Car Import Operator

Vehicle Import & Export Operations Specialist

Location: Felixstowe – office-based Salary: £35,000–£40,000 per annum Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm Contract: Full-time, permanent

We are seeking an experienced Vehicle Import & Export Operations Specialist to join a fast-paced international car and motor vehicle logistics business.

This position involves coordinating the seamless movement of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. You will act as a subject-matter expert within the vehicle shipping team, managing valuable client accounts, resolving complex operational issues and ensuring every shipment is handled efficiently, compliantly and profitably.

Applicants must have previous experience in car or motor vehicle imports and exports, together with strong customs knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate vehicle imports, exports and UK transport from start to finish across sea, road and air freight.

• Arrange containerised and RoRo vehicle shipments.

• Manage key client accounts and build lasting relationships with private owners, collectors, dealerships, car clubs and overseas agents.

• Prepare and oversee import and export documentation and customs declarations.

• Manage tariff classifications, VAT and duty calculations, temporary imports, NOVA declarations, ATA Carnets and Carnets de Passage.

• Apply knowledge of vehicle approval processes, including IVA and SVA requirements.

• Negotiate competitive rates and service agreements with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, vehicle packers and overseas agents.

• Prepare quotations, analyse margins and support commercial pricing decisions.

• Resolve delays, disputes, customs queries and other high-impact shipment issues.

• Maintain accurate operational and financial records using freight management software such as MultiFreight or a similar system.

• Provide clients and colleagues with guidance on customs requirements, trade compliance and international shipping regulations.

• Liaise professionally with Border Force and other relevant authorities when required.

Essential Experience and Skills

• At least two to three years’ experience in international car or motor vehicle shipping and transport.

• Proven experience managing vehicle imports and exports.

• Strong knowledge of customs procedures, import and export declarations, duties, VAT and relevant shipping documentation.

• Familiarity with containerised and RoRo vehicle movements.

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.

• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, suppliers, overseas agents and authorities.

• A positive, proactive attitude and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Dangerous goods awareness would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Salary of £35,000–£40,000 per annum.

• Company pension.

• 20 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.

• The opportunity to join a fast-moving global vehicle logistics operation.

• Scope to improve operational processes and contribute to commercial strategy.

If you have the required vehicle import and export experience, strong customs knowledge and a proactive approach to solving problems, we would like to hear from you