Air Import & 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 to join a Chicago-based established freight forwarder. The role covers the full Air Import & Export process from A–Z, handling bookings, documentation, and file closure.

The ideal candidate will manage 25+ import/export files weekly, coordinate with airlines and agents, monitor flight schedules, and ensure accurate billing. Strong organization and attention to detail are essential.

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 and departures and shipment milestones.

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