Ammar Valibhai

Adapt at navigating the complexities of international logistics, my role involves looking after the customs brokerage department and control tower for all inbound shipments. Known for being an all-rounder, I am dedicated to ensuring seamless and efficient customs clearance, freight forwarding, Transport and overall shipping of goods.

• Resolved any issues that arose during the placement of goods inregards to bills of ladings, shipment terms, import Permits, costings and other related shipping matters.
• Organized destination-specific storage and delivery processes.
• Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, carriers, and customers to ensure efficient freight forwarding services.
• Analyzed shipping routes to determine cost/ efficiency and consulted on any compliance bottlenecks prior shipping.
• Worked with cross-functional teams to improvise processes and deliver optimal service.
• Managed day to day customs clearance and assisted the cartage team where necessary.

With the intention to expand my knowledge in Freight Forwarding, I have taken the role of a Customs broker with import operations hands on.

Facilitating FCL Import Operations and Customs/MPI Clearances procedures, making sure all aspects of incoming shipments have the necessary prerequisites for smooth customs clearance

• Pre-clearance checks and requirements for new Products - MPI/Food Safety/EPA and Customs Consultancy - Key accounts for CIF/DAP jobs.
• End to end service/One stop Customer service for clients from over seas forwarding agents.
• Shipment tracking and ETA/Delivery advise for high important shipments.
• Due diligence/Tariff consultancy/ Duty & Levy advice and calculations..
• Monitored project timelines and budgets by tracking milestones, deliverables, tasks.
• Created and communicated comprehensive reports, enabling stakeholders to grasp key insights quickly and make informed decisions.
• Performed Customs/MPI clearance, Liaise with shipping line for timely hold uplifts at the port and coordinate any impediments with delivery team, warehouse and clients.

Previous experience working for a global forwarder who are early adopters of Cargowise One allowed me to help a small-scale local forwarder transition from their old EDI software to CW1. In return, the company offered invaluable insights into the intricate landscape of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, offering me a deep understanding of this dynamic industry.

• Some of the work included data transfer, setting up supplier/clients data organizations and background functions to designing process workflow through use of milestones and work benches to suit each individual functions

After the work was complete, my other work included

• Customs clearances/ Trade & Tariff consultancy/ Due diligence
• Concessions/Duty refunds/ Temporary imports & Carnet.
• liaising with Customs and all other relevant government bodies for resolving issues in professional and timely manner.
• EDI Solutions (Maintaining and enhancing of CW1 and close inefficient process gaps)
• Customize Order management tools
• Manage your 2PL/ 3PL
• Continuous process improvement and SOPs.

Progressing within the division for being responsible for authorizing Customs clearances. Efficient processes implemented in my previous role and accumulated training received from my peers has allowed me to transition becoming a licensed customs broker

Responsibilities Include

• Monitored shipments and obtained internal department clearances before finalizing shipments.
• Perform Customs clearances to the highest standard and provide professional brokerage services to enhance customer satisfaction and credibility.
• Maintaining data integrity and liaise with IT manager to fix inefficiencies and implement better use of EDI.
• Handle unprecedented circumstances in a professional manner and maintain communication with all relevant parties.
• Manage Client transport and Co-ordinate delivery impediment instructions to their warehouse team.

With a view to expand my knowledge in international trade, I have transitioned to working for a global logistics provider which has recently acquired a similar size business

Allocated in the Customs division, supporting the team supervisor and Customs manager with customs clearances and implementing continuous process improvement within my role to absorb complexity related to rising volume in the business.

Responsibilities include

• Liaise with Customs and government bodies to ensure all legal requirements of the business is met promptly to ensure smooth release of goods from the port.
• First point of contact for our client base, settle any queries that a customer may have and fix any issues that may arise.
• Guide throughout the process of preparing high volume shipments for customs clearance in the most efficient manner.
• Help build API's.
• Maintaining excellent relationship with all the stakeholders within the client's supply chain. Continuous SOP improvement.
• Ensure shipments are delivered within the strict KPI standards set by the company.

As a new entrant to the dairy exporting industry, I have gained invaluable experience exporting dairy commodities, specializing in the Middle East and Africa markets. My role has provided me with hands-on exposure to the complexities of international dairy trade, Build skills in market analysis, client relationship management, and navigating the intricacies of Logistics.