect condition. You will be a key liaison between suppliers, carriers, warehouse teams, and customers, making your contribution directly visible to our operational success and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Transport Assistant / Planner
  • Supply Chain Intern or Graduate Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Transport Manager / Supervisor
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Warehouse Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, schedule, and manage the end-to-end transportation of goods for domestic and international shipments, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
  • Select and engage with optimal transportation carriers, including freight forwarders, couriers, and 3PL providers, based on cost, efficiency, and service level evaluations.
  • Negotiate freight rates and service contracts with carriers and logistics partners to drive cost savings and maintain budgetary control.
  • Prepare, verify, and manage all required shipping and customs documentation, such as Bills of Lading (B/L), Air Waybills (AWB), commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and ERP platforms to execute and monitor transport orders, track shipments in real-time, and manage logistics data.
  • Proactively identify and resolve any in-transit issues, including delays, damages, or losses, by coordinating with carriers, insurers, and relevant internal departments.
  • Ensure all transportation activities adhere to international trade laws, customs regulations, and company compliance policies (e.g., Incoterms, hazmat regulations).
  • Liaise directly with customs brokers to facilitate the smooth and timely clearance of imported and exported goods, resolving any customs-related queries or inspections.
  • Conduct regular analysis of transportation costs, carrier performance, and on-time delivery metrics to identify trends and areas for process improvement.
  • Coordinate closely with warehouse, inventory, and production teams to align shipment schedules with product availability and customer order fulfillment timelines.
  • Manage the booking of sea, air, and land freight, ensuring optimal container/space utilization and cost-effectiveness for each transportation mode.
  • Provide clear and consistent communication regarding shipment status, potential delays, and delivery schedules to internal stakeholders like customer service, sales, and management.
  • Audit, verify, and process freight invoices, ensuring charges are accurate according to agreed-upon rates and services rendered, and resolving any billing discrepancies.
  • Develop and maintain a robust database of qualified carriers, performing periodic reviews of their performance, reliability, and financial stability.
  • Assist in the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all transport and logistics functions.
  • Manage reverse logistics operations, coordinating the efficient return of goods from customers or distribution centers back to the warehouse.
  • Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost per shipment, on-time performance, and freight spend against budget.
  • Oversee aspects of fleet management for any company-owned vehicles, including routing, maintenance scheduling, and driver compliance.
  • Assess and mitigate potential risks within the supply chain, including port congestion, carrier capacity issues, and geopolitical disruptions.
  • Support senior management by generating detailed reports and presentations on transportation performance and strategic logistics initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover logistics optimization opportunities.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and digital transformation roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate evolving business needs into concrete logistics and transportation requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the operations and supply chain teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS software for planning, executing, and optimizing shipments.
  • ERP Systems: Hands-on experience with ERP modules related to logistics and supply chain (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365).
  • International Trade Compliance: Strong knowledge of customs procedures, import/export documentation, and Incoterms 2020.
  • Freight Forwarding: Deep understanding of air, sea, and land freight operations, including booking and carrier management.
  • Data Analysis: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Formulas) for analyzing freight data and creating reports.
  • Rate Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate contracts and spot rates with carriers and 3PL providers.
  • Route Planning & Optimization: Experience with route planning software and methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to think critically and resolve complex logistical challenges under pressure.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to handling documentation, data entry, and compliance requirements to ensure accuracy.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising effectively with carriers, clients, and internal teams.
  • Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Negotiation: Adept at negotiating favorable terms with suppliers and logistics partners.
  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities, unforeseen delays, and evolving market conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Diploma or Associate's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • International Business
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a logistics coordination, freight forwarding, or transportation planning role.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience working within a high-volume shipping environment (e.g., manufacturing, retail, FMCG) with exposure to both domestic and international freight operations. Direct experience with customs clearance processes is highly advantageous.

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