Logistics Controller

Join our global team for a career filled with opportunities to solve challenges both small and large, local and global, simple and complex.

Wilhelmsen Port Services South Africa is looking for an experienced Logistics Import & Export Controller to join our Maritime Logistics team. 

In Maritime logistics, we provide our customers with piece of mind. We match local expertise with strict global standards, thus ensuring the effective smooth service of cargo clearance.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end freight forwarding, customs clearing, and logistics operations across sea freight, with exposure to containerized, bulk, breakbulk and liquid bulk cargo.

Key Responsibilities for this position

• Manage import and export shipments from receipt of instruction through to final delivery.
• Coordinate containerized, bulk, breakbulk and liquid bulk shipments.
• Register and manage shipments within Cargo Wise.
• Prepare and process customs entries and supporting customs documentation.
• Process customs entry types including Home Consumption, XDP, WH, WE, XRW and other applicable procedures.
• Process VOCs, DA70s, CR1 refund applications and customs amendments where required.
• Prepare and manage liquid bulk customs documentation, including DPs, VOCs, quantity views and price adjustment views.
• Arrange shipping line releases, landing orders and cargo dues.
• Liaise with SARS Customs, Transnet, shipping lines, transporters and government departments.
• Arrange inspections and permits where required, including Plant Inspectorate, State Vet and other regulatory authorities.
• Monitor vessel arrivals, berth schedules and delivery planning.
• Coordinate transport, container unpacking and empty returns within free time.
• Monitor free days to minimize demurrage, detention and storage costs.
• Prepare shipping orders for transshipment cargo.
• Coordinate bonded cargo and cross-border shipments.
• Process ship spares imports and exports.
• Handle vessel clearance services for maritime logistics customers.
• Prepare freight estimates and obtain competitive rates from shipping lines, transporters and service providers.
• Resolve shipment, customs and invoicing queries promptly.
• Process supplier invoices and coordinate payments through internal systems.
• Balance shipping line and bond account statements.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly operational reports.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Customs Compliance, Freight Forwarding, Shipping or Logistics qualification or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in freight forwarding, customs clearing and international logistics.
• Strong working knowledge of Cargo Wise.
• Solid understanding of SARS Customs legislation and customs procedures.
• Proven experience with import and export customs entries.
• Experience handling containerized, bulk, breakbulk and liquid bulk cargo.
• Practical experience processing DPs, VOCs, warehouse entries, XDPs and related customs procedures.
• Experience with ship spares and vessel clearances will be highly advantageous.
• Good understanding of Incoterms and CPC codes.
• Experience handling bonded cargo and cross-border shipments.
• Excellent planning, organizational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.

The ability to work under pressure, to be a problem solver, and a solution provider are important traits to be successful in the role, however always remembering you are part of a team working to be successful together. Reliability, trustworthiness, multitasking, thoroughness, and determination are all characteristics that you also need to possess.

What we offer is a culture and work environment of strong leadership, career development and a job that is both challenging and stimulating.

Sounds interesting? 

If you can see yourself in this role, please let us know why you are our new Logistics Controller. You can apply online today through our career portal by creating a ‘Candidate Home’ account. Here you can upload your resume and a motivational letter. 

"Please note that only candidates who are available to start immediately will be considered for this opportunity."

Work location: Durban, South Africa

Application deadline:  15.07.2026

PS: As part of the application process, you may be subject to reference and additional background checks. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.