Air freight import controller

 

Air Freight Import Controller

VDM Cargo Solutions (Pty) Ltd is seeking a professional, highly organised and customer-focused Air Freight Import Controller to join our operations team in Brackenfell, Cape Town. This role is ideal for an experienced airfreight professional who takes pride in accurate execution, proactive communication and delivering a smooth import experience from pre-alert through to final delivery.

 

The Opportunity

As the Air Freight Import Controller, you will take ownership of the day-to-day coordination and control of international airfreight import shipments. You will work closely with overseas agents, airlines, co-loaders, customs authorities, transport providers and customers to ensure every shipment is processed accurately, cleared efficiently and delivered in line with agreed service expectations.

 

You will be an important point of contact for our customers. Your ability to anticipate potential delays, communicate clearly and resolve operational challenges professionally will help ensure that customers feel informed, supported and confident throughout the import process.

 

Position	Location	Employment Type
Air Freight Import Controller	Brackenfell, Cape Town	Full-time

Key Responsibilities

Air Freight Import Operations

You will manage the full airfreight import file from receipt of the pre-alert and shipment booking details through customs clearance, delivery and final file closure. This includes liaising with overseas agents, airlines, ground handling agents and co-loaders to obtain accurate shipment information, confirm flight schedules and monitor cargo movement.

 

You will track flight arrivals, transshipments, cargo availability and airport handling activity, taking prompt action where delays, offloads, short-landed cargo or documentation discrepancies arise. You will also secure and manage airline or co-loader capacity where required, ensure that cargo is collected within the relevant free-storage period and maintain complete, accurate shipment information on the company operating system, including Shipshape.

 

Documentation, Customs and Compliance

You will carefully verify and process all airfreight import documentation, including master and house air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, import permits, customs declarations and any client-specific documentation. You will ensure documentation is complete and aligned before cargo clearance and delivery arrangements proceed.

 

The role requires a strong working knowledge of South African import requirements and the ability to coordinate customs clearance efficiently with internal clearing teams, customs authorities and relevant stakeholders. You will ensure that each shipment is handled in accordance with applicable customs requirements, international trade controls and aviation-related cargo procedures. Where applicable, you will assist with the processing and validation of Certificates of Origin, EUR.1, SADC and GSP documentation.

 

Customer Service and Stakeholder Communication

You will act as a dependable operational contact for assigned customers, responding to enquiries with accuracy, urgency and care. You will provide clear, proactive status updates on shipment progress, flight arrival times, customs clearance, delivery schedules and any factors that may affect the agreed transit time.

 

You will identify service risks early and work constructively with customers and suppliers to find practical solutions. You will develop and maintain professional working relationships with airlines, overseas agents, co-loaders, transport providers, freight forwarders and other service partners to support reliable and consistent service delivery.

 

Financial and Administrative Control

You will obtain, prepare and communicate cost estimates and quotations where required, ensuring that all charges are accurately captured and supported. You will monitor airfreight-related costs, including freight, handling, storage, airline charges, customs-related disbursements and delivery costs, and will escalate unexpected or potentially recoverable charges promptly.

 

You will ensure that files are invoiced accurately and timeously in line with company procedures. This includes checking supplier invoices, managing cost accruals, maintaining supporting documentation and assisting with the resolution of invoice queries. You will also support rate negotiations and capacity planning by maintaining accurate operational and cost information.

 

Transport and Final Delivery Coordination

You will coordinate collection and final delivery with transport providers, ensuring that delivery instructions, cargo dimensions, handling requirements, delivery addresses and customer contacts are correct before dispatch. You will monitor delivery progress, obtain proof of delivery and communicate completion to the customer.

 

For urgent, temperature-sensitive, high-value, dangerous goods or otherwise specialised cargo, you will ensure that handling requirements are clearly communicated and that the appropriate operational controls are followed. You will manage exceptions promptly and ensure that customers remain informed until the matter is resolved.

 

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate will have proven experience in an airfreight import controller or similar airfreight forwarding role. A sound working knowledge of international airfreight operations, airline and co-loader procedures, customs clearance requirements and import documentation is essential.

 

You should be comfortable working with logistics operating systems, preferably Shipshape, and be confident in managing multiple shipment files in a deadline-driven environment. Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, sound commercial awareness and the ability to remain composed under pressure are important for success in this role.

 

You will need excellent written and verbal communication skills, a professional customer-service mindset and the confidence to engage effectively with clients, suppliers and operational partners. Experience with customs entries, estimates, invoicing and the coordination of local transport will be advantageous.

 

Essential Attributes	What This Looks Like in Practice
Attention to detail	Documentation, customs instructions and costs are checked carefully before action is taken.
Customer focus	Customers receive clear, timely and reassuring communication throughout the shipment journey.
Ownership	Shipment files, queries and service issues are followed through to a successful conclusion.
Problem solving	Delays and exceptions are identified early, escalated where needed and resolved constructively.
Teamwork	Internal teams and external partners are coordinated respectfully to deliver the best outcome.

Why Join VDM Cargo Solutions?

At VDM Cargo Solutions, we value operational excellence, accountability and the relationships that make international logistics work. You will join a team that understands the importance of every shipment to the customer and is committed to delivering service that is professional, responsive and dependable.

 

How to Apply

If you have the relevant airfreight import experience and would like to build your career with a customer-focused international freight forwarding and clearing company, please email your CV and a short cover letter to Willmarie.vandermerwe@gmail.com.

 

Location: VDM Cargo Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Brackenfell, Cape Town.

 

Only candidates with relevant experience will be considered.