John Lethoba

Experience logistics and customs clearance specialist with over 22 years of progressive responsibility in export, import, sea freight and road freight operations. Skilled in handling international freight documentation, co-ordinating shipments and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proven ability to collaborate across teams, solve problems efficiently, and deliver high-quality service in fast-paced environments.

Thorough understanding of relevant South African regulations, including those of SARS and other relevant bodies.

Logistics controller, Fleet controller and Customs Agent at KENFORE ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD (2026-02 – 2026-09)

• Coordinate import and exports shipments (air, sea and road freight)
• Prepare, submit and manage all customs clearance documents
• Prepare and submit accurate documentation, including permits and tariff classifications
• Liaise with SARS customs, shipping lines, transporters, warehouse government agencies to ensure timely cargo release
• Monitor import shipments and proactively resolve delays or compliance issues
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of South African customs regulations, HS codes and trade compliance requirements
• Provide regular status updates to internal stakeholders and clients
• Ensure proper record-keeping and filling of customs documentation for audits and compliance
• Calculate and verify vat, duty, tariffs and shipping costs
• Resolve clearance delays, inspections and customs queries
• Arrange transport, warehousing, and delivery of goods, handle queries, inspections and customs stops
• Amend entries when required and manage post-clearance queries
• Ensure adherence to company polices, timelines, and service level agreements (SLA)
• Manage the company fleet and logistics
• Process orders, invoices and company policies and payments related to international trade
• Update database with inventory, vehicle records, shipment status and customer details
• File and organize physical and digital documentation for audits
• Oversee the scheduling, maintenance, and dispatching of company vehicles used for logistics and delivery
• Keep records of fuel usage, mileage, service and repairs
• Ensure vehicles are licenced, insured and compliant with road safety regulations
• Coordinate with drivers to ensure timely and safe transport of goods
• Liaise with suppliers, clients, government agencies and internal teams to ensure smooth logistical operations
• Provide regular updates on shipments status to clients and management
• Generate reports on logistics performance, customs clearance status and fleet usage

Export & Import Entry Clerk at TNT EXPRESS / FEDEX EXPRESS (2015-12 – 2024-11)

• Prepared and reviewed export documents (DA65, SADC, CITES PERMITS, CARNET, EURO1 & COO)
• Provide warehouse support and assisting with deliveries and collections
• Assisting with Sales presentations, and providing support to sales representatives
• Managed export administration and liaised with freight forwarders and airlines
• Prepared shipping instructions and handled customs disputes
• Maintained knowledge of updated customs regulations, tariffs and procedures
• Ensured compliance with international trade laws
• Acting as point of contact for clients, facilitating communication between sales and other department
• Collaborated with internal teams to ensure efficient delivery
• Tariff determination and understanding of incoterms
• Assisting sales with customers' requirements and expectations
• Liaised with internal and external sales teams regarding exports and imports procedures
• Strong knowledge of exports and imports
• Identify risks and minimise shipping costs
• Addressing clients queries, complaints and escalating issues as needed
• Managing and tracking the costs associated with the freight forwarding process
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business
• Oversee the entire freight process, from initial booking to final delivery
• Ensuring that bookings are manifested correctly and manage any discrepancies, communicating issues to relevant parties
• Obtain and verify invoices from clients to minimize risks
• Channel Control
• Freight Forwarding
• Road freight
• Logistic coordinator

Senior Import / export Clerk and logistics coordinator at DAWN WING COURIERS (2010-11 – 2015-11)

• Processed imports, exports road freight customs clearances
• Chanel control
• Freight Forwarding
• Ocean freight
• Road Freight
• Logistic controller
• Handled export documentation for cross-border shipments
• Monitored and traced shipments
• Collaborated with internal teams to ensure efficient delivery
• Scheduled inspections and ensured export and import compliance procedures
• Scheduled deliveries and assisting customer service with bookings and collections
• Assisting management with customs meetings
• Monitoring the progress of shipments and providing updates to clients
• Proactively identifying and resolving any delays, documentation issues, or other problems that may impact shipment clearance and delivery delays

Operations Supervisor at SIYANQOBA COURIERS (2010-03 – 2010-11)

• Staff Management
• Overseeing warehouse operations
• Supervise, train and evaluate warehouse employees
• Assign task and motivate staff to ensure productivity and accuracy
• Provide performance feedback and assist with evaluations
• Oversee daily operations for receiving, warehousing and despatch
• Ensure the timely and accurate dispatch of goods
• Coordinate with other departments and external vendors
• Ensure the warehouse is clean, organize and safe
• Enforce all safety regulations and procedures
• Conduct safety audits and address potential hazards
• Ensure compliance with all governmental laws and regulations
• Fleet tracking
• Ensure all vehicles are in good conditions for work

Customs Entry Clerk / Warehouse Supervisor at SEABOURNE EXPRESS (2006-09 – 2010-10)

• Supervise imports and exports
• Prepared import documents and process clearance
• Warehouse operations and logistics planning
• Monitored dispatched/receiving activities and maintained a clean environment
• Tracked shipments and coordinated driver collections
• Verified and inspected incoming goods
• Monitor and maintain all operational exports records
• Provide warehouse support and assisting with deliveries and collections

Import, Export Clerk & Warehouse clerk at COSMO-TRANS FREIGHT FORWARDING (2003-06 – 2006-09)

• Managed export entries/general cargo and perishable goods
• Booked freight with airlines and handled dispatched
• Labelled and tracked freight shipments
• Scheduled customs stops and customs compliance
• Responsible for acquittals and customs
• Liaising with various parties like carriers, other customs brokers, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth cargo flow
• Overseeing all aspects of freight forwarding, including exports shipments via air and logistics
• Obtaining and negotiating rates with airlines and schedules
• Ensuring all shipments comply with relevant customs regulations and other applicable laws
• Channel controller
• Freight forwarding
• Logistics controller

Grade 12 – Tlokweng Secondary School

LLB – Unisa

Skills Development Specialists (SDS) in Schedule Part 1 and 2