Air Import Specialist

JobSquad Florida; Franklin Park (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

JobSquad Florida is seeking an experienced Air Import Specialist to join our logistics team. This role manages day-to-day air import processes from shipment coordination and airline communication through customs clearance, delivery, costing, and billing.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of air import or freight forwarding experience, strong knowledge of U.S. import procedures, and excellent customer service skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of air import or freight forwarding experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. import procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and meet deadlines.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end air import process from shipment coordination to customs clearance.
• Communicate daily with customers, suppliers, airlines, brokers, and truckers.
• Verify shipment details such as weight, dimensions, origin, and destination.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and GHAs to ensure timely clearance and release.
• Prepare shipment costing, billing, and lane rate quotes.
• Monitor shipments from origin to final delivery and provide status updates.

Skills

Air import expertise

Freight forwarding experience

Customer service

Communication skills

Multi-shipment management

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Air Import Specialist to join our logistics team. This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day air import process from shipment coordination and airline communication through customs clearance, delivery, costing, and billing.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of air import or freight forwarding experience, strong knowledge of U.S. import procedures, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to manage multiple shipments while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end air import process, ensuring shipments are handled accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Communicate daily with customers, suppliers, airlines, brokers, truckers, and other business partners.
• Obtain and verify shipment details, including weight, dimensions, origin, destination, commodity/cargo type, and delivery requirements.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide consistent follow-up throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• Track and monitor shipments from origin through final delivery and provide customers with timely status updates.
• Communicate with airlines and Ground Handling Agents (GHAs) to confirm shipment status, arrival information, availability, and release.
• Coordinate with customs brokers to ensure U.S. Customs clearance is filed accurately and completed on time.
• Arrange payment of Import Service Charges (ISC) and other applicable shipment-related charges.
• Coordinate pickup and delivery with trucking companies, ensuring shipments are collected promptly and avoiding unnecessary storage, demurrage, or other accessorial charges.
• Review shipment documentation for accuracy and completeness and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Complete shipment costing, rating, and billing accurately and within required deadlines.
• Provide lane rates, customer pricing, and spot quotes based on shipment requirements and current market conditions.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, and industry trends to remain informed and competitive.
• Proactively identify potential shipment issues and develop solutions to prevent delays and additional costs.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with operations and customer service teams to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Air Import, freight forwarding, international logistics, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the air import shipment lifecycle, including airline handling, customs clearance, trucking, and final delivery.
• Working knowledge of the U.S. Customs import procedures and documentation.
• Experience coordinating with airlines, GHAs, customs brokers, and truckers.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Experience with shipment costing, rating, billing, lane rates, and spot quotes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.
• Experience with freight forwarding or transportation management systems is preferred.