Air Export Operator

THOMAS Freight; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

THOMAS Freight in Chicago is seeking an experienced Export Specialist to manage the full air export process from booking to delivery. The role requires strong A-Z air export knowledge and CargoWise proficiency in a busy freight-forwarding environment.

You will coordinate with customers, carriers and overseas partners, prepare export documents, monitor shipments, and ensure compliance across trade lanes. Experience across air and ocean export is valued, with Ocean exposure considered a bonus.

Qualifications

• A-Z Air Export experience is essential.
• CargoWise experience is required.
• Experience in freight forwarding environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of the full air export process.
• Ability to manage shipments independently from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Manage the A-Z Air Export process from booking to final shipment.
• Coordinate shipments with customers, carriers and overseas agents.
• Prepare and manage export documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Arrange bookings, consolidations, collections, and deliveries as required.
• Monitor shipment progress and resolve issues or delays.
• Ensure compliance with export regulations and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate shipment records in CargoWise.
• Communicate shipment updates to customers and overseas partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams for end-to-end export operations.
• Support Ocean Export activities as needed.

Skills

A-Z Air Export

A-Z Ocean Export

Freight forwarding

CargoWise

Documentation accuracy

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a well-established, mid-sized freight forwarder seeking an experienced Export Specialist to join their Chicago team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced export professional with strong A-Z Air Export knowledge who is looking to join a collaborative and growing business. The successful candidate will manage the full export process from start to finish, working across a broad range of commodities and trade lanes.

Experience across both Air and Ocean Export would be highly desirable, although strong A-Z Air Export experience is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the A-Z Air Export process, from initial booking through to final shipment completion.
• Coordinate shipments with customers, carriers, overseas agents, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and manage export documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Arrange bookings, consolidations, collections, and deliveries as required.
• Monitor shipment progress and proactively resolve any issues or delays.
• Ensure shipments comply with relevant export regulations and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure all information is updated within CargoWise.
• Communicate effectively with customers and overseas partners to provide shipment updates.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure a smooth end-to-end export operation.
• Support Ocean Export activities where required.

Requirements

• A-Z Air Export experience is essential.
• Previous experience working within a freight forwarding environment.
• Strong knowledge of the full air export process.
• CargoWise experience is required.
• Ability to manage shipments independently from start to finish.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Experience across different commodities and trade lanes is preferred; there is no specific commodity or lane focus for this position.
• A-Z Ocean Export experience is a strong bonus, with candidates experienced across both Air and Ocean Export particularly encouraged to apply.

What’s on Offer

• $60,000–$65,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• On-site role in Chicago.
• Opportunity to join a successful mid-sized freight forwarder.
• Broad exposure across air exports, with the opportunity to utilise wider A+O expertise.
• A collaborative environment with opportunities for long-term career development.

If you are an experienced Air Export Specialist with strong A-Z knowledge and CargoWise experience, we'd be interested in hearing from you. Candidates with both Air and Ocean Export experience are especially encouraged to apply.