Overview
Container Planner (Entry-Level) Jobs in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at EIT Group
Title: Container Planner (Entry-Level)
Company: EIT Group
Location: Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Company Description: EIT (The Estcourt Intermodal Terminal) is a dry port and logistics hub strategically located along South Africa’s key trade corridor between Durban and Gauteng, offering strong access to major import and export routes. Positioned at the midpoint of this corridor, EIT connects directly to national road and rail networks, supporting faster freight turnaround, reduced congestion, and logistics cost efficiencies. The terminal operates as an integrated ecosystem, bringing together transporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, and exporters in a secure, technology-enabled environment. With warehousing, intermodal transport, customs clearing, and value-added services on site, EIT provides a seamless platform for trade. Supported by partnerships with Transnet and leading logistics operators, EIT contributes to regional development and helps businesses link inland commerce with global markets.
What you'll do
- Forecast customer container demand and keep the right empties on-site at the right time – never too early, never too late
- Match incoming and outgoing container flows so trucks run full in both directions, not empty
- Book and coordinate road and rail transporters, and negotiate rates that stack up
- Track container movements, stock levels and vessel deadlines, keeping customers and clearing agents in the loop
- Grow into the person who owns container-movement planning end to end
Get that rhythm right and trucks run full, costs come down, and customers get exactly what they need, exactly when they need it. That balancing act is the heart of the role – and we're after someone with the grounding to run with it.
What you'll need
We're a small team, so you'll need enough grounding to get going quickly – whether from a year or two in a junior logistics, freight or shipping role, or from relevant study:
- Matric, plus solid numeracy and confident Excel skills
- A working knowledge of container or freight logistics – import/export flow, empties versus fulls, and basic port and terminal processes
- Hands-on comfort with logistics systems – a transport, terminal or tracking system (e.g. Navis), plus shipping-line or booking portals
- Confidence handling shipping and transport documentation (bookings, PODs, delivery notes) and dealing with transporters and clearing agents
- Currently studying toward a part-time qualification in supply chain or logistics (e.g. a Higher Certificate or Diploma)
- Proactive, reliable and a confident communicator who can hold their own with transporters, customers and agents
Bonus points
- Direct experience at a container terminal, depot or freight village
- Exposure to intermodal road & rail moves
- Familiarity with customs or clearing processes, and a valid driver's licence
Training support
A focused, role-specific induction to get you going – then the autonomy to run with it (this is a hands-on role, not a long training programme)