Import/Export Specialist

Lynden Logistics; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Healthcare

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Life Insurance

EAP

Job summary

Lynden Logistics is seeking an Import/Export Specialist to join our Chicagoland International Operations team. You will manage the full cycle of freight shipments, from quoting and routing to invoicing and delivery, ensuring safe, compliant, and timely movement of goods worldwide.

The role is in-office, Monday–Friday, with a pay range of $28–$32 per hour and a comprehensive benefits package. This is a safety-sensitive position.

Qualifications

• Two years of international freight forwarding experience required.
• Experience with air imports/exports and ocean imports.
• Ability to calculate freight rates and costs.
• TSA STA credential or equivalent preferred.
• Pre-employment drug test and background screening required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate international air import, air export, and ocean import shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Prepare quotes for customers, agents, and internal partners.
• Determine routing based on timelines and cost efficiency.
• Process shipping documentation across multiple systems.
• Track shipments and provide timely updates to stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, carriers, vendors, and overseas partners.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and filings.
• Review shipment profitability and support accurate invoicing.
• Troubleshoot delays and coordinate with authorities to resolve issues.

Skills

International freight forwarding

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Systems navigation

Regulatory knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lynden Logistics, a member of the Lynden Family of Companies, has roots in transportation going back more than 100 years. We are a full-service transportation and logistics provider. From complex global projects to home deliveries, and everything in between, we’ve got the right service to meet your needs. We are a “one-stop shop” for any transportation or shipping need with a special focus on the markets of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, and other U.S. and global locations operating out of over 10 US states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Lynden Logistics is committed to creating a work environment that motivates and challenges our employees by providing them with training, the ability to expand their knowledge in our industry, and the opportunity to grow in their responsibilities and encouraging innovation and excellent customer service in their jobs.

Lynden Logistics is looking for an Import/Export Specialist to support our International Operations team at our Chicagoland office. As our Import/Export Specialist, you'll manage the full cycle of international freight shipments, from quoting and routing through final invoicing and delivery, helping customers move freight around the world safely, efficiently, and compliantly. This is a safety sensitive position.

Pay Range:

$28–$32 per hour.

Position Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

What you'll be doing:

• Coordinate international air import, air export, and ocean import shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Prepare quotes for customers, agents, and internal partners.
• Determine shipment routing and transportation solutions based on customer timelines and economic requirements.
• Process shipping documentation and complete shipment entries across multiple operating systems.
• Track shipments and provide timely updates to customers, carriers, and international agents.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, carriers, vendors, and overseas partners.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, including AES filings, Importer Security Filings, and customs documentation requirements.
• Review shipment profitability, secure spot quotes, and support accurate customer invoicing.
• Troubleshoot shipment delays and collaborate with government agencies, customs authorities, and service providers to resolve issues.

Benefits you can look forward to:

• Discretionary Bonus Program – Additional bonuses paid out depending on job and company performance.
• Healthcare – Medical, dental and vision plans with employee contributions as low as $5 for you and your family.
• Paid Time Off – 17 days paid time off, PTO days increase with years of service.
• Holidays – 8 paid holidays.
• Retirement Plan – 401(k) with up to 50% of the first 6% contributed matched.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program – Up to 50% of educational expenses reimbursed after 1 year of service.
• Extras – Life Insurance, Health and Wellness Program, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage and Employee Assistance Program at no cost to you!

To succeed in this role, you'll need these skills:

• Strong knowledge of international freight forwarding and full-cycle shipment management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with customers, carriers, vendors, and overseas agents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including proficiency with Outlook, Teams, and other business applications.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a sense of urgency when resolving shipment issues.
• Ability to learn and navigate multiple operational systems and technology platforms.
• Working knowledge of international shipping documentation, routing, and regulatory requirements.

And these qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of international freight forwarding experience.
• Experience handling international air imports, air exports, and ocean import freight shipments.
• Ability to calculate freight rates, percentages, discounts, and other shipment-related costs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA) or TSA-recognized equivalent credential.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) and background screening.
• This is a full-time in-office position

Extra credit if you have:

• Ocean export knowledge.
• Familiarity with inland transportation coordination.
• IATA Dangerous Goods and/or IMDG certification.
• Background working in a smaller freight forwarding environment where you've managed shipments from quote to invoice.

We personally review all candidates and promise to respond to all applications within 5 business days of applying.

Lynden Logistics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Accommodation will be provided in all stages of the hiring process. Contact us for any accommodation requests, and we will work with you to meet your needs.