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Transport Clerk

State/Territory Specific Information

Transport clerks check the contents, and compile and check documents of freight goods. They also tally and record consignments and destination details of articles, containers and passengers, and make freight and transport bookings and related arrangements.

Transport clerks may perform the following tasks:

  • check the number of articles or containers in consignments of goods received or despatched
  • 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 despatched
  • make sure clearance procedures (e.g. payment of any customs entry fees or duties) are carried out, despatch goods and arrange delivery promptly on arrival
  • spend time in warehouses packing and unpacking goods
  • drive between wharves, container terminals, airports and government departments
  • weigh items
  • contact senders to fix shortages and arrange replacement of damaged goods
  • maintain records of receipts and despatches
  • undertake clerical work such as filing, accounting, updating customs records, preparing correspondence, and inputting and retrieving information from computers.

Specialisations:

Aircraft Load Controller

An aircraft load controller plans the permissible weight combinations for fuel, cargo and passengers, as well as the weight distribution in the aircraft, and issues instructions to the loading staff.

Bond Clerk

A bond clerk calculates the duties, excise and other payments that are due and arranges for the clearance of the goods.

Customs Clerk

A customs clerk works for a customs agent or import/export firm and compiles documents for the import and export of goods for customs authorities, making sure that customs laws and regulations are complied with.

Freight Traffic Controller

A freight traffic controller arranges the allocation of cargo space on railway or road haulage systems.

Import/Export Clerk

An 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 and the calculation and clearance of any charges, and arrange any booking of cargo space for outward-bound freight.

Shipping Officer/Clerk

A shipping officer/clerk obtains details from shipping companies about where and when goods will arrive and organises storage time at a wharf or container, as the time cargo can stay at a terminal is limited and costly.

Truck Despatcher

A truck despatcher arranges the assignment of freight to trucks as well as truck routing and timetabling.

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.

Personal Requirements:

  • good communication skills
  • well organised
  • able to work neatly and accurately
  • able to learn to use electronic trading systems.

Related Jobs:

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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