Website:
tradebridgeadvisors.com
Job details:
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
What We Offer▸ 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: info@tradebridgeadvisors.com | Contact: 7354580073
Click on Apply to know more.