Air Import & Export Operations Specialist

PLS Logistics Services; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PLS Logistics Services in Mount Prospect, IL, seeks an Air Import & Export Operations Specialist to coordinate international shipments from origin to destination, ensuring regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service.

You will manage bookings, prepare documents, monitor milestones, and collaborate with airlines, brokers, carriers, and global partners to ensure timely, cost-efficient movement of cargo.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in air import/export or international logistics operations.
• Knowledge of international shipping documentation and customs procedures.
• Strong understanding of air freight operations and airline booking processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and transportation management systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage international air freight shipments from origin through final delivery for both import and export movements.
• Arrange air freight bookings with airlines, freight partners, and overseas agents.
• Review, prepare, and process required shipping documentation (AWBs, invoices, packing lists, export declarations, origin certificates, customs documents).
• Monitor shipment milestones and communicate status, delays, and exceptions to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with airlines, trucking, customs brokers, warehouses, and overseas offices to ensure timely movement of freight.
• Ensure shipments comply with customs, TSA, IATA, CBP, and international trade regulations.
• Track shipments from pickup through final delivery and resolve service issues.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update TMS and customer portals.
• Verify freight charges and vendor invoices for accuracy.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customs Brokerage, and Accounting to ensure seamless shipment execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multitasking

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Tools

Transportation Management System

MS Office Suite

Job description

The Air Import & Export Operations Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing international air and ocean freight shipments from origin to destination. This role ensures compliance with transportation regulations, customs requirements, and company procedures while delivering exceptional customer service.
The specialist works closely with airlines, customs brokers, carriers, overseas agents, and customers to facilitate the timely, compliant, and cost-effective movement of cargo.
Key Responsibilities Air Import & Export Operations

• Coordinate and manage international air freight shipments from origin through final delivery for both import and export movements.
• Arrange air freight bookings with airlines, freight partners, and overseas agents.
• Review, prepare, and process required shipping documentation, including:
• Air Waybills (AWBs)
• Commercial invoices
• Packing lists
• Export declarations
• Certificates of origin
• Customs documentation
• Monitor shipment milestones and proactively communicate shipment status, delays, and exceptions to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with airlines, trucking companies, customs brokers, warehouses, and overseas offices to ensure timely movement of freight.
• Ensure shipments comply with applicable customs, TSA, IATA, CBP, and international trade regulations.
• Track shipments from pickup through final delivery, identifying and resolving service issues or delays.
• Ensure timely customs clearance and compliance with all applicable import regulations.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update transportation management systems (TMS) and customer portals.
• Verify freight charges, vendor invoices, and billing information for accuracy.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop solutions to minimize service disruptions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, carriers, airlines, government agencies, and global partners.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide exceptional customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• Support cargo inspections, customs examinations, and government agency requests as required.
• Ensure all operational files are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customs Brokerage, and Accounting teams to ensure seamless shipment execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, training, and cross-functional projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization's international logistics operations.

Qualifications Required

• 3+ years of experience in air import, air export, freight forwarding, or international logistics operations.
• Knowledge of international shipping documentation and customs procedures.
• Strong understanding of air freight operations and airline booking processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and transportation management systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Knowledge of IATA regulations and dangerous goods handling.
• IATA and IMDG certification is a plus.
• Previous IAC Coordinator experience.
• Customs brokerage or international trade compliance experience.
• Industry certifications related to logistics or transportation.