Daniel Pratt
Import Trade Assistant, Oceanbridge, Takapuna, Auckland
Job Basics: An Import Trade Assistant works on behalf of business clients to ensure all goods and products coming into New Zealand are given clearance by Government departments such as MAF, Ministry of Health and New Zealand Customs. The role is office based.
The international freight forwarding industry offers a great career path with an array of exciting job opportunities says Import Trade Assistant, Daniel Pratt.
The 20-year-old should know, he's worked in the freight forwarding industry for the last three years since leaving school and is planning to take his career even further.
Daniel works for Oceanbridge, a New Zealand-owned shipping company that deals with imports and exports from all over the world.
Day-to-day, Daniel has to deal with the paperwork and documentation related to importing all kinds of goods on container ships from all over North and South America and South Africa, mostly to New Zealand ports but also Australia and parts of Asia.
That means helping things run smoothly for business clients and completing tasks such as placing orders, assisting with documents, working on container packaging and dealing with transport companies to move goods once they arrive in New Zealand.
He also has to deal with Government authorities such as MAF and New Zealand Customs.
Daniel uses the phone and email a lot - communication is an important aspect of the job.
"We have to work around time-zones in this job. The first calls in the morning to the United States go to New York, then Chicago from 10am, Los Angeles at 12pm or 1pm then I usually have quite an open time in the afternoon to get things done."
Most of the freight he deals with arrives in Auckland, although some goes to Christchurch and Wellington as well.
Daniel says he enjoys the responsibility that comes with the job.
"Every day is different and there are great opportunities if you travel due to the international nature of the industry. It's challenging too, there is some problem solving involved and it's not just entering data," he says.
The youthful team at Oceanbridge is another bonus; nearly 50 of his colleagues are under 30 years old and they have a culture of getting involved in social activities including sports teams and regular events.
Daniel says it's a well paid industry with great entry level salaries.
"There is a real demand for people in the industry right now so there are plenty of opportunities for young people," he says.
Daniel's first role was as a runner for a customs agency at Auckland Airport, delivering documents and small amounts of freight.
From there he did some courses through the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarding Federation of New Zealand (CBAFF) so he was able to work with the universal computer system in the office.
"The training as such is in-house at the moment and you learn on the job," he says.
Approaching and speaking with people in the industry or working through a recruitment company is Daniel's tip on getting a started in the freight forwarding world.
"I would say go for it and it will happen for you if you have the right attitude. Within two years doors will really open up," he says.
For further information about working in freightforwarding at Oceanbridge email HR Supervisor Morwenna Henderson: morwennah@oceanbridge.co.nz