Air and Ocean Export Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment is seeking an experienced Air Import & Export Specialist in Chicago to manage the full A–Z air import/export process. You will own shipments from booking to final delivery and closure, coordinating with airlines, agents, customers and service providers.

The role requires handling 25+ files per week, strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to work at pace without compromising quality. CargoWise experience is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in Air Import & Export/Freight Forwarding operations.
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z air import and export process independently.
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Manage Air Import & Export shipments from A–Z.
• Take full ownership of shipments from booking/pre-alert through to final delivery, departure and file closure.
• Coordinate bookings with airlines, overseas agents, customers and other service providers.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation, including air waybills, invoices, packing lists and shipping instructions.
• Coordinate air freight bookings, collections, deliveries and flight schedules.
• Monitor flight schedules, arrivals, departures and shipment milestones.
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is in place.
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers.
• Track shipments and ensure milestones are updated accurately.
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import and export files per week.
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure.
• Identify and resolve exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges.
• Build strong relationships with customers, airlines, overseas agents and service providers.
• Ensure customers receive a consistently high level of service throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Skills

Air Import

Air Export

Freight Forwarding

Documentation

Customs clearance

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Time management

CargoWise experience

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Air Import & Export Specialist to join an established freight forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands-on operational role for someone who understands the full Air Import & Export process from A–Z and can confidently manage shipments from initial booking or pre-alert through to final delivery or departure and file closure.

This is a busy role, managing 25+ import and export files per week, so the right person will need to be organised, detail-focused and able to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Air Import & Export shipments from A–Z
• Take full ownership of shipments from booking/pre-alert through to final delivery, departure and file closure
• Coordinate bookings with airlines, overseas agents, customers and other service providers
• Prepare and process import and export documentation, including air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists and shipping instructions
• Coordinate air freight bookings, collections, deliveries and flight schedules
• Monitor flight schedules, arrivals, departures and shipment milestones
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is in place
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
• Track shipments and ensure milestones are updated accurately
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import and export files per week
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure
• Proactively identify and resolve exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges
• Build strong relationships with customers, airlines, overseas agents and service providers
• Ensure customers receive a consistently high level of service throughout the shipment lifecycle

What We're Looking For

• Experience in Air Import & Export/Freight Forwarding operations
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z air import and export process independently
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio
• Strong knowledge of air freight documentation, customs clearance and delivery procedures
• Experience working with airlines, overseas agents, customs brokers and trucking providers
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, self-motivated and ownership-driven approach to work
• Confident problem-solver with a positive, solutions-focused attitude
• Someone who takes responsibility for their shipments and follows tasks through to completion
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable
• Comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a wider team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Exposure to international air freight operations
• A role where your experience, initiative and operational expertise will have a direct impact