Air Import Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Altius Talent in Queens, NY is seeking an Air Import Specialist to manage inbound air freight from origin through final delivery. You will coordinate with customers, overseas agents, airlines, cargo terminals, truckers, and customs brokers to ensure timely tracking, clearance and delivery in a fast-paced environment.

Base salary ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, with growth opportunities and a collaborative team culture in the Queens area.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in air import operations or freight forwarding.
• Knowledge of air freight processes, AWBs, chargeable weight, and import docs.
• Familiarity with customs clearance, in-bond procedures, and Incoterms.
• Understanding of airline/terminal handling and storage charges.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of air import shipments from pre-alert to delivery.
• Track flights, monitor ETAs, and communicate delays to customers.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, cargo terminals, and carriers.
• Review MAWBs, HAWBs, invoices, and packing lists for accuracy.
• Confirm flight arrival and arrange delivery with airline cargo terminals.
• Support timely customs entries and clearance with the brokerage team.
• Monitor storage and terminal charges to minimize costs.
• Coordinate in-bond movements between airports and warehouses.
• Arrange delivery appointments and expedite same-day services.
• Resolve holds, discrepancies, and shortages with airlines and brokers.

Skills

Air import operations

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Tools

CargoWise

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Location & Job Type: Queens, NY | Full-Time

Company Overview

Altius Talent is partnering with an established international freight forwarder providing air, ocean, and customs brokerage services to importers and exporters across a range of industries. The company is known for its responsive service, strong carrier and airline relationships, and a team-oriented culture.

Position Overview

The Air Import Specialist will manage inbound air freight shipments from origin through final delivery. This role serves as a key point of contact for customers, overseas agents, airlines, cargo terminals, truckers, and customs brokers, ensuring time-sensitive shipments are tracked, cleared, and delivered efficiently. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple urgent shipments in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of air import shipments, from pre-alert through customs clearance and final delivery
• Track flights and shipments, monitor ETAs, and proactively communicate delays, reroutes, and schedule changes to customers and internal teams
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, cargo terminals, and local delivery carriers
• Review and process MAWBs, HAWBs, commercial invoices, and packing lists for accuracy and completeness
• Confirm flight arrival and freight release status, and arrange timely pickup from airline cargo terminals
• Work with the customs brokerage team to ensure entries are submitted on time and shipments are cleared without delay
• Monitor and manage storage and terminal charges, working to minimize costs and avoid delays
• Coordinate in-bond movements and transfers between airports and warehouses as needed
• Arrange delivery appointments and dispatch trucking, including expedited and same-day services
• Resolve holds, exams, discrepancies, and shortages or damages in coordination with airlines, brokers, and government agencies
• Prepare quotes and invoices, and verify vendor charges for accuracy
• Maintain shipment records and update the forwarding system (CargoWise or comparable) in real time
• Provide excellent customer service, responding promptly to inquiries and status requests

Key Skills & Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in air import operations or freight forwarding
• Working knowledge of air freight processes, including AWBs, chargeable weight, and import documentation
• Familiarity with the customs clearance process, in-bond procedures, and Incoterms
• Understanding of airline and terminal handling, release procedures, and storage charges
• Experience with CargoWise or a similar freight forwarding system is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize competing, time-sensitive deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook
• Knowledge of JFK airport operations and cargo terminals is a plus

What's on Offer

• Base salary of $60,000 - $70,000, depending on experience
• Stable company with a strong industry reputation
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Collaborative team environment in the Queens area