Air Import Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Paid time off

Professional environment

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment in Chicago is seeking an experienced Air Import Specialist to join our operations team. You will own and manage a busy desk with 25+ import files weekly, ensuring accuracy, speed, and superior customer service.

The role demands strong air import expertise, end-to-end process knowledge, and the ability to coordinate with international partners. This on-site position offers competitive pay and opportunities for progression within a growing logistics

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience in air imports or freight forwarding operations.
• Ability to manage the complete air import process from A to Z.
• Experience handling a high-volume shipment portfolio in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of air import documentation, customs clearance, and delivery procedures.
• Experience using CargoWise.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise deadlines.
• Proactive, ownership-driven approach and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage air import shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, customers, customs brokers, and other service providers.
• Review and process air waybills, invoices, packing lists, and arrival documentation.
• Arrange customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Monitor flight arrivals, cargo availability, freight releases, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries with trucking companies, warehouses, airlines, and overseas offices.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers and maintain accurate shipment milestones.
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import files per week while maintaining high operational standards.

Skills

Air imports

Freight forwarding

Organisational skills

Documentation knowledge

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

An established freight forwarding company in downtown Chicago is seeking an experienced Air Import Specialist to join its growing operations team.

This is a hands-on operational role suited to someone with strong air import experience and a thorough understanding of the entire import process, from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.

You will manage a busy desk handling 25+ import files per week, taking full ownership of shipments while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage air import shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, customers, customs brokers, and other service providers.
• Review and process air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and arrival documentation.
• Arrange customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Monitor flight arrivals, cargo availability, freight releases, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries with trucking companies, warehouses, airlines, and overseas offices.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers and maintain accurate shipment milestones.
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import files per week while maintaining high operational standards.

Skills and Experience

• A minimum of five years' experience in air imports or freight forwarding operations.
• Proven ability to manage the complete air import process independently, from A to Z.
• Experience handling a high-volume shipment portfolio in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of air import documentation, customs clearance, and delivery procedures.
• Experience using CargoWise.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• A proactive, ownership-driven approach, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

What's on Offer

• Competitive annual salary of $65,000–$75,000, depending on experience.
• The opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation.
• A collaborative and professional working environment.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Paid time off.

Additional Requirements

• Experience: At least five years in freight forwarding (required).
• Location: Must be able to commute to downtown Chicago, .
• Work arrangement: Full-time, on-site.