Rosario Balabat

Dynamic Licensed Customs Broker and Logistics Specialist with over 12 years of comprehensive experience in end-to-end supply chain management and regulatory compliance. Proven success as a Logistics Operations Supervisor, skilled in managing complex physical distributions and navigating high-stakes customs clearances. Currently enhancing expertise through Freight Courses 101, combining extensive hands-on knowledge with advanced virtual brokerage training.

Proficient in tariff classification, import/export laws, and carrier management, ready to deliver exceptional support as a Freight Virtual Assistant while leveraging senior-level operational insights.

Licensed Customs Broker/Operation Supervisor at K Line Logistics Phils., Inc. (2013-10 – Present)

Overseeing customs clearance, import/export operations, tariff classification, and compliance representation with government agencies.

• Preparation & Lodgment: Overseeing the preparation, signing, filing, and processing of all import and export entries (declarations).
• Compliance Representation: Representing clients (importers/exporters) before the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other government agencies regarding valuation, classification, and rules of origin.
• Tariff Classification/Customs Laws Expert: Accurately assigning Harmonized System codes to goods to determine the correct duty rates and preventing misclassification penalties.
• Duty & Tax Computation: Calculating the customs duties and taxes, specific duties, Excise taxes, VAT, and other fees (IPF, CSF) due to the government.
• Permit Coordination: Identifying and securing necessary permits from regulated agencies before the arrival of goods to ensure seamless clearance.
• Client Consultation: Advising clients on the legality of their shipments, potential tax incentives (e.g., PEZA, BOI), and the financial impact of trade agreements (e.g., AFTA, ACFTA).
• Documentation Specialist: Ensuring the accuracy of import and export shipping documents both air and sea such as bill of lading for sea and air waybill for air, invoice, packing list and other permits.
• Resource Controller: Overseeing operational costs and maximizing the utilization of company assets (trucks, warehouse space, and labor) to optimize profit.
• Manifest Validation & Submission; AFR Filing: Scrubbing inward/outbound manifests for accuracy and ensuring timely electronic transmission to avoid Late Manifest penalties. Responsible in filing Japan's Advance Filing Rule (AFR).
• Carrier Outsourcing & Vetting: Sourcing and negotiating with third-party trucking companies while verifying their insurance, permits, and safety records.

Administrative Assistant at API Holdings Inc. (2012-06 – 2013-10)

Calendar management, data entry, record keeping, and logistics coordination.

• Calendar Management–Coordinating executive meetings and managing room reservations. In freight, meetings are Dock Appointments. Responsible for calling Shippers and Receivers to secure a slot for a truck. Ability to manage time-sensitive schedules ensures a driver isn't stuck waiting (detention), which saves the company money.
• Data Entry & Integrity–Maintaining databases and ensuring company records are 100% accurate. Just like in inputting data in the TMS details should be accurate.
• Record Keeping–Organizing digital filing systems for easy retrieval. In logistics, if there is no Proof of Delivery (POD), there is no payment.

Impex Staff at Yuenthai Phils Inc. (2011-01 – 2011-06)

Shipping documentation, logistics coordination, and invoice auditing.

• Shipping Documentation–Preparing and verifying the Shipping Set, which includes the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin. Filing of import permit before cargo arrival and filing of automated export declaration system for outbound shipments.
• Logistics Coordination & Booking– Coordinating with customs broker and forwarder to ensure accurate documentations.
• Invoice Auditing– Reviewing billings from forwarders, truckers, and brokers to ensure they match the agreed-upon rates (Incoterms) and that no hidden fees are being charged.
• Record Keeping–Maintaining a strict 3-to-5-year archive of all import/export transactions for government post-clearance audits.

Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration – University of Cebu, Main Campus (2010-03)