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Transport Clerk

Transport clerks check the contents and related documents of freight goods.

They tally and record the consignment and destination details of articles, containers and passengers.

They also make freight or transport bookings, as well as related arrangements.

Transport clerks who work for large organisations may work alongside other clerks in city offices. However, import/export firms often employ only one transport clerk who works in a small office.

TASKS

Transport clerks may perform the following tasks:

check the number of articles or containers in consignments of goods received or dispatched
make sure articles are in good condition and correspond to invoices, manifests or other records
arrange internal distribution of goods received
prepare and attach documentation to articles to be dispatched
make sure clearance procedures (such as payment of any customs entry fees or duties) are carried out
dispatch goods and arrange delivery promptly on arrival
spend time packing and unpacking goods in warehouses
drive between wharves, container terminals, airports and government departments
weigh and calculate cubic dimensions of items
contact senders to fix shortages and arrange replacement of damaged goods
maintain records of receipts and dispatches
undertake clerical work such as filing, accounting, updating customs records, preparing correspondence and inputting and retrieving information from computers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication skills
good organisation skills
able to work neatly and accurately
able to learn to use electronic trading systems

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Aircraft Load Controller - plan the permissible weight combinations for fuel, cargo and passengers, as well as the weight distribution in the aircraft. They also issue instructions to the loading staff.

Bond Clerk - calculates the duties, excise and other payments that are due and arranges for the clearance of the goods.

Customs Clerk - compiles customs documents for the import and export of goods, ensuring that customs laws and regulations are complied with. They work for customs agents, international freight forwarders or import/export firms.

Freight Traffic Controller - arranges the allocation of cargo space on railway or road haulage systems.

Import/Export Clerk - compiles all documents and records details on imported/exported cargo before it is allowed to be moved from the port of entry/exit. They also authorise and organise the collection of cargo, the calculation and clearance of any charges, and arrange any booking of cargo space for outward-bound freight.

Shipping Officer/Clerk - obtains details from shipping companies about where and when goods will arrive and organises storage time at a wharf or in a container (as the time cargo can stay at a terminal is limited and costly).

Truck Dispatcher - arranges the assignment of freight to trucks as well as truck routing, slot times at wharves and timetabling.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a transport clerk without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a transport clerk through a traineeship in Logistics.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Transport clerks are employed by firms involved in the movement of goods. These include shipping agents, import/export companies, freight forwarding and storage companies and road haulage firms. Wholesalers and large manufacturing firms may also employ transport clerks.

Demand is influenced by the state of the economy, the level of imports/exports and the use of computer technology to keep records of the movement of goods.