CEBELIHLE QINISO ZIKHALI
Kempton Park
Summary
Results-oriented professional with extensive experience in freight forwarding, supply chain coordination, and international shipping operations. Demonstrated expertise in managing end-to-end logistics processes, ensuring the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods across global networks. Proven track record of effectively liaising with carriers, clients, transport providers, and customs authorities, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and high-quality service delivery. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments, resolving complex issues, and driving continuous improvement in logistics performance and customer satisfaction.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Multi-Modal Logistics Controller
DG Global Forwarding (Pty) Ltd
09.2024 - Current
- Manage and monitor import/export shipments across multiple transport modes (air, ocean, road, rail).
- Coordinating Ro-Ro, break-bulk, abnormal, and container shipments for both import and export operations.
- Plan, schedule, and track shipments to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.
- Coordinating forwarding shipments with origin agents and international partners.
- Liaise with carriers, agents, and suppliers to arrange transport bookings and resolve issues.
- Prepare and verify shipping documentation (e.g., bills of lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, dangerous goods declarations).
- Ensure all transport activities comply with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure system updates for audit and reporting purposes.
- Act as a key point of contact for clients regarding shipment status, delays, and problem resolution.
- Provide proactive updates and solutions for any service interruptions or delivery challenges.
- Coordinate internally with warehousing, customs, procurement, and finance teams.
- Review freight invoices and ensure cost accuracy and alignment with agreed rates.
- Assist in vendor evaluation and selection based on service performance and pricing.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through route optimization and consolidation strategies.
- Monitor logistics risks, such as port congestion, customs delays, or equipment shortages.
- Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate disruption.
- Escalate complex issues to management and work cross-functionally to resolve them.
- Facilitating and managing all necessary regulatory inspections and clearances, including CBCU stops, Port Health, Plant Inspections, SAPS detentions, and related processes
- Lead the end-to-end management of complex export shipments by engaging directly with key clients, interpreting their logistical requirements, and designing tailored multi-modal transport solutions aligned with Incoterms and international trade regulations.
- Oversee space bookings with strategic carrier partners across sea, air, and road freight. Establish and maintain high-level coordination with overseas agents and service providers to ensure seamless execution of delivery schedules, customs clearance, and final-mile distribution.
- Manage the preparation and final validation of all critical export documentation, including: Bills of Lading (B/L), Airway Bills (AWB), Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Export Permits (EUR1, SAD500, DA550).
- Direct coordination with customs authorities and brokers to ensure accurate and timely submission of export declarations through platforms such as SARS.
- Maintain oversight of cargo movement across the entire logistics chain, proactively communicating any changes, risks, or exceptions to clients and internal stakeholders. Act as a senior point of contact for escalations and service assurance.
- Validate all freight and related charges, ensuring billing accuracy for both client invoicing and third-party service providers. Optimize cost control measures and contribute to profitability by analyzing spend trends and supplier performance.
- Ensure full alignment with global export control regulations, sanctions, and customs requirements. Maintain organized records for audits and internal reporting, upholding compliance with both client and statutory obligations.
- Lead the investigation and resolution of shipment disputes, cargo delays, and claims due to damage or loss. Engage directly with clients, carriers, and insurers to mitigate risk and ensure client satisfaction through effective resolution strategies.
Multi-Modal Freight Forwarder
OIA Global (Pty) Ltd
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Arranging collection and deliveries of freight for either / or both international oceans import or export moves.
- Coordinating Ro-Ro, break-bulk, abnormal, and container shipments for both import and export operations.
- Tracking operational, routing, and customer service responsibility for all files handled.
- Coordinating forwarding arrangements with origin agents and international partners.
- Using preferred lists of truckers and vendors to identify customers solutions based on rates and service.
- Acting liaison between shippers, consignees, and ocean carriers.
- Completing all necessary import documentation to remain compliant with regulations.
- Determining and recommending shipment costs and routing options to the customer for their selection.
- Completing quotes with oversight for customers, sales personnel, and overseas stations/agents.
- Entering import shipment information into the system and updating daily.
- Receiving, reviewing, and processing documentation, following up with origin offices for clarifications and resolutions on paperwork, and following all processes to ensure timeous clearance.
- Establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with both internal and external customers and vendors.
- Monitoring of shipment arrival notice.
- Arranging Clearing of shipments with customs team
- Participating in client meetings alongside other members of the team.
- Responding to any customer questions concerning their shipment.
- Remaining within company guidelines when addressing customer inquiries regarding shipments.
- Escalating uncommon customer issues to the next level manager for resolution and/or awareness.
- Brainstorming possible solutions for customer issues with the team and department manager.
- Processing the billing and invoicing for the shipment.
- Performing other related duties, as assigned.
- Receive export bookings from clients and gather shipping instructions.
- Understand client requirements and tailor solutions accordingly (mode of transport, Incoterms, destination specifics).
- Book cargo space with shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies.
- Coordinate with overseas agents for destination arrangements, customs clearance, and delivery.
- Prepare and/or verify essential export documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), Airway Bill (AWB), Certificate of Origin, Export Permits & EUR1/SAD500/DA550 (as per local requirements)
- Work with customs brokers and internal customs team to process export entries.
- Resolve any queries or document discrepancies from customs authorities.
- Monitor cargo movement from origin to final destination.
- Keep clients informed of shipment status, delays, or exceptions.
- Respond promptly to inquiries from clients and stakeholders.
- Verify freight and ancillary charges (origin charges, documentation, handling).
- Issue invoices to clients for services rendered.
- Monitor and control third-party costs (carrier invoices, haulage, warehousing).
- Maintain records for audits and reference, including scanned documents and shipment files.
Junior Multi-Modal Operations Controller
Paccon Logistics (Pty) Ltd
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Process both import and export files - Air, Sea, and Road from start to invoicing and delivery.
- Coordinating Ro-Ro, break-bulk, abnormals, and container shipments for both import and export operations.
- Coordinate and monitor the movement of goods through air, sea, and land freight.
- Manage and oversee the end-to-end documentation process, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and delivery notes.
- Liaise with carriers, warehouses, and customs brokers to coordinate the transportation and storage of goods.
- Optimize routing and transportation methods to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and company policies.
- Maintain accurate records of shipments, including tracking and tracing information.
- Prepare and present regular reports on shipment status.
- Communicate effectively with internal teams, including sales, finance, and customer service, to ensure alignment and coordination.
- Provide timely updates to clients and stakeholders regarding the status of their shipments.
- Handle and resolve operational challenges, including delays, customs issues, and transportation obstacles.
- Organizing and overseeing the packing and unpacking operations for containers and MAFIs.
- Organizing and overseeing the direct discharge of abnormal cargo at the port.
- Assist with receiving export bookings and gathering client shipping instructions.
- Help ensure shipment details align with client requirements such as transport mode, Incoterms, and delivery destination.
- Support the booking of cargo space with shipping lines, airlines, and transport providers.
- Assist in coordinating with overseas agents to help organize customs clearance and final delivery.
- Help prepare and check export documents, including: Bill of Lading (B/L), Airway Bill (AWB), Export Permits (e.g. EUR1, SAD500, DA550), Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
- Work closely with customs teams or brokers to support export entries.
- Monitor shipment progress and assist in updating clients on cargo status.
- Assist with preparing invoices and tracking third-party service charges for accuracy.
- Help ensure that export files are organized and stored correctly.
Education
Diploma - Public Management
Mangosuthu University of Technology
01.2018
BTech - Management
Durban University of Technology
11.2018
Postgraduate Diploma - Project Management
MANCOSA
01.2025
Skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment
- Attention to detail
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Take the initiative and be proactive
- Shipping coordination
- Transportation management
- Freight forwarding
- Shipping and receiving
- Operational management
- Shipment scheduling
- Documentation
- Client relationship management
- Import and export operations
- Multitasking
- Skilled with a sense of urgency
- Cargo Wise & Ship Shape
References
Logan, N, Operations Manager, 084 603 9095, Paccon Logistics (Pty) Ltd
Khanya, M, Operations Supervisor, 078 546 4731, OIA Global (Pty) Ltd
Amanda, D, Operations Supervisor, 072 803 3188, DG Global Forwarding (Pty) Ltd
PERSONAL DETAILS
- Date of birth - 3 April 1997
- Gender – Female
- Nationality – South African
Timeline
Senior Multi-Modal Logistics Controller
DG Global Forwarding (Pty) Ltd
09.2024 - Current
Multi-Modal Freight Forwarder
OIA Global (Pty) Ltd
06.2023 - 08.2024
Junior Multi-Modal Operations Controller
Paccon Logistics (Pty) Ltd
07.2019 - 05.2023
Postgraduate Diploma - Project Management
MANCOSA
Diploma - Public Management
Mangosuthu University of Technology
BTech - Management
Durban University of Technology
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