Gladys Fairhead
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Experienced Import Coordinator known for exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to optimize logistics operations and implement cost-saving measures, ensuring timely delivery and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Import Coordinator
Rohlig-Grindrod (Pty) Ltd
02.1984 - 07.2025
- Coordinated ocean import shipments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and documentation standards.
- Managed relationships with freight forwarders and shipping lines to optimize logistics operations.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of shipment statuses and inventory levels.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in import coordination workflows.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by optimizing container utilization and consolidating shipments whenever possible.
- Streamlined ocean import processes by implementing efficient communication and documentation strategies.
- Successfully managed high volumes of time-sensitive shipments during peak seasons while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate shipment tracking updates.
- Developed strong relationships with carriers to negotiate competitive freight rates and improve service levels.
- Collaborated with overseas partners to coordinate shipments, ensuring smooth transit across international borders.
- Improved shipment visibility by implementing advanced tracking systems for real-time monitoring of cargo movement.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries promptly and resolving issues effectively.
- Maintained a strong understanding of Incoterms and their application, ensuring proper use in all ocean import transactions.
- Accurately input shipment details into the company's system.
- Developed tracking reports, which alleviated customer calls and boosted time savings.
Education
High School Diploma -
Malvern High School
Malvern, Gauteng South Africa11-1977
Skills
- Customs regulations compliance
- Effective communication
- Shipment categorization
- Accurate data entry
- Transportation planning
- International shipments
- Documentation review
- Shipping documentation
- Customs compliance
- Freight forwarding
- Import regulations
- Tracking shipments
- Incoterms awareness
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Customer assistance
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Customer support
- Professional ethics
- Shipment tracking
Accomplishments
Started work at this company when my son was two and a half months old. I did become a assisted import manager in airfreight prior to the merger with Rohlig for three years.
Merger took place in May 2000.
Timeline
Import Coordinator
Rohlig-Grindrod (Pty) Ltd
02.1984 - 07.2025
High School Diploma -
Malvern High School