Joining Delman Shipping as a Finance and Operations Intern has been a valuable learning experience for me. Working in a freight forwarding company in Dubai has allowed me to understand how finance, logistics operations, cargo documentation, transportation, and customer service all work together to keep shipments moving smoothly. Before beginning this internship, I had a general understanding of business and finance. However, my time at Delman Shipping helped me see how important finance and operational coordination are in the logistics and freight forwarding industry.
Delman Shipping operates in a fast-moving environment where every shipment requires proper planning, documentation, communication, and attention to detail. Freight forwarding is not simply about moving cargo from one location to another. It involves coordinating air freight, sea freight, land transport, customs-related documentation, cargo handling, packing requirements, and delivery schedules. As an intern, I was fortunate to observe these processes closely and gain practical knowledge that cannot always be learned only through classroom study.
Finance and reconciliation
One of my main responsibilities was assisting with reconciliation work and basic finance-related activities. Reconciliation is an important part of financial control because it helps ensure that records are accurate, payments are properly tracked, and financial information matches the supporting documents. Through this work, I understood how much accuracy matters in a logistics company. Even a small mistake in an invoice, payment record, quotation, or cost entry can create confusion later in the shipment process.
Working on finance-related tasks also showed me the connection between financial records and freight forwarding operations. Every cargo movement involves costs, including transport charges, handling charges, customs-related expenses, airline or shipping line charges, trucking costs, warehouse costs, and other operational fees. Finance teams must keep these costs organised so that the business can operate efficiently and customers receive clear and accurate information. My internship helped me appreciate the importance of proper reconciliation, record keeping, and financial discipline within a logistics company.
Freight forwarding operations
Alongside finance, I gained significant exposure to freight forwarding operations. This was one of the most interesting parts of my internship because I learned how cargo is imported and exported from the UAE. The operations department handles many important processes behind every shipment, including preparing documentation, coordinating cargo movement, communicating with different parties, and ensuring that the shipment meets the required procedures.
Cargo documentation
I learned about the different types of documentation needed for import and export cargo in the UAE. Documentation is one of the most important areas in logistics because cargo cannot move smoothly without the correct paperwork. I assisted with preparing exit documents for different types of cargo and also learned about preparing Bills of Entry. These documents are important in the import and export process because they help provide the required cargo information and support the legal movement of goods.
Through this experience, I learned that cargo documentation must be completed carefully and accurately. Details such as the type of goods, shipment information, packing details, quantity, consignee information, and transport method must be properly recorded. In freight forwarding, even a small documentation error can delay a shipment, create additional costs, or affect the delivery timeline. This made me understand why logistics professionals need to be organised, responsible, and detail-oriented.
Cargo types and dangerous goods
Another major part of my learning experience was understanding the different types of cargo. Not all goods can be handled in the same way. Some cargo may be general cargo, while other goods may require special handling because they are dangerous goods, oversized cargo, project cargo, breakbulk cargo, fragile cargo, or temperature-sensitive products. I learned about the importance of cargo classification and why freight forwarders must understand the exact nature of the goods before arranging transport.
I also gained exposure to dangerous goods logistics. Dangerous goods require special packing methods, proper labels, safety precautions, and suitable transportation arrangements. Learning about dangerous goods gave me a better understanding of how safety and compliance are major priorities in the logistics industry. Freight forwarding companies must make sure that cargo is packed and handled correctly to protect people, equipment, aircraft, vessels, trucks, and the environment.
Transportation planning and Incoterms
My internship also introduced me to different transportation methods. I learned about different types of trucks used for cargo transportation and how the right truck must be selected based on the weight, size, type, and nature of the shipment. I also learned about containers, vessels, and the differences between wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. This helped me understand that transport planning is not always simple. Each shipment requires the correct equipment and the most suitable transport option.
Another important subject I learned about was Incoterms. Incoterms are essential in international trade because they explain the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during the shipment process. They help clarify who is responsible for transport, insurance, documentation, delivery, and risk at different stages of a shipment. Learning about Incoterms made me realise how important clear agreements are in international logistics and supply chain management.
Looking ahead
Overall, my internship at Delman Shipping has given me practical exposure to finance, freight forwarding operations, cargo documentation, import and export procedures, dangerous goods handling, transportation planning, and logistics coordination. It has helped me become more organised, more confident, and more aware of how international trade operates.
This experience has strengthened my interest in the logistics and freight forwarding industry. I now have a better understanding of how financial accuracy and operational efficiency work together to support successful cargo movement. My time at Delman Shipping has been an important step in developing my professional skills and preparing me for future opportunities in finance, logistics, supply chain management, and business operations.
