Eric Polonovita
Colombo,07
Summary
Diligent, thorough and self motivated Shipping Assistant with 21 years of experience in a highly competitive environment of a diplomatic mission. Excellent attention to detail and in-depth understanding of shipment tracking and customs regulations. Support in clearance of diplomatic shipments and keeps center moving smoothly with accurate records and timely processing. Provided reliable airport expediting support for many high-level US Government official visits.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Shipping Assistant
Embassy of United States, Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2003 - 05.2024
- Drafts and prepares a variety of correspondence related to incoming and outgoing shipments, customs, applications for duty exempt import of House hold effects, Personal owned vehicles, Government own vehicles, pet animals and USG equipment and supplies.
- Arranges and ensures all pertinent documents are in order and provided to the appropriate host government agencies to facilitate customs clearance for incoming/outgoing shipments though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a timely manner.
- Advises USG personnel of shipping entitlements under Applicable agency regulations (STATE,DOD,etc.) and customs regulations and requirements. Answers all manner of questions concerning local customs regulations, inbound and out bound shipping matters.
- Works with USG personnel to schedule and track incoming shipments. Schedules and escorts local packing companies to pack and unpack personal effects.
- Utilizes the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) to monitor inbound shipments. Tracks the information flow for all Mission, personal and official inbound shipments.
- Prepares cost construct estimates for personal shipments.
- Maintain Customs & shipping information files with cumulative data, verifies billing and services and develops reports associated with import/export of goods for historical archives, ICASS and other administrative needs
- Ensures PII/SBU data is sorted in secure place. SOP folder and share point as and when policies are updated and implemented
- Frequently update and maintain ILMS system, Post Shipping Database and all manual logs related to the job.
- Serves as an incidental deriver to the shipping section and other duties as assigned by the Shipping Supervisor and/or GSO/AGSO. Incumbent operates official and meets all requirements outlined in 14FAM433, Incumbent is expected to obtain customs clearances for incoming and outgoing shipments, receive and deliver luggage.
- Coordinates GSO support for VIP visits, which can occur monthly.
- Monitors and facilitates coordination with the Defense Attache Office for military aircraft movements, and coordinates customs obstacles related to the importation of equipment. Coordinates the successful landing and customs clearance of special or scheduled flights.
Export Documentation Clerk
McKinsey & Company
Galle, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
11.1998 - 12.2002
- Prepared more than [Number] shipments per day with over [Number] completed products.
- Reviewed order data to verify transactions and shipping dates.
- Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
- Inspected merchandise and sent damaged pieces for repair before shipment.
- Completed basic mathematical calculations to check weights and dimensions of shipments.
- Handled high-volume paperwork and collaborated with administrators to resolve invoicing and shipping problems.
- Monitored scheduled shipment dates to achieve timely delivery, expediting as necessary, and communicating variances to customers.
- Analyzed data to prepare reports and identify process improvements.
- Collaborated with internal departments to verify customer satisfaction and order accuracy.
- Processed invoices and order forms for goods received and shipped for proof of transactions.
- Corresponded with carrier representatives to make arrangements and provide instructions for shipment and delivery of orders.
- Drafted and managed work and shipping orders, bills of lading, and shipping route materials for accurate and compliant recordkeeping.
Education
GED -
Institute of Commercial Studies
Colombo03-2002
Associate of Science - Biology
Mahinda College
Galle, Sri Lanka08-1996
Skills
- Shipment Preparation
- Freight Forwarding
- Customs Compliance
- Documentation Handling
- Custom Expediting
- Interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy (Microsoft excel and word)
- Driving light vehicles
Trainnings
Foreign trainings received related to the job:
· PA 250 -Transportation Workshop for LE Staff – April 08-12, 2019, Antwerp, Belgium (US Department of State Foreign Service Institute, School of Professional and Area Studies Management Team Training Division.
Local trainings received related to the job:
· Completed Customer Focused performance -Foreign service institute U.S.Department of State -Oct 12-13,2023
· Successfully completed the course on HS codes by Sri Lanka Customs, 08-22-2013
· Successfully completed the program on Bill of Lading conducted by the Shippers Academy, Colombo, Sri Lanka,12-13-2017
· Successfully completed the program on “Customs Import, Export and Bond procedures conducted by the Shippers Academy, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 05-23-2018
Accomplishments
· Superior Honor Award – November 2005
· Cash Award – December 2006
· Meritorious Honor Award – May 2008
· Franklin Award – May 2009
· Official recognition and appreciation for completion of 10 years of service with the United States Government – August 2013
· Eagle Award – December 2023
· Customer Services Extra Mile Award – May 15, 2018
· Eagle Award – December 2017
· Mission Honor Award – December 2020
· Customer Service Award (Extra mile)– August 23, 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Shipping Assistant
Embassy of United States, Colombo
01.2003 - 05.2024
Export Documentation Clerk
McKinsey & Company
11.1998 - 12.2002
GED -
Institute of Commercial Studies
Associate of Science - Biology
Mahinda College
Similar Profiles
Vickers TauroVickers Tauro
Diplomatic Post Office Supervisor at Embassy of the United States of America, KuwaitDiplomatic Post Office Supervisor at Embassy of the United States of America, Kuwait
Matthew TurnerMatthew Turner
General Services Office Associate (Seasonal) at Embassy of The United States Of America In ParisGeneral Services Office Associate (Seasonal) at Embassy of The United States Of America In Paris
Dudu MotauDudu Motau
HR Administrative Assistant at Embassy of the United StatesHR Administrative Assistant at Embassy of the United States