Cost Estimator - Freight Forwarding & Logistics
Listing reference: buflg_000016
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 17 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Distribution, Transport & Logistics
Job category: Imports and Exports
Location: Kempton Park
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and profitable quotations for a comprehensive range of logistics services, including Sea Freight, Air Freight, Road Freight, Rail Freight, Courier/Express, Multimodal Transport, Customs Clearing, Warehousing, Distribution, Cross-Border Transport, and Project Cargo.
The role works closely with customers, sales teams, operations, customs, transport providers, shipping lines, airlines, overseas agents, and service providers to develop end-to-end logistics solutions that meet customer requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable customs regulations, service standards, and company profitability objectives.
Job description
Pricing & Quotations
• Prepare accurate quotations for import and export shipments across all transport modes.
• Ensure quotations are submitted within agreed turnaround times and service level agreements.
• Prepare cost estimates and budget pricing for customers.
• Analyse customer requirements and recommend the most cost-effective logistics solutions.
• Provide alternative routing, carrier, and transport options where beneficial.
• Ensure all quotations achieve company margin and profitability targets.
• Maintain pricing records and quotation history within company systems.
Customer Support
• Liaise with customers to clarify quotation requirements and service expectations.
• Follow up on quotations to obtain customer feedback and improve conversion rates.
• Respond promptly to customer pricing enquiries.
• Provide professional advice on logistics solutions and value-added services.
Sales Support
• Support the Sales team with competitive pricing and solution development.
• Assist with customer presentations and pricing proposals.
• Prepare quotations for tenders, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), and long-term service contracts.
• Assist in negotiating rates where required.
Supplier & Carrier Management
• Obtain competitive freight rates from shipping lines, airlines, transport companies, courier providers, and overseas agents.
• Maintain strong relationships with logistics partners and suppliers.
• Review supplier pricing regularly to ensure competitiveness.
• Maintain an updated rate database.
Costing & Profitability
• Calculate transport costs, customs charges, duties, warehousing fees, and related logistics costs.
• Ensure pricing reflects current market conditions and operational costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins while remaining competitive.
• Escalate unusual costing or pricing risks to management.
Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure quotations comply with customs regulations and company policies.
• Maintain accurate pricing documentation and supporting records.
• Assist with pricing audits and tender documentation.
• Stay informed of changes in freight rates, customs regulations, fuel surcharges, and industry trends.
Continuous Improvement
• Monitor market trends and competitor pricing.
• Recommend improvements to pricing processes and quotation turnaround times.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Commercial department.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications
• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Freight Forwarding, International Trade, Business Management, or a related field.
• Relevant logistics qualifications will be advantageous.
Experience
• Minimum of 3–5 years' experience in freight forwarding or logistics pricing/estimating.
• Experience preparing quotations across multiple transport modes.
• Experience with import and export shipments.
• Experience costing customs clearing, transport, warehousing, and distribution services.
• Experience working with international agents and logistics service providers.