EU Road Freight Specialist Poland Shipments

European Road Freight Coordinator Freight Forwarding Administrator – UK and Poland

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Salary: £28,000–£35,000, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or part-time hours considered

An established international freight forwarding business is looking for an experienced Freight Forwarder, Road Freight Operator or Import/Export Administrator to join its Southend-on-Sea office.

The company specialises in arranging commercial road freight between the UK and Poland, including full loads, part loads and dedicated express van deliveries. It has approximately 20 years of experience within the UK–Poland transport market and manages regular shipments in both directions.

This is a varied customer service and freight operations position. You will respond to shipment enquiries, prepare quotations and coordinate the complete movement of goods from the initial booking through to delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Responding promptly and professionally to freight enquiries from new and existing customers.
• Obtaining all relevant shipment information and preparing accurate, competitive quotations.
• Coordinating imports from Poland into the UK and exports from the UK to Poland.
• Planning the most suitable transport method, route, collection date and delivery schedule.
• Arranging full loads, part loads, groupage shipments and dedicated express vehicle movements.
• Booking transport with approved hauliers and negotiating rates where appropriate.
• Liaising closely with customers, hauliers, drivers, overseas partners and customs clearance agents.
• Managing shipments from the original booking through to final delivery.
• Tracking consignments and providing customers with regular progress updates.
• Responding quickly to delays, customs issues, route changes or other operational problems.
• Preparing, checking and processing shipping and transport documentation.
• Reviewing commercial invoices, packing lists, CMR documentation and customs clearance information.
• Ensuring customers provide the correct import or export paperwork before goods are collected.
• Assisting with insurance queries and other supporting documentation when required.
• Maintaining accurate electronic records, customer information, quotations and shipment details.
• Building strong, professional relationships with existing customers and responding to new enquiries efficiently.

You will ideally have previous experience in one or more of the following positions:

• Freight Forwarder
• European Road Freight Operator
• Freight Forwarding Administrator
• Import or Export Coordinator
• Shipping Coordinator
• Freight Clerk
• Customs Administrator or Customs Agent
• Transport Coordinator
• Logistics Coordinator
• Import or Export Clerk

Previous experience within European road freight, international transport, freight forwarding, shipping or import/export administration would be highly beneficial.

You should also have:

• Experience preparing freight quotations and coordinating transport bookings.
• A good understanding of UK and European import and export procedures.
• Knowledge of customs paperwork and clearance requirements.
• Experience liaising with customers, hauliers and customs agents.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to manage several live shipments and customer enquiries at the same time.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• A professional and customer-focused approach.
• Good general IT and administrative skills.
• The ability to remain calm and find solutions when schedules or transport arrangements change.

Knowledge of CMR documentation, commercial invoices, packing lists, Incoterms, CDS customs procedures and freight insurance documentation would be advantageous.

The ability to communicate in Polish and English would be highly advantageous
, as the position involves regular communication with Polish customers, hauliers and freight partners. However, applications will also be considered from experienced freight professionals who do not speak Polish.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a knowledgeable, established and friendly freight forwarding business where you will have direct responsibility for customers and shipments rather than working within one small part of a much larger operation.

The company is open to considering either an experienced full-time freight professional or someone looking for a permanent part-time position.