Shipping agent jobs in Finland
Shipping agents represent the ship owner in a foreign port. They make sure customs is cleared in a timely manner so that the cargo doesn't have to stay too long in the port. Shipping agents also ensure that insurance, licences and other formalities are in order.
Shipping agent - Which skills are essential?
Enforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.
Apply the different procedures required to meet customs obligations when transporting goods across borders and arriving via ports/airports or any other logistics hub, such as producing written customs declarations. Apply different procedures for different types of goods, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations.;
Monitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.
Create and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.
Ensure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.
Check that the labels of products and the packaging are compliant with different regulations in the countries where they are exported.
Inform clients about the export restrictions, which consist of regulations about limitations on the quantity of exported goods imposed by a specific country or government.
Inform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.
Follow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.
Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
Know port standards and legal regulations, based primarily on municipal laws, port laws or the Maritime Code.
Communicate and cooperate with port users such as shipping agents, freight customers and port managers.
Shipping agent - Which skills are useful but not essential?
Organise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.
Observe process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.
Keep written records of the quantity of goods loaded or unloaded. Track times, dates and tasks completed.
Prepare bills of lading and associated shipping documentation in accordance with customs and legal requirements.
Communicate with the captain in relation to when the ship will arrive or depart the port. Notify and liaise with port authorities.
Inspect, document, and manage freight shipments; verify that all content complies with national, international and local regulations.
Manage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.
Handle paperwork containing information on shipments and attached to goods about to be shipped. Ensure that identification information is complete, visible, and in compliance with all regulations. Check labels showing product counts, final destination, and model numbers.
Coordinate all export transportation operations while considering export strategies and services.
Book cargo for shipment following customer specifications.
Have the ability to access information about shipping rates and compare the information across providers. Use this information to prepare bids for clients.
Oversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.
Serve as an intermediary between the customer and various transportation services.